Woodworking Tools to Get Started

So you’ve decided to start a woodworking project, you will need some tools. With thousands of tools to choose from how do you know which ones you need now and which ones can wait? We’ve put together a list of what we consider to be essential tools to get some basic woodworking projects under your belt. With time you will be able to add to your tool collection and tackle more difficult projects, but this list will give you the basics every workshop needs.

If you are on a tight budget, be wary of buying more cheap tools rather than fewer quality tools. There is a good chance you will need to replace the cheap ones with a better quality product within a few years.

Workbench

Without a sturdy surface you can’t start any projects. You will need something to secure your wood to before planing or sawing. You can put in a fixed workbench or buy a mobile bench if you need the flexibility of moving it around your workshop. Just make sure your workbench will be big and sturdy enough to handle a vice.

Chisels

You will need a set of bevel edge bench chisels to get you started. A few different size blades will ensure you have the right chisel for every paring and chopping job. The multipurpose bench chisel is so named because they are used often enough that they are rarely put away. A mortise chisel is needed for heavy chopping of mortises. A paring chisel is thin and more delicate for slicing wood. Choose between wood or plastic handled chisels.

Later, when you have a project that calls for it, you can add some specialty chisels like paring and fishtail chisels.

Saws

A back saw is needed for accurate, fine wooden joints. A fine, rip teeth saw will allow you to cut along the grain. A tenon saw will be needed for heavier cuts along the grain. Fine crosscut teeth on a carcass saw can cut across the grain. A large mitre saw and mitre box will be needed if you need to cut your wood to accurate lengths and square for building boxes. A coping saw is required for removing waste if you are doing any dovetail joints.

Clamps

There aren't any general purpose clamps available for all projects. Several deep-throat bar clamps are fairly versatile because they have a long-arm stretch and deep reach. Spring clamps will act as a third hand when you need to hold the wood for painting and glueing.

Planes

If you are going to do traditional woodworking, then a plane is essential. There are multiple types you can invest in, but the two most common ones needed for the job are a block plane and jack plane. A block plane is smaller and can be used with one hand while the general purpose ‘jack of all trades’ plane can do some of the work of smoothing and jointer planes.

Squares & Tape Measure

Measure twice and cut once. Make sure you have a few tools including a good pencil for measuring and marking before cutting your wood. A combination square will help with measuring angles, determining flatness and marking.

Woodworking tools for your workspace

Choosing the right set of tools for a woodworking project can be a bit daunting. There's so much to choose from and if you're not careful, you may land up working with something that doesn't do the job. Since you're starting out, we recommend you have a quick chat with an expert who can help you decide which tools you'd need for your new woodwork project.