Beginner Woodworking Tools — Looking for Recommendations

Woodworking
1

Hi all,

I’m just starting out on my woodworking journey and planning to set up a small workshop. As I’m building my tool collection from scratch, I’d really appreciate some advice on which tools are essential for a beginner like me.

I’ve done a fair bit of research already, but with so many choices out there, it’s easy to get a little lost! I’m hoping to get some recommendations from those who’ve been through this before.

Here’s what I’m mainly looking for:

  • A sturdy, beginner-friendly workbench
  • Must-have hand tools to get started
  • Power tools that are worth buying early on
  • Safety equipment I shouldn’t overlook

Most of my projects will involve small furniture builds and general DIY home improvement work. Since I’m working with a limited budget, I’m hoping to find tools that strike a good balance between cost and quality — something reliable that will last, but won’t break the bank.

I’d love to hear from experienced woodworkers:

  • Which tools do you wish you had when you were just getting started?
  • Are there any brands or models you highly recommend?

Thanks so much for any advice you can share! Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

2

A similar question was posted earlier and my reply to that one equally applies.

I’ve been doing this woodmangling lark since the early 70’s so I’ve been through a fair range of gear over the last few decades. Chris ‘the Schwarz ’ in his excellent book ‘The Anarchists Toolbox’ mentioned that you can make almost any furniture with about 50 hand tools, but for a basic, starter setup you actually need much less than that.
Priority is a bench. Keep it simple and make it heavy…really heavy and ensure it doesn’t ‘rack’ when you’re planing on it. Second and foremost, you MUST learn to grind and hone your tools. There’s loads of different options but I’m afeard it’s up to you to find your way on that one. Personally I use the Veritas honing guide and Shapton ‘Pro’ ceramic stones but there are many other systems to choose. If you can, find somebody who can show you how to do it…don’t rely on ubiquitous UToobers, many of whom spout utter rubbish.
Tools; you need to mark out, then cut and shape your material before gluing.
Marking tools: a marking knife, engineers 150mm square (or bigger) several marking gauges (at least three) rules (150, 300mm and 1m long) sliding bevel
Cutting tools: jack plane, smoothing plane and block plane. Don’t buy the Ax ‘Rider’ planes; there are better ones available elsewhere. A small selection of bevel edge chisels; conversely the ‘Rider’ chisels are excellent and made by Narex. Perhaps a couple of mortice chisels. Spokeshaves and a card scraper or two. Western or Japanese pull saws (to cut with and across the grain), fret or coping saw, universal hand saw for cutting large boards, plywood etc.
Additional tools: mallet, hammer(s), soft white mallet. A selection of cramps; Ax do a good range but don’t be tempted to buy a load of single handed cramps as they don’t offer enough pressure. Screwdrivers, pin punch, straight edge (600mm) etc.
Remember to buy the best quality than you can afford and ‘cherry pick’ various suppliers to find the best deals. It’s also worth bearing in mind the old maxim…‘buy cheap, buy twice!

I would also add that two suppliers well worth looking at are Workshop Heaven and Classic Hand Tools. CHT do a fantastic range of hand tools and would be my ‘go to’ source very closely followed by WH. Axminster carry a vast range of kit, much of which is orientated towards the trade, so you need to tread carefully on this site.

Power tools. To start, you don’t really need much but a cordless drill driver (plus drills and bits etc) is probably a good place to start. Festool IMO are the best but being German made are very expensive; better to go slightly down market with brands like Makita and similar.

'Elf n’Safety. A couple of boxes of P2 dust masks, eye protection and ear muffs. Ax do a pretty good selection of all of this sort of gear…don’t stint on it!

Hope this helps - Rob

1 Like
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Hi (Mary?)

Flippin’ 'eck; where to begin! First and foremost, are you looking to be working with only wood or might you first into working with metal?

If you’re only focusing on wood, in terms of tools, I’d recommend buying Worx cordless power tools. They’re incredibly versatile, the batteries can be shared amongst them, and the variety of tools available is astounding . And also, they’re very reasonably priced, unlike your DeWalt and Makita brands; perfect for someone starting out, as I was 10 years ago. The original Worx drill I bought way back then is still going strong.

You can check out the huge variety of tools and stuff that Worx do on their site, https://uk.worx.com/. (Note that this includes things like lawnmowers, which work with the Worx power tool batteries. On the battery front, I’ve also got/had a few Worx compatible batteries - available on Amazon - which aren’t as good as the genuine article, but if you’re short of cash, they’re more than adequate.)

I’d also look at getting hold of oscilating/rotating multi tools to which you can attach different blades/end fittings which will allow you to cut, sand and saw simply by changing the end fitting.

Obviously, you’ll also need a (cordless) drill-driver, hand saws, hammer(s - different types/sizes for different situations) and measuring tools.

In terms of safety equipment; I’d get hold of safety goggles, gloves (you can get gloves that’ll work with phone touchscreens) and face/dust masks, so you don’t breathe in the dust that’ll be generated. Also, look at getting some vials of Liquid Skin (available on Amazon) which are a brilliant alternative to plasters if/when you (inevitably) cut yourself…! Nothing worse than bleeding all over whatever you’re working on…! (Well, that’s not quite true; cutting off a limb is probably a tad worse…:face_with_hand_over_mouth:)

There’s obviously a LOT more to consider, but hopefully, the above’ll serve as launch point.

In terms of workbenches; you’ll need have a look around as it’ll depend on the space you currently have available and how you might want to expand your workshop in the future (for meself, I eventually got my whole garage extended, when I realised I needed the additional room as I bought more machines that required the space…!)

I’m sure others will chuck in their 2 pence worth upon reading this, as someone out there will ALWAYS be on hand to disagree with something I’ve written, but as long as you get some pointers, it’s all good…:+1:t6:

Very best of luck with your creative endeavours, my dear!

i.