What Tools do beginner Woodworkers really need?

Let’s take a look at how a beginner woodworker can get started in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.

Every Woodworker is different!

Here’s a tricky subject to weigh in on. And one that I do very carefully as from day one we all start with a different set of skills, natural potential and experiences. Add into that the fact that we all have different budget and time constraints, not to mention hopes, aspirations, drive and fears, and suddenly a seemingly simple topic becomes a minefield of misinformation and confusion.

For that reason, the first video I produced on the subject was not ‘what you should buy’ but actually 5 tools that I dont think you should buy at all and why. It was early on in my journey so please forgive the sound and picture quality. Reason for the video - Well, because I felt stung.

Thats said, this was the video that took me from a channel with less than 50 subscribers to one that was monetised with over 1000 subscribers and no idea where to go next. I can’t complain at that. But I digress.

But it is far from simple. In order to recommend a starter set of tools, you really need to set up some very basic principles to help people to navigate all of the life features that I listed above that separate us. For this I use the pencil as an example.

I use a Pica pencil, you will find it in ‘The tools I use’ section and in the video to the right. The reason I mention it here is because, if nothing else, it sums up budget quite nicely. In a nutshell, This pencil will set you back somewhere in the region of £20 and that may sound like a lot but it is wonderful for all of the reasons mentioned in the video. A normal wooden pencil will not cost you anywhere near that amount and will do 90% of the things the Pica will and is very replaceable too. Both work and that is the point. Neither is wrong.

We all come from different backgrounds with different levels of budget and there are tools for every job that come with a large or small price tag. The more expensive in most cases are pricier for a reason but having them does not necessarily mean you are a better woodworker.

The biggest issue I find with videos telling you what not to buy, is that they dont tend to follow it up with what you should buy to replace the tools that caused so much dissatisfaction in the first place. So I made a sequel. I even gave it the highly imaginative title of ‘Part 2’. Nobody cared.

But I still wanted to get the point out that you can fix some of the cheaper tools and they can still do a job for you, and you can get other cheap tools that may still offer up a decent helping hand for a beginner.

Let’s get back on track

You will notice that I still have not addressed the burning question from the start of the Blog. Never fear, I will. Or at least I will try.

So, back to the principles. The first first of which is simple. Never buy what you can’t afford. Sounds simple right?. Not quite. Here’s the theory.

Just because you think expensive is the only or best way to get a job done, don’t be fooled. Example, The Festool sander will remove wood quicker than my cordless Makita random orbital sander, and it will contain the dust to a level that keeps your workshop spotless. But the price tag for the Festool is 2 to 3 times that of the Makita plus a decent dust mask. So I went with the Makita (and of course the mask). Sanding takes longer and cleanup has to happen more frequently but I have stayed within a budget that I am happy with.

The second principle is also very important. Only ever buy what you need to complete your upcoming project. It is tempting to buy what you see on videos and in other workshops right from the get go, and goodness knows I have not followed my own advice here, but if you only ever buy what you need, when you need it then you wont fill your workshop with unnecessary clutter and you wont empty your bank account before you have either progressed a hobby to one that is permanent or even better, one that pays for itself.

And then there is direction. I had no idea what I would be building a year after first picking up my tools. I also had no idea that I would knock down my chilly shed and build a larger workshop. Now I have done this, I am looking to upgrade to larger tools. So situation and direction are key to what you need.

What you think you will need in a years time is not necessarily what you actually will need. And it may not be a year before you get to the goal you set initially if that makes sense. Your arc will change as you try new techniques and learn new skills. One thing I can guarantee is that is will be fun and frustrating in fairly equal measures.

The last message of the video above that I stand by at the time of writing is that, if your budget allows, there are better ways to get the same job done. Take the sandpaper for instance, 3M extract will do a far better job. than cheap sanding discs, but nobody can argue against the fact that both will remove wood. So you can go either way, neither one is wrong and one is certainly more expensive. The same can be said for the right angled drill attachment. You can buy one for £5 or £35 and they will both do a job. One will do it slightly better and probably for much longer, but they both function at the time of purchase for the same job.

Finally I get there. The answer

So, let’s start to answer the question. The first tool that every beginner woodworker will need is that facilitates you cutting wood. Sounds simple and in a way it is. But there are a number of different options. Below you will see a video of me congratulating Kreg. And I meant it.

I did not have electricity at the time of starting, just a shed and a table. So I could not consider a table saw or band saw. For this reason I got what I consider to be the next best thing, the circular saw. But any beginner just starting out needs to know that a circular saw is not a direct replacement for a table saw. It lacks the consistency and finesse for a start not to mention the jigs that a table saw can accommodate.

But combine a circular saw with the Kreg cross cut jig and suddenly you do have consistency and repeatability. You are limited to capacity of thickness but for a beginner this needs to be a serious consideration.

Having the ability to ensure square cuts is a game changer for any beginner.

And dont forget that you can combine the circular saw with a speed square and suddenly 2 by 4s dont stand a chance. You will be surprised by the accuracy of cut that just leaning the saw against a square edge can bring.

But wood cutting can also be performed by hand as many, many years of carpenters can attest to. There are still many woodworkers on YouTube that wield a whole range of hand saws creating stunning pieces of work.

And so just talking about saws has already opened up at least 10 different avenues and that is just one facet of woodworking. What about clamps, drills, impact drivers, chisels, files, sandpaper…..The list goes on.

If you were to be really mean and put a nail gin to my head and demand an answer, I would say take a look at 2 videos on the site. They show my feelings at the time as to what was vital for a beginner woodworker. My thoughts have changed a little since this so I have tried to make as vague a list as possible. But still only buy what you think you need.

Things you need as a beginner woodworker.

Something to cut with - Saw / Circular or jigsaw/ hand or Japanese/ table or mitre (or a combination, budget allowing)

Glue - Wood glue and CA glue (trust me)

Something to flatten / shape with - Sandpaper (electric sander is best option here) / hand plane (preferably both, but dont go mad on lots of planes for now, No4 of some description will do most jobs early on)

Marking - Pencil will do, marking knife is the upgrade for fine work.

Square - Speed square is most versatile but not the most accurate.

Drill or driver - I had one drill for all uses for many years. (dont forget a wood bit set and a cheap countersink bit)

Clamps - A few small to medium sized ones (f style and quick grip), some longer sash clamps (3) and just start there for now.

Tape Measure - You only need one to start with.

PPE - Ear, eye and lung protection is key (dont scrimp here)

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I am almost positive that I have missed out some tools and accessories that others feel are vital. This is just a first sweep of the tools to start you building. Though, to be honest I didnt even have this many.

What will happen almost immediately is you will begin to get a feel for what you are doing and where you would like to take it. For instance I have never craved a mitre saw but have coveted a table saw almost from the beginning. You will know what to add in. Accessories like clamps, gluebots, tack cloths and squares will all filter their way slowly into your work space and workflow from there. Take you time and ask questions. Dont get blinded by amazingly cheap prices whilst not blowing your budget on one tool. Enjoy your journey and be proud of what you achieve.