15 Must-Have Woodworking Tools for DIY Beginners at Any Budget

Woodworking is an enjoyable hobby and a great way to make furniture and complete home DIY projects or make simple improvements for your house on a budget. But to make sure your woodworking projects are successful, you need to be equipped with the right essential tools. To assist you, we’ve collected the must-have essential woodworking tools that should be present in your garage.

Tape Measure – It’s essential to measure twice and cut once — and even the most straightforward sawing task’s accuracy depends on how precise you can measure without a tape measure. Unless you’re fine with a giant ruler, opt for a retractable one at least 25 feet long, complete with a snug “hook” tab at the end.

Screwdrivers – No project is complete without some screwing, so you’ll need a good, trustworthy set of screwdrivers to get it done. Look for a Phillips and a slot or flathead driver made from a solid material, so they won’t break under pressure. You’ll need these tools to install cabinetry and handle other woodwork in tight spaces.

Hammer – It’s an obvious choice for any woodworking project, but it’s essential to have the ideal hammer. Go for a balanced one, with a claw on one side of the head and a finished, rounded head on the other. A 20 ounce hammer works best, since it’s heavy enough to drive nails and maneuver them when pulling them out. A wooden-handled hammer might look nice, but it won’t last as long as one with a steel or fiberglass handle.

Hand Saw – Basic, but indispensable. A power saw may be more helpful and efficient, but when it comes to “feeling” the wood’s response to the blade, you’ll want to rely on hand saws. This way, having a variety of quality hand saws when working on particular projects is essential.

Levels – As much as you won’t need a six-foot level for everyday woodworking projects, it’s still good to have an 8-inch (torpedo) and 48-inch level. These come in different models, either brass-edged wood or metal. Choose the one that best fits your needs and will last for years to come.

Saw Horse – This makes it easier and safer to work with wood — and gives you the perfect spot to finish up those projects. Saw horses come in different sizes and some can hold up to 500 pounds. They provide more stability while sawing, drilling, nailing and screwing, and a bigger workspace.

Moisture Meter – This tool is extremely important in guaranteeing that the wood you’re working with meets your requirements and fits the necessary moisture levels for the area you live in. To do this, invest in a moisture meter that’s designed for different wood species.

Vacuum – When sawing, drilling and sanding wood, sawdust flies into the air. To make sure it doesn’t blow back in your face and get safe from dust-related health risks, get a workshop or household vacuum to remove sawdust and make cleanup time a breeze.

Clamps – Clamps are necessary for most woodworking projects. You’ll need 45 and 90-degree joint clamps as well as C, F and K clamps, quick grip clamps in varying sizes, and hand screw clamps (which are probably the most common). These will help you get a better hold of your project and ensure a successful result.

Table Saw – Versatile, a table saw is just the perfect tool to cut through all sorts of wood projects — and makes it easier to do than using a handsaw. Whichever table saw you opt for, make sure it’s comfortable and right for your needs.

Drill – Another no-brainer for any woodworking project. Cordless drills are great, as they come with two different variable speeds and fit different sizes of bits. This tool can easily complete a variety of tasks.

Palm Sander – Sanding smoothens the edges of your wood piece, but it’s a long, tiring job. A palm sander uses a small piece of paper and can fit into even the tightest corners, leaving the wood surface thoroughly sanded.

Router – This woodworking tool is great for shaping edges — you’re likely to find one that offers a variety of router bits to get the accurate shape you want. Beginners should go for a stationary base router.

Workbench – One of the most essential tools in your workshop — you’ll need it. Choose one that’s stable, comfortable, and with additional features like vices and pegboards to make your job easier.

All of these are essential tools to get you ready for your upcoming woodworking projects. Utilise these tools to their fullest and they will take your projects to the next level. With these essential tools, you’ll be able to efficiently cut, measure, shape and attach every piece of wood.