Getting started with woodworking? You'll need a solid set of tools that strike a balance between affordability, reliability, and versatility. Let’s go over the must-haves, what they do, and some trusted brands to consider.
Hand Tools
Tape Measure
A 25-foot tape measure is perfect for accurately measuring wood pieces. Look for one with a locking mechanism and an easy-to-read scale.
Recommended Brands:
- Stanley PowerLock – Durable, affordable, and a classic choice.
- Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure – Comes with a magnetic hook for better grip.
- DeWalt ToughSeries – Heavy-duty and built to last.
Combination Square
This tool ensures precise 90° and 45° angle markings, helps measure depths, and assists in drawing straight lines.
Recommended Brands:
- Starrett – High precision and built to last.
- Empire True Blue – Reliable and budget-friendly.
- Swanson – A solid choice for beginners.
Claw Hammer
Used for driving nails and pulling them out. A 16-ounce hammer is a great starting point.
Recommended Brands:
- Estwing E3-16C – One-piece steel construction makes it ultra-durable.
- Stanley FatMax – Well-balanced with a comfortable grip.
- Vaughan 16-Ounce Hammer – A classic wooden handle with great shock absorption.
Chisels (Set of 4)
Perfect for carving, cleaning out joints, and adding fine details. High-carbon steel chisels hold their edge best.
Recommended Brands:
- Narex Richter – High-quality and long-lasting.
- Stanley Sweetheart Set – Great mid-range chisels.
- Irwin Marples – A solid budget-friendly option.
Hand Saw
If you need to make cuts manually, go for a universal handsaw or a Japanese pull saw.
Recommended Brands:
- SUIZAN Ryoba Double Edge Saw 9.5" – Thin blade for precise cuts.
- IRWIN MARATHON ProTouch Fine-Cut – If you prefer the traditional push cut saws
Block Plane
Essential for smoothing edges, chamfering corners, and fine-tuning joints.
Recommended Brands:
- Stanley 12-220 – Classic that works great as long as you know how to sharpen and tune a hand plane.
- WoodRiver No. 1 Block Plane – These are expensive and I would definitely recommend a used vintage Stanley, but if you want new it's a high-quality plane.
- Bench Dog No. 60-1/2 Block Plane – Low Angle Hand Plane – A premium choice with excellent craftsmanship.
Mallet
When your woodworking joints need some extra persuasion and you just want to give something a good whack.
Recommended Brands:
- Wood Is Good Mallet – Shock-absorbing and comfortable.
- Thor Soft-Faced Mallet – Dual-sided for versatility.
- Narex Beech Wood Carving Mallet – A classic wooden mallet for precise strikes.
Measuring & Marking Tools
Marking Gauge
Helps scribe accurate lines parallel to an edge, essential for joinery.
Recommended Brands:
- Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge – A precision tool with a sharp wheel cutter.
- Taytools Brass Marking Gauge – A budget-friendly choice.
- Stanley 92 Marking Gauge – Classic wooden style.
Pencil & Marking Knife
A pencil works for rough marking, while a marking knife provides fine, precise lines for joinery.
Recommended Brands:
- Pica Dry Pencil – Refillable and easy to use.
- Swanson Carpenter Pencil – A traditional and reliable choice.
- Veritas Marking Knife – A precision blade for detailed marking.
Power Tools (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Cordless Drill & Driver
A must-have for drilling holes and driving screws efficiently.
Recommended Brands:
- DeWalt 20V Max XR – Powerful with long battery life.
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel – Heavy-duty and reliable.
- Makita 18V LXT – Lightweight and ergonomic.
Circular Saw
Great for making straight cuts in plywood and lumber.
Recommended Brands:
- Makita 5007MGA – Excellent precision.
- DeWalt DWE575SB – Lightweight and durable.
- Skil 5280-01 – Affordable and beginner-friendly.
Jigsaw
Perfect for cutting curves and intricate shapes in wood.
Recommended Brands:
- Bosch JS470E – Smooth and precise cuts.
- DeWalt DCS334B – Cordless with great performance.
- Black+Decker BDEJS600C – Budget-friendly.
Random Orbital Sander
Smoothing surfaces quickly and efficiently.
Recommended Brands:
- Bosch ROS20VSC – High-performance with variable speed.
- DeWalt DWE6423K – Low vibration and great dust collection.
- Makita BO5041K – Great for fine finishes.
Clamps & Workholding
Bar Clamps & C-Clamps
Essential for holding wood pieces together during gluing and assembly.
Recommended Brands:
- Bessey Clutch Bar Clamps – Sturdy and reliable.
- Irwin Quick-Grip Clamps – Easy one-handed operation.
- Jorgensen Parallel Clamps – Excellent for panel glue-ups.
Workbench or Workmate
A stable surface makes all the difference when working on projects.
Recommended Brands:
- Kreg Mobile Project Center – Versatile and portable.
- Black+Decker Workmate 425 – Foldable and budget-friendly.
- Sjobergs Hobby Plus 1340 – A high-quality wooden workbench.