So, you’ve built a few DIY projects, your tool collection is growing, and you’re feeling pretty good about your woodworking skills. But now, you're itching to take things to the next level. Before you go and drop two grand on that fancy SawStop table saw, let’s talk about what tools you actually need next—without obliterating your bank account.
If you’re looking to invest in a miter saw, table saw, and router, you’re in the right place. With these three tools, you’ll be able to tackle almost any woodworking project, unlock new cutting techniques, and make joints so clean they’ll bring a tear to your eye.
The Mighty Miter Saw: Why You Need One
You might be thinking, "I already have a circular saw. Why bother?" And that’s a fair question. But if you've ever tried making repeatable crosscuts on long, thin boards using only a circular saw, you’ve probably realized that it’s about as fun as wrestling an angry raccoon.
Enter the miter saw (also called a chop saw). Repetitive crosscuts are where this tool truly shines. Once you get one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
The good news? Miter saws are relatively affordable. The Dewalt 10-inch miter saw was my first, and I still use it today. It came dead accurate out of the box for 90° and 45° cuts and can handle up to 6-inch-wide material at 90°. Other brands like Bosch, Milwaukee, and Makita offer comparable models.
Now, if you’re eyeing the big boys—the 12-inch, double-bevel, sliding miter saws—be prepared for:
✅ A higher price tag
✅ More cutting capacity (up to 12 inches wide!)
✅ More space requirements (sliding rails take up room)
✅ A slight risk of slop in the sliding mechanism if not used carefully
Corded vs. Cordless Miter Saws
If you’re not working on job sites with no power outlets, do yourself a favor and skip battery-powered miter saws. While cordless tools have come a long way, miter saws drain batteries fast—meaning you’ll either need multiple backups or risk stopping mid-project to recharge. Go corded unless you absolutely need cordless.
Table Saw: The Workhorse of the Workshop
If you plan on doing a lot of long rip cuts, a table saw is non-negotiable. Sure, a circular saw can rip wood, but it’s nowhere near as fast, precise, or satisfying.
Table saws have four different common forms they come into, the job site or portable table saw, the contractor table saw, the hybrid style table saw, and the cabinet style saw.
If you are purchasing your first table saw you will most likely be looking at a job site or portable table saw, these are generally more affordable and take upon a smaller footprint. There are a lot of ways that you can make your portable table saw function more like a contractor or cabinet style table saw by building it into an outfeed table.
The contractor-grade table saw is characterized by having a larger cast iron top and extension wings.
There are also a new style of table saw that is riding the line between a contractor grade table saw and a cabinet table saw and these are known as Hybrid table saws.
What is a hybrid table saw?
A hybrid table saw is a stationary saw designed to resemble a high-end cabinet maker’s saw, featuring an enclosed motor. However, its internal components are more akin to those of a traditional contractor saw. This design blends the power and aesthetics of a cabinet saw with the affordability and functionality of a contractor saw.
One major advantage of a table saw is that it can also do crosscuts—though you’ll need a good crosscut sled or a reliable miter gauge to do them accurately. (Psst… if you don’t have a crosscut sled yet, check out my guide on making a super-accurate one.)
This portable job site tablesaw is a great buy for the money. One of the things I most like about this saw is the fact that the fence has a rack and pinion gear that adjusts it, this makes it very accurate maintaining square, an absolute must for a table saw fence.
Why a Table Saw is a Must-Have
🔹 Can make both rip and crosscuts (unlike a miter saw)
🔹 Enables non-through cuts for joinery (think dados, rabbets, and tenons)
🔹 Handles sheet goods and long boards with ease
If you're working on cabinets, drawers, or furniture, you'll love having a table saw. Just make sure you use proper accessories to stay safe—kickback is no joke.
Router: The Ultimate Finishing Tool
Okay, now that you have a miter saw and a table saw, it's time to grab a router. Why? Because a router lets you add beautiful edge profiles, cut precise joinery, and make your projects look next-level.
Routers generally come in two sizes:
- Trim (Palm) Router – Small, lightweight, great for edge profiles and light-duty work
- This trim router from Rigid features a soft start which is a very nice feature, this prevents the router from wanting to jump when you first turn it on and makes handling easier and safer.
- Full-Size Router – More power, capable of handling large bits for deep cuts and heavy-duty work
Which Router Should You Get First?
Honestly? Start with a trim router. I made the mistake of buying a full-size router first, and while it's powerful, it's also intimidating and a bit dangerous—especially for beginners.
A trim router is easier to control, perfect for roundovers, chamfers, and small dados, and generally safer. Plus, many models come with soft start technology, meaning they don’t go from 0 to 10,000 RPM in a blink and try to jump out of your hands.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool
If you're expanding your woodworking arsenal, prioritize your purchases based on your needs:
1️⃣ Miter Saw – For quick, accurate crosscuts and framing work
2️⃣ Table Saw – For precise rips, crosscuts, and joinery
3️⃣ Router – For decorative edges, joinery, and custom details.
With these three tools, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle almost any woodworking project. Now get out there and start building—your dream workshop isn’t going to build itself!