The Best Woodworking Tools for Beginners in 2022
These days we live in a world that seems to be turning on its head. There’s plenty that does not make sense and it doesn’t look like the waters are going to clear any time soon.
During these times, and any times for that matter, we must find things that keep our hands rough, our minds sharp, our hearts inspired, and our spirits high.
One great way to do this is to find a trade or hone a craft with our hands. Whether it is just to spark some creativity, try to earn a living, or both, keeping our minds occupied in a creative space will bring some perspective as to what truly matters in this world.
Woodworking is one of these crafts. The fact that you can get ahold of some of the most basic tools, and with a little practice and creativity, produce something that you can be proud of is good for the soul.
There are some myths out there that may keep you from taking the leap and most of them are far-fetched and bent truths. Some of these myths come from people who went into beginning woodworking all wrong.
Perhaps they got started trying to buy the whole woodshop and realized they didn’t like it enough to justify all that gear. Or maybe they just didn’t give it enough time to get past a few less than desirable finished results and falsely decided they could never be good at it. Perhaps the couch was calling to them.
Today we are here to answer some questions that will hopefully help to clear up any confusion as to how simple it actually is to get started into woodworking.
We will mention this again as a reminder before the buyer’s guide, but not everything on this list is intended for you to buy all at once or maybe to even buy at all.
This is an extensive list of beginner woodworking tools and you may not ever utilize one or two of these. This guide is just to show you what is out there.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to develop professional skills, woodworking is a very useful and thoroughly enjoyable craft that can lead you to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at some common questions and some things to consider before you decide to jump in.
How Can I Learn Basic Woodworking?
There are a lot of ways to learn basic woodworking. We can start by talking about self-teaching. These days, you can learn just about anything you want on the internet. Whether it is written instruction or videos, you can find all kinds of information that will lead you on your way to becoming a good woodworker.
If you happen to not take too well to self-teaching, for whatever reason, attending workshops is a great way to get some hands on training from a professional. This will cost you money, however, but sometimes you have to spend money to gain a little experience.
Another way to learn woodworking is to get hired onto a job that requires entry level woodworking. Working for a cabinet maker is one example of a good way to get in and learn the basics that can someday lead you to taking that next step and branching out on your own.
Whatever way you choose to learn, the only way you’re going to get started, well, is to get started. Taking initiative and getting in and getting your hands calloused and dirty will lead to mistakes, and mistakes coupled with tenacity equals success.
How Hard is it to Get Into Woodworking?
While considering everything we just covered about how to learn basic woodworking, getting into the craft is not hard at all. You just have to get started.
You can start by simply deciding to build something simple. Taking one small and simple project at a time will allow you to focus solely on that project.
Every project is a learning process. If you get far enough along and make a mistake that ruins the work you’ve done, you’re not likely to forget it.
As we’ve said, you just have to get started, and to do that you need to know what tools you’ll need to get started. This is what we’re here to talk about today.
What are the Main Beginner Woodworking Tools?
Contrary to what a lot of people think, you don’t need a lot of tools to get started in woodworking. You can pick a few small projects of your choice that do not require breaking the bank and then you can work up to more tools as you go.
Perhaps you find a way to start selling your small projects to fund the purchase of new tools along the way as your skills progress.
It is tempting to buy cheap tools so that you can buy more tools. This is maybe ok if you’re really not sure this is something you want to do. Otherwise, you’d be better off to buy fewer tools to start and make sure they are high quality.
Higher quality tools will last longer and have an ease of use that will positively change your experience and the quality of the outcome of your work, which could be the difference between pursuing this craft further or getting frustrated and quitting.
So, we need to look at the anatomy of the basic woodworking process to help determine what we need to get started. Tools to measure, hold, cut, finish, and assemble cover the bare-bones necessities you’ll need to get started.
Again, covering these basic areas of woodworking tools can help you to keep your costs down right out of the gate.
Another consideration is to only buy the tools needed for each project as it comes. Set your mind on doing one simple project at a time. Find out exactly what you need for that project and buy only those tools.
Continue this process with the next project and the next thing you know, you will have built up quite a tool set over time.
Now that we have some basic questions answered and some considerations covered, let’s take a look at some of The Best Woodworking Tools for Beginners in 2022!
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Basic Woodworking Tools for Beginners: A 2022 Buyer’s Guide
ToughBuilt Sawhorse 1100 LB Capacity
The ToughBuilt Sawhorse C500 - 1100 LB Capacity sawhorse and jobsite table is durable, rugged enough to handle all of your beginning woodworking projects.
Constructed of 100% high-grade steel, this sawhorse has a remarkable 1100 lb. capacity alone, and 2200 lb. per pair.
Featuring 2x4 support arms that transform 2 sawhorses into a solid jobsite table, the fast-open legs, setup is straightforward and simple.
Powder-coated and zinc-plated steel prevents corrosion and withstands rigorous environments.
The ToughBuilt Sawhorse C500 - 1100 LB Capacity folding sawhorse includes an easy carry handle for effortless transport and rolled edges for safety and comfort.
FEATURES & SPECS:
100% steel construction
1100 lb capacity each, 2200lb per pair
Powder coating and zinc-plated surfaces
Easy carry handle
2x4 support arms create a sturdy jobsite table
Eliminate the need for separate saw horses and a work table and get a combo in one with the WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse.
As a worktable, it can support up to 300 lbs, but folded down into a sawhorse, it can hold up to 1000 lbs. It may be light, but it’s engineered to be sturdy.
Pegasus folds easily and quickly into a form that’s made to be carried. At 30 lbs it is light for a sawhorse.
If you work in a lot of places, Pegasus is the table and sawhorse for you.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Holds up to 300 lbs. as a work table, supports 1,000 lbs. as a sawhorse. And it’s easy to transition between the two
Two quick clamps are integrated and stay attached even when you fold the table into a sawhorse. Because they’re designed specifically for the Pegasus, they’ll be stronger and last longer
It’s only 30 lbs, and its foldable design makes it easy to move and store
Create a whole work counter when you link 3 or more Pegasus’ together. Whether your worksite or workshop is spacious or tight, this building solution expands or contracts to fit your needs
WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
On the bottom of the work Pegasus we’ve made a place to hold a power strip or supplies. Perfect extra shelf or storage for your workspace
Made out of a dependable, molded ABS with steel supports and fittings. This table will be with you for the long haul
Combination squares are multi-use measuring devices. Their primary functions are for measuring the center of a circle, find depth, measure simple distances, and ensuring the accuracy of 90 and 45 degree angles.
It also has a built-in level vial for determining whether your project is level and plumb.
The Irwin Tools Combination Square is constructed with a durable cast zinc body and a rust-proof stainless steel blade.
It's black, precision-etched scales are perfect for marking 90° and 45° marking and transferring measurements.
The Irwin Tools Combination Square marks angles accurately with high-contrast rafter squares and framing squares.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Black precision-etched scales
Durable cast zinc body
Rust proof stainless steel blade
Perfect for 90° and 45° marking
Can be used as a gauge for transferring measurements
The SWANSON 7 Inch Speed Square is a ridiculously cheap woodworking tool and a staple for woodworkers and builders alike.
They have a great number of uses right within this one simple tool. Once you take the time to understand all of the uses of the SWANSON 7 Inch Speed Square, it is quite simple to use.
Set the Speed Square against your board and pivot to the angle you need: 1 to 90 degrees are clearly marked, making it really easy for you get your angles accurate.
Any job that requires multiple (repetitive), accurate markings, such as locating studs, laying out stringers for stairs, positioning floor joists needs a speed square just for the time-saving feature alone!
For a clean, straight 45 or 90 degree cut, use it as a fence to ensure your blade never moves off line.
The SWANSON 7 Inch Speed Square includes multiple notch marks so scribing is simple, and ripping stock is easy and accurate.
A speed square and a good tape measure can go a long way in getting a lot of your basic woodworking projects up and rolling.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Multiple Gradations: Gradations Included For Marking Common, Hip, Valley, And Jack Rafters; Useful For Determining And Marking Angles And Making Square Cuts On Boards
Features: Pocket-Sized Swanson Blue Book, A Comprehensive Guide To Help Workers Make Correct Angle Cuts For Any Pitched Roof
Includes: Features Common To 5 Different Tools (Try Square, Miter Square, Saw Guide, Line Scriber, And Protractor) Making The Speed Square Something That Belongs On Every Tradesman'S Tool Bench
Easy To Use: 1/4-In Spaced Scribing Notches And The Diamond Cutout For Easy Rafter Seat Cuts And Scribing The Most Common And Popular Stud Widths
An IRWIN Framing Square 16-Inch by 24-Inch will be a necessity if your project is of a larger scale.
The IRWIN Framing Square 16-Inch by 24-Inch has permanent deep stampings are durable. The aluminum body is rust-proof and lightweight.
The square has multiple scales: 1/8-, 1/10-, 1/12-, and 1/16-inch. Features rafter tables, brace and octagon scales and Essex board measure.
It can also be used as a protractor, saw guide, and ruler.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Irwin Aluminum Framing Square 16 In X 24 In
The IRWIN Tools 1794448 Aluminum Framing Square 16 X 24" features Permanent deep stampings for durability
This is manufactured in China
This professional tool has permanent deep stampings are durable. The aluminum body is rust-proof and lightweight.
The square has multiple scales: 1/8-, 1/10-, 1/12-, and 1/16-inch.
Features rafter tables, brace and octagon scales and Essex board measure. Can be used as a protractor, saw guide, and ruler.
The PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe 8pc HSS Chisel Set is designed to satisfy the majority of your turning needs suitable for turners of all skill levels.
The PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe 8pc HSS Chisel Set includes 8 essential chisels with beautifully turned hardwood handles packaged in a practical and attractive wood display box.
This is an ideal kit for turning pens or much larger projects on lathes of any size. Each chisel measures 16-1/4" in length with a 6-1/4" M2 High Speed Steel blade and a 10" hardwood turned handles.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Ideal chisel kit for turning pens pepper mills spindles bowls and lots more woodturning projects of all sizes
Each chisel measures 16-1/4" in length with a 6-1/4" M2 High Speed Steel blade and a 10" hardwood turned handles
Set includes (8) chisels 3/16" Parting Tool 5/8" Spear Scraper 1" Skew Chisel 5/8" Skew Chisel 5/8" Round Nose Scraper 1/2" Bowl Gouge 3/4" Spindle Gouge 7/8" Roughing Gouge
Includes wooden case for storage and carrying
Great for woodworkers woodturners and penturners of all skill levels
The Narex 16oz Beech Wood Carving Mallet is made by a small tool manufacturer in the Czech Republic and is of exceptional quality.
The thick and durable head has a 5 degree angle to ensure a square strike each time and has chamfered edges to prevent splintering.
Head and handle material unfinished European Beech.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Made by a small tool manufacturer in the Czech Republic
Head Size: 4 1/4" x 3" x 2 1/4" thick. Head has 5 degree angle to ensure a square strike each time
Head and handle material unfinished European Beech. Head has chamfered edges to prevent splintering.
Overall Length: 11" (275 mm)
Total Weight: 16 oz (460g)
The Narex Round Rattail, Half Round and Rectangular Wood Course Cut 3-Piece Rasp Set is made by a highly respected tool manufacturer in the Czech Republic and is of exceptional quality.
The set contains 3 course cut rasps: 8 mm round, 20 mm wide rectangular and 20 mm wide halfround.
The blades are made from tool steel and then hardened to RC 45 and are stitched with a CNC machine which produces a uniform tooth pattern and height allowing for a steady removal rate and an even finish.
These are considered course cut rasps with 16 teeth per square centimeter. Handles are 145 mm long and 36 mm in diameter and have solid brass ferrules.
Handles are made from hard and dense European Hornbeam. Rectangular and half round blades are 20 mm (1 inch) wide and 200 mm (8 inches) long.
Overall lengths are 345 mm (14 inches). This is a well-made rasp set for a very reasonable price.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Made by a highly respected tool manufacturer in the Czech Republic and is of exceptional quality
Set contains 3 each 200 mm course cut rasps: 8 mm round, 20 mm wide rectangular and 20 mm wide halfround
Course cut pattern with 16 teeth per square centimeter
Blades are 200 mm long; Hornbeam handles are 145 mm long; overall lengths are 345 mm
Blades are CNC stitched which produces a uniform tooth pattern for even stock removal
Ever since its foundation in 1843, STANLEY has been committed to providing professionals across the globe with products that are tough, pioneering, and up to the task.
The STANLEY 12-220 Hand Planer has machined sides. The cutter rests at a 21° angle, ideal for cross-grain planing, and is fully adjustable for depth of cut and alignment.
It has a gray, cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom, and a durable epoxy coating that provides long-lasting protection.
The finger-rest at the front of the planer adds comfort and control.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Manually adjustable
General purpose, ideal for 1-12-220 Makers, craft and all light duty jobs
Cutter rests at a 21° angle, ideal for cross-grain planing
Both the 12-247 and 12-220 have machined sides
Cutter rests at a 21° angle, ideal for cross-grain planing
Cutter is fully adjustable for depth of cut and alignment
Gray, cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom. Durable epoxy coating provides long-lasting protection
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Used for final finishing work, the Grizzly Industrial H7569-10" Smoothing Plane has a perfectly flat sole that will smooth any wood surface.
Features include rosewood handles and knobs, full plane iron adjustments, cast iron bases, frog and lever caps, chip breakers and knurled brass adjusting nuts.
The ground serrated sole improves sliding action by reducing resistance. Beautifully made with precision fit and finish.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Used for final finishing work
Package dimensions: 5.98" x 10.55" x 2.75"
Approximate weight: 4.35 lbs
The SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Pull Saw for Woodworking cuts material via pulling.
Operation requires less power, producing exceedingly smooth and accurate cuts, resulting in a much cleaner and smoother cut.
The SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw 9.5 Inch Dozuki Dovetail Pull Saw’s blade is sharper and thinner, and has a greater number of teeth per inch than comparable saws of its size.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Lightweight
Requires less power and energy to operate
Leaves a cleaner edge
Very narrow kerf
Smooth and accurate cut
Sharp and thin blade
All SUIZAN Japanese saws are made of top quality Japanese steel.
All SUIZAN products are manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen.
The DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander is our top choice on our list today, arriving with a full kit, ready to be deployed.
The DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander Kit with hook & loop pad has a 3 amp motor that delivers between 8,000 to 12,000 OPM.
The separate counterweight reduces vibration and along with the rubber over-mold grip provides comfortable sanding.
A shorter design allows users to get closer to the work surface and the one-handed locking dust bag attaches securely to the sander to aid in dust collection or the user can attach the sander directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors.
FEATURES & SPECS:
3.0 amp motor that spins the pad at 8,000 - 12,000 OPM
Shorter height allows the user to get closer to work piece
Separate counterweight design reduces vibration for improved comfort
Rubber over-mold in all of the critical areas of the sander
Improved dust-sealed switch to protect against dust ingestion for longer switch life
Improved dust collection and one-handed locking dust bag
Dust port is designed to fit directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors
To attach dust port to other vacuum systems with 1-1/4 in. hoses, use DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector
You will never go wrong with DeWalt power tools. Perhaps the most trusted name in the industry, their reputation for innovation and quality is impeccable.
The DCD791D2 20V MAX XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill / Driver Kit is lightweight and compact for working in tight spaces for long periods of time. High-speed transmission delivers 2 speed variations allowing users to choose the level of performance needed for various applications. The comfort grip adds balance and control.
The DeWalt DCD791D2 features a brushless motor which delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed motors. The XR Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge provide 33% more capacity over standard packs.
This unit is compact, lightweight and designed to fit into tight areas. A high speed transmission with 2-speed settings (0-550/0-2,000 RPM) delivers up to 30% faster application speeds, with an ergonomic comfort grip handle that provides ideal balance & tool control.
The metal 1/2" ratcheting chuck allows for superior bit gripping strength. This drill also offers a 3-Mode LED that provides lighting in dark or confined spaces (up to 20X brighter than previous model), with a LED spotlight mode that features 20 minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
The DeWalt DCD791D2 weighs 3.6 pounds and the kit comes with two 20 volt Max compact lithium ion battery packs and a compact charger for non-stop action, and a durable contractor bag. It also offers a keyless chuck.
This is our top choice for a single drill kit today, and as stated before, you’re not going to go wrong with DeWalt!
INCLUDES:
(2) DCB203 - XR 2.0AH Battery Packs
Charger
Kit Box
Belt Hook.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Compact, lightweight design fits into tight areas
High performance motor delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability completing a wide range of applications
High speed transmission delivers two speeds (0-450 & 1,500 rpm) for a range of fastening and drilling applications
1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
Ergonomic handle delivers comfort and control
Chuck Size: 1/2"
Chuck Type: Keyless
Clutch Settings 16
Max Power: 300 UWO
No Load Speed: 0-450/0-1,500 RPM
Speed Settings: 2
Height: 6.5”
Width: 1.9”
DeWalt is a company that rarely needs an introduction as we all know their reputation for high quality and high performance power tools. The DeWalt DCS575T2 FlexVolt 60V Max is no exception.
This powerful kit (5,800 RPM) comes fully equipped with a 7-1/4” blade, a replacement blade, a blade wrench, two battery packs, a fast charger, and a sturdy carrying bag.
The DeWalt DCS575T2 FlexVolt 60V Max performs with the quality, power, and reliability of a corded saw. This is a heavier saw and will rip through a piece of lumber like butter. It is ready for some heavy duty tasks and will turn you into a Rugged Man if you weren’t already, so be careful!
The star quality of this big fella is the backward compatibility technology allowing you to work with the DeWalt DCS575T2 FlexVolt 60V Max and then swap out for other DeWalt power tools of different voltages.
This handy feature is made possible by DeWalt’s patented FlexVolt technology without any manual adjustments on the part of the user. It’s a space saver and weight reducer.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Flexible power of corded. Freedom of cordless
FlexVolt technology. The world's first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
7 1/4" full size blade
Electronic brake stops the blade after trigger is released
Max Watts Out 1600 Watts
Bevel cut capacity up to 57 degrees with stops at 22.5 and 45
Brushless motor is maximized for run time and durability; 5800 RPM for quality cuts with speed
Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw Kit comes with a 5.0Ah battery, giving you the power and extreme runtime you need to work all day. A variable-speed trigger and dial provide total speed control up to 3,200 spm for ultimate cutting versatility.
The 4-position orbital action allows for additional adjustments to optimize cut quality and speed for the material you're cutting.
A bright LED makes it easy to follow cut lines in shadows and when lighting is low.
The updated all-metal, lever-action keyless blade clamp is designed for quick and easy blade changes.
The keyless shoe bevel adjusts easily with detents at 0°, 15°, 30°, and a positive stop at 45°.
A removable shoe cover helps protect work surfaces from scratches, and an integrated dust blower helps remove dust and debris from your line of sight while cutting.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Brushless motor of the cordless jigsaw delivers efficient performance for longer runtime (vs. DCS331 Jig Saw)
Compact size for easy grip and maximum control of the jig saw
Bright LED on the jigsaw tool helps illuminate dimly lit work surfaces
Variable-speed trigger and dial provide precise speed control
All-metal, lever-action keyless blade change allows for quick and easy t-shank blade changes
Integrated dust blower helps clear line of sight while cutting
4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed
The DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer features a brushless motor for maximum efficiency and that helps to maintain speed under load.
With a 3-1/4" width capacity with 1/256" adjustments, a rebate capacity of 5/64". The planer weighs 6.7lbs and operates off of the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system.
Lightweight and cordless, the planer can be easily transported around the jobsite without the hassle of a cord.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Brushless motor of the electric hand planner provides power and runtime
The hand planer featuring 30,000 cuts per minute achieves a fast removal rate
5/64-inch (2 mm.) maximum depth of cut
Calibrated depth adjustment knob to 1/256-inch (0.01 mm. approximately)
Precision-machined front and back aluminum shoes ensure parallelism of cut
Kickstand allows user to rest the planer on work surface without gouging the material
Precision machined groove in front shoe allows for edge chamfering
“Show us a man who never makes a mistake and we will show a man who never makes anything. The capacity for occasional blundering is inseparable from the capacity to bring things to pass.”
— Herman Lincoln Wayland
One thing that keeps people from pursuing worthwhile things in their lives is fear, uncertainty, and doubt, commonly referred to as FUD. This is unfortunate in a day and time where we need men more than ever to step up and take ahold of something besides their forks and joysticks.
It seems that FUD has become a common trait among modern men. We have become too soft, too pacified, and too pampered. We have TV, junk food, and beer. This causes a certain level of FUD because a lot of guys won’t step out of that comfort zone and pursue anything worthwhile.
However, if a man can push himself past the FUD over doing new and exciting projects, he can begin to rediscover part of what he is truly meant to be. And, that is, someone who takes control of situations, pursues worthwhile endeavors, hones skills and crafts, and is diversified in the ways that he can provide for himself and those he holds dear.
Whether it’s woodworking, building an iron forge, becoming a stone mason, or any other trade and skill that remains close to the Earth and requires the use of your own bare hands, pick something and get in. The rewards of even failure are not always obvious, but as long as we bounce back, this is good for us.
So, find a trade to learn and a skill to hone. It’ll keep you sharp, it’ll keep you Rugged!
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