31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (2024)

Table of Contents
What are Woodworking Tools & It’s Benefits List of Must-Have Hard Tools to Check Out 1. Chisels (Price Range – $20-$100 for a set) 2. Hand plane (Price Range – $30-$150) 3. Measuring tape (Price Range – $5-$25) 4. Carpenter’s square (Price Range – $10-$40) 5. Level (Price Range – $15-$60) 6. Hand saw (Price Range – $15-$75) 7. Claw hammer (Price Range – $10-$50) 8. Screwdrivers set (Price Range – $20-$80) 9. Wood rasps (Price Range – $15-$60) 10. Marking knife (Price Range – $8-$35) 11. Combination square (Price Range – $15-$70) 12. Workbench vise (Price Range – $40-$200) List of Must-Have Power Tools to Check Out 13. Power drill (Price Range – $50-$200) 14. Circular saw (Price Range – $60-$200) 15. Table saw (Price Range – $300-$1000) 16. Router (Price Range – $100-$300) 17. Random orbital sander (Price Range – $40-$150) 18. Jigsaw (Price Range – $50-$200) 19. Miter saw (Price Range – $150-$500) 20. Belt sander (Price Range – $50-$200) 21. Drill press (Price Range – $150-$500) 22. Thickness planer (Price Range – $300-$800) List of Must-Have Safety Tools to Check Out 23. Safety glasses (Price Range – $5-$30) 24. Hearing protection (Price Range – $15-$50) 25. Dust mask (Price Range – $10-$40) 26. Work gloves (Price Range – $10-$40) List of Must-Have Clamping Tools to Check Out 27. C-clamps (Price Range – $8-$30) 28. Bar clamps (Price Range – $15-$50) 29. Spring clamps (Price Range – $3-$15) List of Must-Have Finishing Tools to Check Out 30. Wood files (Price Range – $10-$40) 31. Sandpaper set (Price Range – $10-$30) How to Build Your Tool Collection Strategically Starting Point Smart Buying Tips How to Start Woodworking on a Budget Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions What is the Most Used Tool in a Woodshop? Are Used Tools a Good Option for Beginners?

Working with wood is hard when you don’t have the right tools. I learned this the tough way when I first started making things in my small workshop. Many beginners feel lost about which tools they really need.

I spent five years testing different woodworking tools, and now I can help you pick the ones that matter.

In this guide, I’ll show you 31 essential tools that will make your woodworking projects easier and more fun.

You’ll learn which basic tools you need to start, how each one helps, and smart tips about using them.

Let’s build a solid toolkit that works for both new and skilled woodworkers.

What are Woodworking Tools & It’s Benefits

These are special tools made to help you shape, cut, join, and finish wood pieces. From my experience, each tool serves a specific purpose in turning raw wood into something useful and beautiful.

Here’s what makes woodworking tools worth your time and money:

  • Better Control and Accuracy:I’ve found that proper tools give you exact cuts and smooth finishes. When I use the right tool, my projects turn out just how I want them. Think of it like having a sharp pencil instead of a dull one – the results are better.
  • Time-Saving Solutions:Good tools help you work faster. I remember when I tried making dados by hand – it took forever! With the right dado blade, I can do the same job in minutes.
  • Safety First:Using the right tools keeps you safe. I always tell my friends that forcing the wrong tool to do a job is asking for trouble. Proper tools reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Clean Results:Each tool is made for specific tasks. The results look professional when I use a tool for its intended job. Hand saws for straight cuts and chisels for clean corners all add to better-looking projects.
  • Money-Saving in the Long Run:Quality tools cost more upfront but save money over time. I’ve learned that good tools last longer, cut materials cleanly (less waste), help avoid costly mistakes, and reduce the need for repairs.
  • Wider Project Options:Having the right tools opens up new possibilities. With basic tools, I could only make simple boxes. Now, with more specialized tools, I can create detailed furniture pieces.
  • Less Physical Strain:Good tools make work easier on your body. Using tools designed for each task means less pushing, pulling, and straining.

List of Must-Have Hard Tools to Check Out

1. Chisels (Price Range – $20-$100 for a set)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (1)

Sharp hand tools that I use to cut and shape wood with precision. They’re one of the first tools I bought when starting woodworking.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Making joints and groovesPerfect for detailed workBench chisels (¼” to 2″)
Cleaning up mortisesHigh accuracy in tight spotsMortise chisels
Carving details in woodLong-lasting when well-maintainedParing chisels
Trimming wood plugsWorks well with any wood typeSocket or tang handle types

2. Hand plane (Price Range – $30-$150)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (2)

A tool I rely on to smooth wood surfaces and level board edges. It gives better control than power tools for fine adjustments.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Smoothing rough woodBetter surface finishBlock plane
Leveling surfacesNo electricity neededJack plane
Making boards thinnerMore control over wood removalSmoothing plane
Creating flat edgesQuiet operationJointer plane

3. Measuring tape (Price Range – $5-$25)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (3)

A flexible ruler I use daily. It’s essential for getting exact measurements and marking cut lines.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Taking measurementsQuick measurements12-foot tape
Marking cut linesEasy to carry25-foot tape
Checking dimensionsRetracts automatically35-foot tape
Layout workWorks for curved surfacesMetric or imperial units

4. Carpenter’s square (Price Range – $10-$40)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (4)

A flat, L-shaped tool I use to check right angles and mark straight lines.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Checking 90-degree anglesEnsures corners are square12-inch speed square
Making straight linesWorks as a straight-edge16-inch framing square
Square markingHelps in layout work24-inch framing square
Measuring depthSimple to useCombination square

5. Level (Price Range – $15-$60)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (5)

A tool I trust to make sure surfaces are perfectly flat. It’s key for any project that needs to be straight.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Checking horizontal surfacesEnsures flat surfaces9-inch torpedo level
Verifying vertical alignmentPrevents wobbling24-inch level
Setting up machineryEasy to read48-inch level
Installing cabinetsMultiple measuring pointsDigital levels

6. Hand saw (Price Range – $15-$75)

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My go-to manual cutting tool. It gives me great control when making straight cuts in wood.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Straight cuts in woodNo power neededRip saw
Cross cuts and rip cutsPrecise controlCross cut saw
Small project cutsEasy to maintainBack saw
Detail workWorks anywherePanel saw

7. Claw hammer (Price Range – $10-$50)

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A basic but vital tool I use every day. Perfect for driving nails and pulling them out.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Driving nailsTwo tools in one16 oz general use
Removing nailsStrong, striking power20 oz framing
Light assemblyGood gripWood handle
Adjusting wood positionsLong-lastingSteel handle

8. Screwdrivers set (Price Range – $20-$80)

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Essential hand tools I use for all types of screws and small adjustments.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Driving screwsFits many screw typesPhillips head
Removing screwsGood controlFlathead
Making adjustmentsLong lastingSquare drive
Basic assemblyEasy to storeTorx drive

9. Wood rasps (Price Range – $15-$60)

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Coarse files I use to shape wood quickly and roughly.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Rough shapingFast wood removalHalf-round
Removing excess woodGood controlFlat
Smoothing curvesWorks in tight spotsRound
Detail workMakes smooth curvesCabinet rasps

10. Marking knife (Price Range – $8-$35)

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A sharp tool I use for precise marking on wood surfaces.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Marking cut linesMore precise than pencilsSingle bevel
Scoring woodClear linesDouble bevel
Detail layoutLong-lasting marksStraight blade
Joint markingBetter than pencilsCurved blade

11. Combination square (Price Range – $15-$70)

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A measuring tool I use to check angles and mark lines.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Checking anglesMultiple functions6-inch
Marking linesAccurate measurements12-inch
Measuring depthEasy to useWith level
Setting toolsPortableWithout level

12. Workbench vise (Price Range – $40-$200)

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A holding tool I use to keep wood steady while working.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Holding woodStrong gripFront vise
Clamping piecesFrees both handsEnd vise
Assembly workSteady supportQuick release
Planing woodEasy to adjustTraditional screw

List of Must-Have Power Tools to Check Out

13. Power drill (Price Range – $50-$200)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (13)

My most-used power tool. Makes holes and drives screws quickly.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Drilling holesFast workCorded
Driving screwsDifferent speedsCordless
Mixing materialsMany attachmentsHammer drill
Light sandingPortableImpact driver

14. Circular saw (Price Range – $60-$200)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (14)

A handheld power saw I use for straight cuts in wood.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Long straight cutsFast cutting7¼ inch blade
Cross cutsStraight lines6½ inch blade
Bevel cutsPortableCorded
Sheet goodsAdjustable depthCordless

15. Table saw (Price Range – $300-$1000)

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (15)

My main tool for accurate straight cuts and rip cuts.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Rip cutsAccurate cutsContractor
Cross cutsRepeatable cutsCabinet
Dado cutsLarge capacityHybrid
Bevel cutsStrong motorPortable

16. Router (Price Range – $100-$300)

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It is a versatile power tool I use for edges and decorative cuts.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Edge shapingClean cutsFixed base
Making groovesMany bit optionsPlunge base
Pattern workPrecise controlTrim router
Joint makingSmooth edgesCombo kits

17. Random orbital sander (Price Range – $40-$150)

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It is a power tool I rely on for smooth wood surfaces.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Surface sandingNo swirl marks5-inch pad
Paint removalFast sanding6-inch pad
Final smoothingEasy to controlCorded
EdgeworkDust collectionCordless

18. Jigsaw (Price Range – $50-$200)

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A handheld saw I use for curved cuts and shapes.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Curved cutsMakes curved linesBarrel grip
Interior cutsEasy to handleD-handle
Pattern cuttingWorks in tight spotsCorded
Detail workMany blade typesCordless

19. Miter saw (Price Range – $150-$500)

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A fixed saw I use for accurate angle cuts.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Angle cutsQuick setup10-inch blade
Cross-cutsClean cuts12-inch blade
Trim workExact anglesSingle bevel
Picture framesSafe operationDouble bevel

20. Belt sander (Price Range – $50-$200)

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A power tool I use for fast wood removal.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Heavy sandingFast work3×21 inch
Stock removalStrong motor4×24 inch
Edge smoothingGood for large areasHandheld
Surface levelingEven sandingBench mount

21. Drill press (Price Range – $150-$500)

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A fixed drilling machine I use for exact holes.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Precise holesPerfect holesBenchtop
Repetitive drillingSame depth alwaysFloor model
MortisingStrong power8-inch
SandingMany speeds12-inch

22. Thickness planer (Price Range – $300-$800)

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A machine I use to make boards flat and even.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Even thicknessEven boards12-inch
Surface smoothingSaves time13-inch
Board flatteningClean cutsBenchtop
Stock prepBoth sides matchIndustrial

List of Must-Have Safety Tools to Check Out

23. Safety glasses (Price Range – $5-$30)

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Eye protection I never work without.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Eye protectionClear visionClear lens
Dust blockingEye safetyTinted lens
Flying chipsComfortable fitOver-glasses
Daily workSide protectionAnti-fog

24. Hearing protection (Price Range – $15-$50)

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Ear guards, I use with loud tools.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Noise reductionEar safetyEar muffs
Machine workComfortEar plugs
Power tool useGood fitElectronic
Shop safetyLong wearBasic

25. Dust mask (Price Range – $10-$40)

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Face protection I use for clean air.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Dust protectionClean airDisposable
Sanding workEasy breathingReusable
Fine particlesGood sealN95
Clean breathingComfortableHalf-face

26. Work gloves (Price Range – $10-$40)

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Hand protection I use for rough work.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Hand protectionHand SafetyLeather
Rough materialsGood gripCotton
Sharp edgesSkin protectionNitrile
Heavy liftingFeel controlFingerless

List of Must-Have Clamping Tools to Check Out

27. C-clamps (Price Range – $8-$30)

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Strong holders, I use to keep wood in place.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Hold piecesStrong grip2-inch
Glue upsEasy to use4-inch
EdgeworkLong-lasting6-inch
AssemblyMany sizes8-inch

28. Bar clamps (Price Range – $15-$50)

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I use long clamps for big projects.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Panel gluingLong reach24-inch
Long piecesStrong pressure36-inch
Wide boardsEasy-adjust48-inch
Assembly workEven force60-inch

29. Spring clamps (Price Range – $3-$15)

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Quick clamps I use for light holding.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Quick holdsFast use1-inch
Light pressureOne hand operation2-inch
Temporary fixLightweight3-inch
Small partsMany uses4-inch

List of Must-Have Finishing Tools to Check Out

30. Wood files (Price Range – $10-$40)

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I use fine-shaping tools for detail work.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Fine shapingPrecise controlFlat
Edge smoothingSmooth finishRound
Detail workLong-lastingHalf-round
Final touchesMany shapesNeedle files

31. Sandpaper set (Price Range – $10-$30)

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Abrasive sheets I use for smooth finishes.

Used ForBenefitsSizes & Types
Surface smoothingSmooth finish60 to 220 grit
Final finishMany gritsWet/dry
Between coatsEasy to useSheets
Detail workFits all spotsRolls

How to Build Your Tool Collection Strategically

Starting Point

Basic Essentials I suggest starting with these must-have tools:

  • Measuring tape
  • Hand saw
  • Claw hammer
  • Basic screwdriver set
  • Safety gear (glasses, gloves, dust mask) Cost: About $100-150

Level 1: Hand Tools Add these tools next:

  • Chisels (basic set)
  • Wood rasps
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Level
  • Marking knife Cost: Additional $150-200

Level 2: First Power Tools When ready, invest in:

  • Power drill
  • Random orbital sander
  • Jigsaw
  • Basic clamps set Cost: Additional $200-300

Level 3: Major Tools As your skills grow, consider:

  • Table saw
  • Router
  • Miter saw
  • More clamps Cost: Additional $800-1200

Smart Buying Tips

  1. Quality Over Quantity
  • Buy fewer but better tools
  • Start with mid-range options
  • Watch for sales at local stores
  1. Test Before Buying
  • Try tools at workshops
  • Borrow from friends
  • Read user reviews
  1. Set Monthly Budget
  • Save $50-100 Monthly
  • Build your collection slowly
  • Focus on the most-used items
  1. Tool Maintenance
  • Clean after each use
  • Store in a dry place
  • Keep tools sharp
  1. Where to Buy
  • Local hardware stores
  • Online marketplaces
  • Used tool shops
  • Yard sales for basic items

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How to Start Woodworking on a Budget

Start Small, Start Smart

I began woodworking with just five basic tools and a small space. You don’t need everything at once – trust me on this one.

Essential Starting Tools (Under $200):

  • Hand saw ($20)
  • Hammer ($15)
  • Measuring tape ($10)
  • Screwdriver set ($25)
  • Safety gear ($30)
  • Basic sandpaper set ($10)

Money-Saving Tips:

1. Buy Used Tools

  • Check local sales
  • Look at flea markets
  • Ask other woodworkers

2. Share Tools

  • Join local clubs
  • Work with friends
  • Use community workshops

3. Smart Shopping

  • Wait for sales
  • Compare prices
  • Buy combo kits
  • Check returner items

4. Start with Pine

  • Less costly wood
  • Easy to work with
  • Good for learning
  • Readily available

5. Make Money While Learning

  • Fix basic furniture
  • Build simple items
  • Sell small projects
  • Take repair jobs

6. Free Learning Resources

  • Watch online videos
  • Read wood blogs
  • Join online groups
  • Visit local stores

Conclusion

Starting woodworking doesn’t need to be hard or costly. I’ve shared my favorite tools and tips from years of working with wood.

These 31 tools can help you create beautiful pieces while staying safe and having fun.

Remember, you don’t need everything right away. Start with basic hand tools, learn to use them well, and slowly build your collection.

Each tool has its special use, and your skills will grow as you add more to your workshop.

Ready to start? Pick up a few basic tools and try a simple project. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for weekly woodworking tips and project ideas.

Let me know in the comments which tools you plan to buy first!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Most Used Tool in a Woodshop?

From my daily work, the power drill is the most used tool. It helps with holes, screws, and small fixes. Almost every project needs drilling or screwing.

Are Used Tools a Good Option for Beginners?

Yes, using tools can save you money when you start out. I suggest checking tools carefully before buying. Look for rust, damage, or worn parts. Test them if possible.

31 Must Have Woodworking Tools You Should Try (2024)
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