Beginner Woodworker Workshop
This workshop assumes you have everything in the Weekend-DIY’er workshop.
So I won’t list things like a hammer or a measuring tape because I’m assuming you have those already.
This list will consist of more specific tools that will be useful for someone who is getting into woodworking.
A lot of beginner woodworker tool lists include things like table saws, planers, and jointers.
These are fantastic tools for a woodworker, but I wouldn’t recommend them for someone who is just getting into woodworking because they cost thousands of dollars.
It is much better to spend $1,000 on tools and find out you don’t like woodworking than to spend $10,000 on tools and find out you don’t like woodworking.
Chances are even as you become a more advanced woodworker you will still use the tools in this list.
Even if you find you don’t like woodworking that much, most of these tools will still come in handy for DIY projects.
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Protection
Safety Goggles
Safety goggles, unlike glasses, have a rubber seal around them which prevents sawdust from getting into your eyes.
This is great when you are cutting or sanding wood.
Earmuffs
For woodworking you will need something a little stronger than normal ear plugs.
A set of good quality earmuffs will protect your hearing no matter how long you are working in your garage.
I personally recommend a set that has Bluetooth speakers in it so you can listen to music or audiobooks while you work.
N95 Mask or Ventilator
For woodworking you will need good quality masks that can filter dust particles.
An n95 mask is perfect for filtering out dust and small particles.
If you want to do any finishing work, which includes painting, applying polyurethane, or using other chemicals, then I would recommend you get a good quality respirator.
Tools
Circular Saw (Corded)
A circular saw is a crucial piece of equipment for any woodworker.
For a beginner woodworker, a circular saw will probably be your main saw.
Because you will use this sauce so much you should get a corded saw.
Battery-powered saws always lose power at the worst possible moment.
When working on a project it is too easy to forget to take out batteries to charge them.
Because of that you will not be able to use a battery powered saw as long as you would be able to use a corded saw.
I recommend that you get a 7 and 1/4 sized corded circular saw, DeWalt makes a great one that also has an electric brake for added safety.
Router
A router is one of the most dangerous tools in any shop.
As a beginner you should take your time with a router and learn all of the safety protocols and things to avoid before handling a router.
Personally, whenever I am not actively using my router I make sure it is unplugged and put it somewhere safe.
A router may be one of the most dangerous tools in a workshop, but it is also one of the most useful tools.
You can route dados, finish trim work, and even plane down material with the proper jig.
As a beginner I would recommend you get a fixed router not a plunge router.
You’ll need to learn how to operate a router safely, and plunge routers add an extra dimension you would need to think about. For some beginners this can be too much.
Random Orbit Sander (Corded)
A random orbit sander is an excellent addition to any woodworking shop.
Chances are when you are sending something you will probably be sending that project for at least a couple of hours.
That is why I would recommend getting a corded sander over a battery powered sander
I would also recommend avoiding hook and loop sanders. The orbital sanders that use velcro are plenty strong and much faster to change paper.
Jig Saw
A jigsaw will help you cut curves and circles in wood.
With the right bit they can also cut through metal which makes them an extremely versatile tool.
For beginner Woodworkers a jigsaw will be your alternative to a bandsaw.
The advantage of a jigsaw over a bandsaw is that a jigsaw is about one-tenth the price.
Clamps
Clamps are a Woodworkers best friend.
You can never have too many clamps.
For gluing up tables, or just being an extra set of hands, good clamps will always be useful.
You should get a few different kinds of clamps in different sizes.
Speed Square
Assuming you have a measuring tape, since it was on The Weekend-er list, the next most useful measurement tool is a speed square.
A speed square will help you make straight lines that are 90 degrees to your work piece, and know if your project is square.
Organization
Workbench
The more woodworking you do the more important your workbench becomes.
As a woodworker building your own workbench can be an extremely rewarding project and help you even more and having a well-organized garage that is easy to work in.
The difference between a normal garage workbench and a woodworking workbench could be several things.
Many woodworker workbenches have a vice mounted to the side and storage for useful items like sandpaper, routing bits, and new saw blades.
