Starting a woodworking shop can be overwhelming and costly. Before we dive into some of the tool categories that you will need to get started, here are 3 tips to consider that will resonate through all of your tool purchases.
Disclaimer: My list is in no particular order, consider each tool with the lense of your shop and desired projects.
1.) What are you going to make? This will help you create a list of tool priorities for your new shop.
2.) What is your budget? My recommendation is to buy the best tools that you can afford, prioritize and buy them slower as you make money.
3.) What is your shop space and layout? This is going to be a huge part of each decision's made on mobility of larger tools.
1. Table Saw
Why You Need It:
The table saw is the cornerstone of any woodworking shop. It's versatile and can perform a variety of cuts, from ripping large sheets of plywood to making precise crosscuts. Investing in one will leave you with endless possiblities and projects.
What to Look For:
- A solid fence system to ensure straight cuts.
- What size do you need? Cabinet saw, jobsite saw, contractor saw. What space do you have and jobs that you will take on will determine this.
- A solid base, specifically with any stand that may come with a Jobsite style saw will be imperative to your safety.
Recommended Brands:
- SawStop
- DeWalt
- Metabo HPT
2. Miter Saw
Why You Need It:
A miter saw is perfect for making angled cuts, whether you're cutting crown molding, trim, or framing materials. It's a great tool for precise, repeatable cuts, especially when you're working with shorter pieces.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable angles (usually up to 45 degrees) for flexibility.
- A sliding and/ or Compound Miter saw allows for more complex cuts.
- A laser or Shadow line system for accurate cuts.
Recommended Brands:
- Makita
- DeWalt
- Metabo HPT
3. Band Saw
Why You Need It:
The band saw is incredibly versatile, allowing you to cut curves, resaw lumber, and make intricate cuts. It’s a must-have tool if you plan on working with irregularly shaped materials or cutting your own lumber.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable guides for smooth, accurate cuts.
- A sturdy, well-aligned table.
- A motor with enough power to handle thicker stock.
Recommended Brands:
- Jet
- Grizzly
- Rikon
4. Jointer
Why You Need It:
A jointer is essential for creating flat, square edges on rough lumber. If you’re working with rough-sawn wood, a jointer is vital to ensure that your boards are flat and straight before moving on to the planer or other tools.
What to Look For:
- A good-sized bed (usually at least 6 inches wide).
- Adjustable fence to ensure square edges.
- High-quality knives or blades for a smooth cut.
Recommended Brands:
- Delta
- Powermatic
- Jet
5. Planer
Why You Need It:
A planer allows you to reduce the thickness of rough wood and smooth out uneven surfaces. It’s a great companion to the jointer, allowing you to bring rough lumber down to a consistent thickness and create a smooth finish.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable depth settings for consistent results.
- A powerful motor to handle various wood types.
- A smooth feeding system to prevent snipe (a common issue with planers).
Recommended Brands:
- DeWalt
- Makita
- Ridgid
6. Router
Why You Need It:
A router is an incredibly versatile tool that can be used for shaping edges, hollowing out areas, and making decorative cuts. Whether you're adding detail to your project or working on cabinetry, a router is essential for fine woodworking.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable speed settings for different materials.
- Ergonomic design for better control.
- A good set of bits to expand its capabilities.
Recommended Brands:
- Bosch
- Bora Tools
- Festool
7. Tool Storage/workbench
Why You Need It:
Storage for your tools is essesntial to keeping your tools organized and located. Searching for tools in your shop is the quickest way to wasting time and therefore losing money.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable and diverse options that allow for changing the layout of your shop as your projects and needs change.
- A sturdy workbench that can be use for many woodworking tasks.
- Quality made options that allow for both long term usage and look good when perspective clients stop by your shop.
Recommended Brands:
- Wall Control
- Gladiator
- Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Flex Tool Storage systems
8. Sander
Why You Need It:
Sanding is a critical step in getting a smooth finish on your projects. A good sander will save you time and effort and to be honest hours of boredom fighting with a bad sander. There are several types of sanders, but the most common ones are the orbital sander, belt sander, and random orbital sander.
What to Look For:
- A comfortable grip for long sanding sessions.
- A dust collection system to minimize mess, the three options below all have what i believe to be some of the premier dust collection options to pair with their sanders.
- Variable speed control for different applications and surfaces.
Recommended Brands:
- Uneeda
-Mirka
- Surf Prep
9. Clamps
Why You Need It:
Clamps are indispensable in woodworking, and it is true, you can never have enough. They are essential for holding pieces of wood together during gluing, assembly, and finishing stages. You'll need a variety of clamps: bar clamps, C-clamps, and pipe clamps, among others, to accommodate different sizes and shapes of projects. If you are like me, most of the time you are working solo, so having a bunch of trigger clamps that serve as a lending hand.
What to Look For:
- A variety of sizes for different tasks.
- Strong, durable materials (like steel or cast iron).
- Easy-to-use mechanisms for quick adjustments.
Recommended Brands:
- Bora Tools
- Bessey
- Work Pro Tools
10. Dust Collection System
Why You Need It:
Safety and cleanliness are vital in any woodworking shop. A dust collection system is an essential investment to keep your workspace free of sawdust and airborne particles, which can be harmful to your health and your machinery. There are suitable options that will also help separate dust from debris as well that are cost effective.
What to Look For:
- Strong suction power to keep the shop clean.
- Multiple collection bags or bins.
- Compatibility with various machines in your shop.
Recommended Brands:
- Shop-Vac
- The Mullet
- Dust Stopper
Final Thoughts
Starting a woodworking shop requires thoughtful consideration of the tools that best suit your needs. While the list above includes the fundamental equipment, don't forget that your woodworking journey may lead you to other specialized tools depending on your specific projects.
When purchasing tools, prioritize quality over quantity. Having a few reliable tools can be more effective than owning many that don't perform well. Also, always invest in safety gear, including eye protection, ear protection, and dust masks, as woodworking can produce a lot of debris and noise.
Good luck with your woodworking journey, and happy crafting!
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