ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS DIY
␡December 30, 2019 0 Comments
When I first started woodworking, I didn't have anyone to tell me the essential basic tools I needed to get started, so I figured I'd share the basic woodworking tools you need to get started. Let's dive in.
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Now for me, even though I was a beginner woodworker, I decided to not get the most dinkiest tools just because I was a beginner. I knew this was an interest that I would keep with, so for some of these tools I decided to get a step up from what people would call a beginner tool, so I'll be giving a few tool suggestions for each basic item.
First, we are starting off with the power drill. This is probably the most used tool that I have and that you will use. Drills are used in the woodworking shop for so many reasons these days, making it an essential tool for woodworking.
Most people will argue that a corded drill is better but I live in the land of cordless, so my suggestions will be cordless models.
If you are looking for a good beginner drill, here are some of my recommendations.
Ryobi Hammer Drill - $69
RIDGID Drill/Driver - $119 (Top Recommendation)
Dewalt Drill/Driver - $139
Now this is a tool you might not see in most peoples essential tool list, but I would highly recommend this tool for people who are new to woodworking. The Kreg Jig is a fun tool used for joinery.
I bought this tool very early on in my woodworking journey and I am so glad I did. If you are hesitant on whether or not this tool is the right tool for you, I am listing a few Kreg Jig options below to help get you started.
K3 Pocket Hole Jig - $29
K4 Master System - $139 (Top Recommendation)
Kreg Jig 320 - $39
Check out this video below to see me use a few of the Kreg jig models in action.
Compound Miter Saws would probably be most next used tool in my shop. They are very similar to circular saws in that they make the same rip and cross cut as a circular saw, but the miter saw is fixed in an arm or a track, making it more accurate.
Most miter saws come in two popular blade diameters, 10 inch and 12 inch. Most series of angles can be cut with a miter saw. Let's take a look at a few of m recommendations.
Ryobi 12" Sliding Miter Saw - $219
RIDGID 12" Sliding Miter Saw - $499 (Top Recommendation)
Dewalt 12" Compound Miter Saw - $399
Cordless Milwaukee 10" Sliding Miter Saw - $599
The brad nailer is another tool that most may not consider an "essential" tool but for me, this tool has been very helpful and pleasing in my woodworking journey.
Brad nailers are mostly used detailed applications such as trim work, cabinetry and moldings. They are designed to fire brad nails ideal for binding wood trim.
Fun story about the brad nailer, I actually won this nailer in a giveaway and I'm so glad I did. I don't know if I would have realized how much I needed it if I hadn't have won one. I use this brad nailer often and would highly recommend it to any beginner woodworker.
If you're wondering just what the brad nailer is capable of, here is a quick look at a project I did using my Ryobi Brad Nailer. I completed this wall paneling project by brad nailing 1x2 trim to my blank wall to create this fun accent wall. Check out the project here to see how this Ryobi Brad nailer helped me transform my living room.
Ryobi 18 Gauge Brad Nailer - $129 (Top Recommendation)
Dewalt 18 Gauge Brad Nailer - $267
Ryobi Pancake Compressor w/ Brad Nailer and Finish Nailer - $330
This tool doesn't get as much use as the tools listed above, but it definitely comes in handy when needed. I use a jigsaw mostly for cutting curvy lines into wood.
Most saws are made to cut in a straight line but the jigsaw gives you the flexibility to cut complicating shapes and patterns.
Cordless Ryobi Brushless Jigsaw - $129 (Top Recommendation)
This cordless jigsaw has been a pleasant tool to have. If there is any tool I would want to be cordless, it would be a jigsaw because of all the curves and turns you make when operating it. I would highly recommend this jigsaw if you plan on using it often. Compatible with the Ryobi 18V battery series.
Corded Black and Decker Jigsaw - $34
If you don't plan on using the jigsaw a ton, I would still recommend getting one for the shop. This black and decker corded jigsaw was the first jigsaw I had and worked perfectly fine. If you don't think you'll use the jigsaw often, I would suggest this cheaper option.
When working with lumber, the circular saw has proved to be a very useful tool. It is an electric saw that turns a round blade to cut wood and other materials depending on the blade.
Sometimes the miter saw is just too stationary for a straight cut, so I use my circular saw often to make lap joints and other less conventional cuts.
Dewalt Circular Saw - $159
Ridgid 18-Volt 7 1/4 Circular Saw - $149 (Top Recommendation)
Ryobi Brushless 7 1/4 Circular Saw - $119
Makita Rear Handle Circular Saw - $199 (Highly Recommended)
One of my favorite things to do after finishing a furniture piece is sanding. I hope you could detect the sarcasm in my voice. Most furniture pieces need a little sanding at the end so it is vital to have a Random Orbital Sander Handy.
Random orbital sanders are handheld tools where the sanding blade delivers a random-orbit action. They are primarily used for sanding.
Ryobi Corded Orbital Sander - $49
Dewalt Cordless Orbit Sander - $129 (Top Recommendation)
Bosch Orbital Sander - $69
This Bosch orbital sander is another great option at a great price. It also comes with a polisher kit and carrying bag. Most orbital sanders in my experience are pretty close to each other so any one you get will most likely be a good option.
Ryobi Corner Cat Sander - $35
This isn't an orbital sander but it has come n handy when trying to get into the hard to reach corners.
Now let's take a quick recap of everything you need to get started.
Now that we have made it through the essentials list, I still wanted to give you a little extra and provide you with a list of other useful tools that I have found very helpful to have in my shop.
Sawhorses - When working in the shop, you need something to build on. I would suggest getting a good pair of sawhorses that you can set stuff on or even set a piece of plywood on to make a quick workspace.
Measuring Tape - If you plan on building furniture, a measuring tape is a must to get those accurate measurements. This is really an essential, but there are tons of options out there.
Level - When building furniture, making sure everything is level is really important. Make sure you have a level handy to make sure things are straight and even.
Square - Just like a level, a square is essential during building to make sure things are square and also when putting together tools to make sure they are also square.
Drill Bit Set - You'lle need some help driving in those screws. Get you a good Drill Bit set to go along with your drill.
Shop Vac - With all the woodworking you'll be doing, rest assured there will be dust flying. Make sure you have a good shop vac around to clean up the mess.
Clamps - Clamps are the one tool you'll never have enough of. Clamps come in handy when trying to join lumber together, especially if your a one person team.
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