Woodworking Woodworking Basics

7 Essential Power Tools for Beginning Woodworkers

illustration of 7 power tools every woodworker should have

Illustration, The Spruce, 2018 

Many beginners trying to get started in woodworking take one look at their budget and worry about how they can afford to buy a whole shop full of power tools to get started. Fortunately, one doesn't have to spend a fortune to get started. There are really only seven woodworking tools that a beginning woodworker should have on hand from the start, and most are relatively inexpensive. However, with these seven tools, a beginner can tackle almost any project.

  • 01 of 07

    Circular Saw

    Man cutting wood with circular saw, focus on saw (blurred motion)
    Chris Cheadle / Getty Images

    While some people consider the circular saw to be more of a carpentry tool than a fine woodworking tool, others would disagree. There may be no more versatile basic handheld power tool than a circular saw. When used with a clamp-on straight-edge, the circular saw can be just about as accurate as a table saw and handle quite a few of the same tasks, including cutting sheet goods such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). When woodworking on a budget, a quality circular saw should be the first handheld power tool purchased.

  • 02 of 07

    Power Drill

    An electric drill.
    Tim Ridley / Getty Images

    Some might expect to see a cordless drill on this list, but when we're talking about basic power woodworking tools, a corded drill is more versatile and powerful. Cordless tools have the advantage of being more portable, but corded drills are less expensive and can do more than a cordless drill. There are some options to consider when choosing a corded power drill, such as whether you want a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck, keyed or keyless chuck, straight drill or hammer drill, and so on. Learn about all your options before buying.

  • 03 of 07

    Jigsaw

    An electric jigsaw
    Alexey Bubryak / Getty Images

    The third essential tool for the beginner is a jigsaw. A jigsaw allows the user to cut curved and circular patterns in stock. While a band saw is more accurate and can cut thicker stock, the jig saw (also called a saber saw) can be perfectly effective for a beginner. For versatility, choose an orbital-action, corded jigsaw that feels good in your hand and has an easy blade-changing system.

  • 04 of 07

    Random Orbit Sander

    Man sanding an oak table with a random orbital sander, close-up
    Westend61 / Getty Images

    The fourth most important basic handheld power tool every beginner should buy is a random orbit sander. While palm sanders are less expensive and can use plain sandpaper (cut into quarter sections), the random orbit version uses hook-and-loop fastened sanding disks. The random orbit motion will not leave patterned scratches in the workpiece, as do other types of sanders. Of course, be certain that your local woodworking supplier has sanding disks readily available in a number of grits to fit the model that you choose, as the key to proper sanding is to use progressively finer grits.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below
  • 05 of 07

    Table Saw

    Cutting a Board
    GregorBister / Getty Images

    Once you have the four aforementioned handheld power tools in your arsenal and you've had time to get comfortable with using them, its time to make your first (and likely most important) major tool purchase. The table saw is the heart and soul of every woodworking shop—the centerpiece around which all of the other tools are used and organized. The table saw's strength is its ability to cut sheet goods with perfectly straight edges, but it can also make just about any cut you want, including miters, bevels, and even dado grooves.

    You'll want to buy the best table saw that your budget can comfortably afford, as this tool will be the heart of your workshop for years to come. Take the time to learn which features you really want and choose the table saw that best fits your budget and your needs.

  • 06 of 07

    Compound Miter Saw

    Miter saw
    Peter Lora / Getty Images

    After you have chosen the perfect table saw for your woodshop, the next major purchase one should consider would be a compound miter saw. While not as expensive as a quality table saw, a compound miter saw is invaluable for cutting angles (beveled, mitered, and compound cuts). A compound saw allows you to angle the motor head in two directions, so you can cut straight angles (miters) as well as beveled miters (compound cuts).

    A 10-inch saw will be sufficient for many beginners, but a 12-inch saw will expand your capabilities. Some models have sliding saw heads that allow you to cut angles and crosscuts on boards as much as 16 inches wide.

    Once you develop your ability to make precise cuts with a compound miter saw, you'll find that your circular saw spends more time in the drawer and your table saw isn't used as much.

  • 07 of 07

    Router

    Carpentry workshop.
    gilaxia / Getty Images

    The last tool recommended for every beginning woodworker is a good-quality router. Routers are used to shape decorative contours on workpieces, and they are excellent at cutting rabbets and dados

    Many routers available today offer two different bases (a stationary base and a plunge router base). But most beginners find that a quality stationary base model will take care of quite a number of tasks—and it can also be mounted in a router table should you choose to invest in one. Choose a router model that has a motor at least 2-hp in size. Other features to look for: electronic variable speed controls (as larger cutting bits should use slower speeds), a soft-start mechanism, and easy-change bit collet (preferably with the ability to use both 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch-shank router bits).