I'm new to woodworking and have mostly worked in my dad's shop, but now that he's moved away, I need to start building my own toolkit. I've been focusing on finding tools on Facebook Marketplace and considering estate sales. If I decide to buy new tools, I'll go with Harbor Freight. Are there any other recommendations or tips on where to find affordable tools?
3 Answers
Don’t overlook pawnshops! You can find good deals there, but it can be hit or miss. Also, I’ve not had much luck with Facebook Marketplace myself, but Craigslist, estate sales, and garage sales can be responsive. It helps to let friends know what you're looking for at estate sales, too.
When you're starting out, make sure you go for recognized brands. Avoid second-hand brushed tools because they can be unreliable. Instead, look for brushless options, which tend to be more dependable for beginners.
Harbor Freight is pretty decent for hobbyists! Their Bauer line is comparable to Ryobi, and Hercules tools are like blue versions of Dewalt—good quality for the price. For stationary tools, check out Wen; they offer great quality at budget-friendly prices.