I'm new to woodworking and want to dive into making custom furniture and storage solutions. I have a small house, so I'm looking for tools that won't take up too much space. Currently, I own a Bauer miter saw, a Black and Decker hand sander, and a few random drills from different brands because my husband collected them from garage sales, including Ryobi and Dewalt. I'm hoping to stick with one brand for battery compatibility and ease of use. Any recommendations on power tool brands that are beginner-friendly and reliable, especially for smaller projects? Also, if you have any hand tool suggestions, I'd love to hear those too!
5 Answers
If you're after battery-operated tools, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Bosch are solid high-end options that are great for beginners. For something more budget-friendly, Ryobi and Rigid have nice mid-range tools.
I recommend going for corded tools wherever possible—they tend to be more powerful and reliable. For most shop work, having a corded setup is a game-changer. The exception is drills and impacts—those are great cordless since you need to move around with them.
This past year, I switched to Bauer tools and I'm really impressed with their 20V line for the price. If you’re just doing projects around the house, Bauer works well. However, if you plan to expand into a business later, consider saving up for something like DeWalt or Hercules for better durability.
For interior woodworking, Festool is a top-notch option, but if that's out of your budget, DeWalt is a good fallback choice.
I've been using Rigid cordless tools for ages, and they’ve never let me down. My DeWalt miter saw and table saw are fantastic as well; I love that I can roll them outside for easier cutting.
Totally agree! Bauer is great for home use, but investing in a higher-end brand could save you headaches later.