Looking to Start Woodworking: What Equipment and Space Do I Need?

If you're serious about woodworking as a hobby, you should definitely check if there’s a makerspace nearby. Tools and lumber can get pretty expensive, so it’s a great way to save! Plus, there’s a lively community at r/BeginnerWoodWorking for more help and tips.

For general woodworking, you'll want a dependable drill (with bits) and a handheld circular saw—those can replace some larger tools like table saws if you don’t want to invest all at once. An electric sander is also a must; sanding by hand on bigger projects can be a pain. Just grab the basics, like a measuring tape, square, screws, glue, and some sanding pads. Don't forget some marking tools too; a regular pencil works just fine!

Watching beginner videos on YouTube is a great way to dive in! Check out channels like Steve Ramsey. He has a recommended tool list and projects geared specifically for newcomers. You’ll probably need to invest a few hundred bucks to start, but it’s worth it. There's also Rex Krueger, who focuses on hand tools and budget-friendly projects; he’s really approachable for beginners. Just remember, clamps are always useful!

I started with around $200 worth of Ryobi tools: a drill, impact driver, circular saw, and palm sander. I even found a second-hand miter saw to build my workbench. Watch a bunch of YouTube tutorials and pick projects you find interesting. You'll likely end up wanting more tools as you go, especially a table saw and router. Remember, only buy what you need for specific projects! Good luck, and enjoy the process!

First off, think about what you're hoping to build! A workbench is a solid first project. It's practical and a great learning experience. For that, you don't need a ton of tools—just a handsaw, a drill, and a measuring tape should do the trick. There are loads of YouTube videos with plans you can follow if you're unsure about building one yourself.