Hey everyone! I'm looking to get into woodworking at home, and although I have some experience, I'm really missing some essential tools like a band saw, pillar drill, and belt sander. I want to start building a few projects like cabinets, chopping boards, and a monitor stand, but I'm not sure where to begin when it comes to setting up my own workshop at home. Given my limited space and budget, what are some basic tools I should prioritize? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
The table saw is definitely the MVP of any workshop when it comes to versatility. It can handle every cut you might need for your initial projects. But don't just rush into buying a ton of tools! Focus on one project at a time and buy what you need for that, then expand your tool set as you tackle new projects.
I'm all about hand tools! First off, building a solid workbench is a must. From there, you can make an assembly table and a tool chest to hold everything. Key tools to consider are a jack plane, a smoothing plane, some panel saws, chisels, and plenty of clamps. Don't forget a sharpening station, too! Starting with hand tools can also help you get comfortable with woodworking techniques without breaking the bank.
Great advice! I started with just hand tools as well, and you can do a lot with just those if you're patient. Plus, it's super rewarding!
When starting out, I recommend focusing on the projects you want to do. For instance, I found a table saw super helpful when I restarted woodworking; it's versatile for many cuts. After that, I picked up a planer and a router table, which have been essential too. Look at your three projects and see what tools you'll need for each. Start with the simplest project, get the necessary tools for that one, and then move on to the next. It's all about gradually building your collection!
That makes sense! I think I'll start with my chopping board project first and pick up only the required tools for that.