I'm looking to dive into woodworking and need some guidance on tool selection. I'm curious whether I should start with hand tools or power tools. What do you think would be a good starter set for around $400 to $500? Of course, the lower the cost, the better!
3 Answers
Instead of stressing over specific tool lists, consider what projects you want to work on and get the tools you need for those as you go. A tablesaw is really handy and you can find a decent one for about $300. It's versatile and can even do some miter saw tasks. But honestly, if you're just starting, you might not need one right away. As for hand vs. power tools, many folks start with power tools and add hand tools like planes later on when the need comes up.
I recommend starting with a specific project in mind. That way you can figure out exactly what tools you’ll need for it. Buy those tools as you go along instead of assembling a full kit upfront!
You can actually get a lot done with just a square, a level, a circular saw, and a pencil. That combo lets you tackle some projects without spending a fortune while figuring out if woodworking is your thing!
I was considering that too, but safety is my main concern.