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Writer's pictureRonnie Dockery

Buy Woodworking Tools For Beginners If You're a Beginner

Updated: Jul 27

Whether you are embarking on a serious woodworking journey or simply transforming your shed into a workshop for your craft, you will encounter numerous questions. One of the most significant dilemmas that will impact your finances is whether to invest fully in a tool or opt for a more budget-friendly option. If you have grappled with this choice and questioned its correctness, this information aims to guide you in your future purchases or perhaps prompt you to consider making some exchanges.


There are a lot of tools and brands to choose from, and it can definitely be overwhelming at times. For instance, a simple drill and driver set will rang from $99 all the way to $700 begging the question "what's the difference?"

here is a Small list of tools you're likely researching at the beginning stages.

  • Saws

    • Table saw

    • Circular saw

    • Miter or "Chop"saw

  • Drill

  • Impact Driver

Just these few tools are enough to keep you buys researching for weeks, the main question I will help to answer is "Should I go higher end or buy something cheap?" Its an important decision because why spend your money on something that is going to break soon after purchasing it right? A lot of advice coming from woodworkers I've found is "you'll regret buying (insert lower price range brand here) and you should spend the money on the front end" I dont necessarily agree. Let me explain.

Starting out with affordable tools
Humble beginnings

This isn't a review of any particular brand and isnt a recommendation for "the best tool to buy". This is simply an argument for humility and realistic spending habits. When I first started out making things it was because my wufe wanted some barn doors for the master bedroom. I couldnt afford to spend the money on the hand made items but i wanted to get this for my wife. After researching some How to videos and the cost of some tools I was set on saving over $1000 Dollars by buying the tools and materials and making the doors myself. This is still the case today. I started my woodworking adventure in 2019.




If I took the advice from people online I could've easily spent more money on tools than on the doors or never bought the tools to begin with and who knows where id be. The point is, Don't let your budget stop you from taking on a task. There are tools that will absolutely get the jobs done just as well as higher end tools. I am a firm believer in not being able to improve your ability with more expensive gear. The same goes with golfers who buy $1000 drivers and still hit a bad slice off the Tee. (It ain't the Driver).




Made with only a drill and Miter Saw
First ever barn doors

I have found even now after 5 years of daily woodworking running a business that is the single income for my household of 5, I am more hesitant to use them fully because I'm afraid to break it and not know how to recalibrate. The higher end tools are going to have higher end maintenance more involved calibrations and more expensive accessories and most likely proprietary accessories. This is of course built into the business model for these Big Yellow or Big Red brands and others because once you've invested $200-$300 in a tools and battery you are more likely to continue o buy the tools that can use the same batteries or accessories. Makes sense


Here is checklist before buying a new type of tool, consider these items with your next purchase

  • Do I know how to use it?

  • how easily can I return this?

  • Is there an inexpensive or smaller version that can get the job done?

  • Do I actually need it?

Do I know how to use this tool?

Some times (Often) Ill see some cool tools on social media and think "OH I NEED THAT" only to get it in the shop and end up completely lost on how to run material through or what the tool is actually for. one example that comes to mind is when I purchased a Grizzly Shaper because I was convinced I was going to need it to make my doors. I used it once like a router table and saw how much the shaper bits cost and regretted my decision. I you want to know how bad of a mistake this is to make, take a look at what the Shaper is here. It was big heavy and completely unnecessary. Now I love Grizzly Products, I just had no idea what i was doing and had no business a couple years in spending that kind of money on it.


How Easily Can I Return This?

If you are considering a significant or uncertain purchase, it's important to ensure that you have the option to receive a refund if needed. Familiarize yourself with the return policies of the retailer you choose. Opting for a store nearby and avoiding shipping whenever possible is advisable.


Is there an inexpensive or smaller version that can get the job done?

Don't be swayed by the flashy tutorials on YouTube featuring influencers showcasing their Festool Domino and dust extractors. While Festool is a reputable American company known for producing powerful and reliable tools, the cost can be hard to justify and mastering them can be challenging. Starting small and gradually progressing is a wise approach. Instead of investing in a Domino, consider using a biscuit jointer to practice precise board marking techniques with affordable biscuits available from various retailers. This way, you can save money and build your skills. If your workshop requires high-end tools in the future, then consider investing in them. For now, focus on beginner woodworking tools and enjoy learning without stress.


Do I actually need this tool? and is it a woodworking tool for beginners?


I have Spent a lot of money I didn't need to spend on tools that I never needed to buy because I get some idea in my head about my shop needs. In my past 5 years of building this business I have, surprisingly reduced the amount of tools in my shop to 4 main tools.

  1. Table saw

  2. Miter Saw

  3. Compressor and nail gun combination.

  4. Drill/Driver set

When used correctly, these four tools can efficiently complete 90% of woodworking tasks while requiring less space. Looking back, I wish I had invested more time in exploring the full capabilities of a table saw. Bottom Line, don't hesitate to purchase affordable tools that you can return if unsatisfied or even if you wish to upgrade. Woodworking is achievable regardless of budget constraints, but I prefer investing in high-quality materials rather than tools.




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2 Comments


Informative subscription.

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Thanks John. I appreciate you engaging with the post.


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