The Best Woodworking Tools for Beginners

If you enjoy working with wood for a hobby, are a keen DIYer, or are a professional carpenter, knowing which are the best woodworking tools for beginners will ensure you’ll master your craft and complete your projects safely. Our handy guide talks you through some of the essential woodworking tools you’ll need to get you started, whether assembling furniture or creating joinery, or boxing in pipes in your home.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tools

Each woodworking tool serves a distinct purpose and understanding when to use which one can significantly enhance the precision and quality of your work. Certain tools can be more appropriate and effective for specific tasks, and as a beginner it's not necessary to have all the tools in the market. It's about having the right tools and knowing how to use them properly.

So ideally you would start with a core set, a bit like a starter woodworking kit, and over time build your woodworking toolkit as you gain more experience and take on more complex projects that might need more bespoke tools.

Prices for all tools will vary depending on the materials they are made from, how and where they are made, and as a general rule you should only pay what you can afford - you may discover as you get comfortable with different techniques that you may need further tools or or slightly different tools so can add on as required.

The Essential Hand Tools for Beginner Woodworkers

Here’s our guide to which are the essential woodworking tools for beginners that will help cover off a range of basic woodworking jobs.

Bench chisels

A set of general, all-purpose, bevel-edged chisels will cover most of your shaving, paring, chopping or splitting wood needs. Whether you are looking to make notches for your door hinges, or cut out corners for joints, look for plastic handled chisels or those with a striking cap to prevent the handles from splitting if using together with a hammer or mallet.

Mallet

Whether you need to make a deep cut with a chisel or do some intricate detailed woodwork you’ll need help from a mallet. Choosing a wood mallet or a plastic one is down to what type of project you are most likely to be undertaking; a wooden mallet will offer more control while a rubber or plastic mallet will provide more force and is ideal for heavier duties.

Coping saw

This versatile hand tool can be used on thinner pieces of wood and mouldings for intricate cuts, and the flexibility of the coping saw's blade allows it to cut curves and shapes with precision. Coping saws have blades that can be replaced, and usually feature between 12 and 20 TPI with small teeth to allow a neater finish.

Universal Handsaw

A universal handsaw is a great all-purpose cutting tool that will allow you to quickly cut through timber. It has a fairly large blade so leaves a rougher finish so is not ideal for intricate work.

Block plane

When you need to smooth out the edges of the wood you have cut you’ll need a plane, a block plane  is the ideal tool for this.The blade is set at a lower angle in comparison to other types of planes, making it ideal for cutting the end grain on a piece of wood.

Measuring tool

For any kind of accurate work you’ll need a simple measuring device such as a combination square, tape or rule. Measuring correctly will guarantee the fit and functionality of your crafted pieces, and also minimise any waste.

Marking gauge

A marking gauge is a traditional woodworking tool used for accurately marking out lines for cutting or shaping in carpentry and joinery. It can be used to mark parallel lines either with or across the grain by scoring the surface of the wood with a small pin or blade.

Clamps

A clamp will provide stability when you are sawing, chiselling, or applying adhesive to your wood. Clamps are also invaluable if your project involves joining wood together, as they will keep the pieces tightly bound while glue dries, ensuring a strong, precise bond. There are a wide variety of types available so you may need a few different sizes if you are going to be working on different sized pieces of wood.

Where to Work?

You’ll need to think about where you are going to be doing your wood work - ideally a space like a garage is best, however you could also work in the back garden or in a space that is easy to clean up - woodworking can be a messy job! You might want to invest in a workbench, sawhorse or trestle tables which generally are able to fold down so can easily be stored away, and will provide a portable workspace whether you are building a set of shelves, a storage box, or a bird table.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Woodworking Tools

Looking after your woodworking tools can ensure their longevity and performance. Keep them dust-free as sawdust can be corrosive, and always store them in a dry, cool place to prevent rusting. You will need to regularly sharpen your tools, as dull edges can damage the woodwork, make the job a lot harder, and be unsafe to work with. An oil stone is an example of a simple tool that can be used to sharpen your edge tools such as chisels and planes. It is easy to use and takes no time at all to get a clean edge back to your tools. 

When it comes to caring for your tools, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the quality of your tools.

Safety First: Woodworking Tool Safety Tips

Woodworking can be a rewarding hobby, but it's crucial to remember that safety should always come first, especially for beginners. Here are a few tips to help you get started. 

1. Wear appropriate safety gear. This includes safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris, and a dust mask to prevent inhalation of sawdust.
2. Keep your work area clean and well-organised. A cluttered workspace can lead to accidental injuries. Make sure your tools are stored properly and your workspace is clean of sawdust and scraps.
3. Always use sharp tools. A dull blade can be more dangerous than a sharp one as it requires more force to cut and can slip more easily.
4. Never rush. Take your time, as rushing increases the chances of an accident.

Ready to Get Started!

Now you have an idea on what the basic woodworking tools for beginners are you can get started! The English Woodworker has some useful guidance on woodworking techniques to help you take the first steps, and take a look at this blog from the DIY Doctor for some ideas on carpentry projects you could take on at home.

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