Woodshop Equipment List (What You’ll Need to Get Started)
So you want to get started in woodworking, huh?
That’s great! Woodworking is an amazing hobby that lets you create beautiful things out of wood with your own two hands.
But what exactly will you need in order to get started?
That’s what I’ll be going over today: a list of all the essential woodshop tools that you’ll need to get started with woodworking.
Just to clarify, this isn’t a list of every single tool that you’ll need. This is just a list of the things you’ll need to get started. You can always expand your collection later.
Also, I’ll be going over what you’ll need to look for in each tool, and why you’ll need it.
So, let’s get started.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
1. A Table Saw
This is the number one tool that you’ll need.
It lets you make crosscuts, rip cuts, angled cuts and pretty much any other kind of cut that you’ll need to do. It’s the backbone of the woodshop.
I’ve written a detailed guide on this, so just click here to read it if you’re unsure about what to look for in a table saw.
2. A Miter Saw
A miter saw is an absolute must-have if you’re planning on doing any kind of woodworking that involves angled cuts.
Sure, you can do all of your angled cuts on a table saw, but it’s a huge pain in the ass to do so.
If you’re serious about woodworking, then a miter saw is a tool that you’ll appreciate having in your woodshop.
3. A Drill
A drill is an absolute necessity for woodworking. You’ll use it for everything from driving in screws (and removing them) making pilot holes for screws to drilling holes for dowels.
A good drill will last you a lifetime, so don’t skimp out on this one. It’ll be worth the investment.
4. A Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a tool that’s used for making intricate curved cuts.
It’s a lot more versatile than a band saw, which is why I recommend getting one of these first.
It’s also a lot cheaper, so it’s less of a risk if you’re a beginner and you’re not sure how much you’ll use it.
And, even if you don’t end up using it much, it’s still worth getting one if you’re planning on doing some intricate work.
5. A Sander
A sander is an absolute necessity for any kind of woodworking.
You’ll be using it to smooth out surfaces and to remove any rough edges.
A belt sander is a great option if you don’t want to spend that much. They’re one of the cheaper sanders that you can buy, and they’re pretty effective too.
6. A Router
A router is one of those tools that you’ll appreciate having in your woodshop, even if you don’t use it too often.
For one, it’s an essential tool for making decorative edges, which is something you’ll do often in woodworking.
Secondly, it’s a great tool for efficiently cutting out shapes from a larger piece of wood.
And lastly, it’s a great tool for hollowing out wood.
7. A Thickness Planer
If you’re planning on working with rough lumber, then a thickness planer is an absolute must-have.
It’ll save you hours of time by letting you make your rough lumber flat and smooth.
It’s one of those tools that you’ll never regret having in your woodshop.
8. A Random Orbital Sander
A random orbital sander is a great tool for giving your wood a final, fine sanding.
It’s a lot more gentle than a belt sander, and it’s great for getting rid of any small imperfections in your wood.
I’d recommend this over a belt sander if you can only get one, just because you can always use a hand sanding block to rough sand your wood if you don’t have a belt sander.
Random orbital sanders are also pretty cheap, so it’s not a huge loss if you don’t end up using it that much.
9. A Coping Saw
A coping saw is another saw that’s great for making curved cuts.
The difference is that a coping saw is a lot smaller and more nimble than a jigsaw, which makes it great for making more intricate cuts.
It’s great for cutting out intricate shapes from a larger piece of wood, and it’s also great for making curved cuts.
10. A Block Plane
A block plane is a great tool for smoothing out your wood.
It’s great for removing any imperfections or rough spots in your wood, and it’s also great for chamfering edges.
It’s a pretty cheap tool, and it doesn’t take up much space either, so it’s definitely worth getting one.
11. A Chisel Set
A chisel set is great for doing all those little tasks that you can’t do with your other tools.
For example, they’re great for removing small amounts of wood without having to use something like a block plane.
If you’re planning on doing any kind of intricate woodworking, then a chisel set is an absolute must-have.
12. A Clamping Kit
This one isn’t a tool itself, but it’s an essential part of your woodshop that you’ll need if you want to be working safely and efficiently.
You’ll need clamps of all different shapes and sizes for woodworking, so I’d recommend getting a clamping kit.
If you can only get one type of clamp, then get bar clamps. They’re by far the most versatile type of clamp, and they’re the best for clamping larger pieces of wood together.
13. A Dust Mask
You’ll be generating a lot of sawdust when you’re woodworking, and sawdust isn’t something that you want to be breathing in.
The good news is that dust masks are pretty cheap, so there’s no excuse.
I’d recommend getting a NIOSH approved dust mask, as these filter out the harmful particles in sawdust. Regular face masks won’t do that.
14. Safety Goggles
Safety goggles are an absolute must-have.
You’ll be working with tools that generate a lot of sawdust, and you don’t want that sawdust flying into your eyes.
Safety goggles are the way to go. They’re cheap, and they’ll save your eyes from all that dust that you’re generating.
15. A Sturdy Woodworking Bench
Last but not least, a work bench is something that you must make room for. It is a big piece of equipment but it is a vital piece, get one that is strong and sturdy.