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.