New Year New Hobbies: Woodworking

Want to start woodworking but don’t know what tools to get? This article will tell you of the ten tools you need to start your new hobby.

A new year is beginning! Giving you the chance to try a new hobby. This year you decided on trying your hand at woodworking. Don’t worry Acme Tools has you covered on a few things that you’ll need to get started. As well as some projects you can work on your own.

We have another blog post about the three things you’ll need to start a woodworking shop. Now we’ll cover the basic tools you need to get started or to expand your shop. Here are the top ten other tools you’ll need to get started on your woodworking journey.

1. Clamps

If you are starting, or an established woodworker, you will always need clamps. They are for securing pieces to a work area so you can have free hands. You can also use them to set your project together for sturdiness when you are adding screws, nails, or glue. Clamps are a versatile tool that has a use however you need them to fit your current job. With a variety of styles, sizes, and made out of different materials, you can find one that can handle your project.

2. Pocket Hole Machines

This item is for the woodworker who doesn’t like to see screw holes in their projects. The pocket holes will discretely hide screws in your project while offering more support.

3. Circular Saw

Now any saw can be used, but for portability and something that fits in your hand, a circular saw is something you need to look into getting. A circular saw will allow for flexibility to fit into different jobs and is the most affordable saw. With other attachments, you can convert it into a track saw or even a table saw if you wanted.

4. Router

You would use this tool to add rounded edges for refined looks onto your piece and not making edges so sharp. You could also use these as to make dado and slots for specific uses. This tool can be on the later to buy list, but when it comes up, you’ll be glad you have it in your shop.

5. Planer

A planer is an alternative to a router if you prefer more control or a different style for your work. The tool comes in either as a hand tool or electric and depending on your skill level and your budget you can pick the best one that suits you.

6. Hand Saw

This tool may be a bit counterintuitive to the other items on this list, but sometimes it is needed to get the job done. Hand saws offer control, and certain ones allow precise cutting in tight areas where other saws can’t reach or would leave a rough edge. Available but will take the most to use for larger projects but perfect if you need to make less then ten cuts.

7. Miter Saw

A great addition to a shop that makes quick cuts if pieces need to be the same length. Depending on the saw itself you can even get beveled edges and make them consistently. Powerful enough as well to handle thicker boards you can have this stationary in the shop, so you don’t have to go chasing it down.

8. Drill

Use this tool to make pilot holes to add screws into your projects. Then secure multiple screws fast, thanks to this little device. It will be a time saver compared to having to hand screw. Then with interchangeable heads, swap out between bits for different jobs.

9. Impact Driver

For denser woods, securing multiple pieces, or using different materials together an impact will drive screws through them giving you the security you need. Not to mention if you want to use bolts or thicker fastener this can easily drive them into the material.

10. Dust Collection/ Respirator

Now either one would be fine, but you need to have at least one of them in your shop at all times. Wood dust can be harmful and having a way of clearing the air or preventing it from entering your respiratory system is for your safety.

Now, this may seem like a lot to start with, but the early investment now pays off later. Of course, you are by no means required to get any of these items. Choosing the right tools and the ones that you will use most often is crucial. But if power tools aren’t you way to go there are plenty of affordable hand tools to choose from if you don’t mind the elbow grease that will be required.

No one wants to get into a hobby they won’t find fun in every aspect. Having these tools can help you enjoy the process of making a new piece of furniture or decoration while finding new ways to improve your skills and use them on your next build.

Starting Projects

A few good starting projects would be to start simple and make a cutting board or a simple sign. You will learn all the basic of getting an object flat and true while getting familiar with your tools. But if you are looking for more challenging woodworking projects, we have plenty of DIY posts and videos that you can use to build something you like. The posts and videos go in step-by-step instructions as well as the supplies you need to get the project done.

Makerspace (Createspace)

On the fence about doing woodworking and the tools? Don’t worry some places, like a Makerspace or Createspace, offer classes on woodworking. They usually have classes on tool safety as well as some basic builds. If you are interested in this option, you should check in your local area if they have a similar place. Grand Forks has a Makerspace that has been offering a place for people who don’t have tools, or the space to put them, to create their pieces. They also offer classes on some fun and simple decoration pieces.

Renting is an Option

But if you feel like you don’t need classes but still don’t want to buy the tools, you can’t rent them. Use them for as long as you need, try different brands, and find out which ones you need while getting your project done.


Did this article answer your question on what tools to buy? If we missed anything, please let us know in the comment section down below. For you experienced woodworkers what else would you advise for new people getting into the hobby? If you are looking for the best tools and the best deals make sure to go Acme Tools online store. Find deals on a variety of tools and brands. Keep up with the blog for more woodworking tools and other DIY articles. That way you can always Do Your Best Work.

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