If you have an interest in DIY projects, building furniture, or just creating something with your own two hands, you may be wondering what tools are needed for woodworking. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple answer because the truth is that it depends on what you want to create. 

Our thought on the matter is that if you’re just getting started, you should decide what you want to build first, then determine which tools you’ll need to get the job done. This allows you to build your collection slowly but surely, ensuring that you don’t just make a purchase because you found it on a list of must-have woodworking tools.

With that in mind, there are some tools that will inevitably end up in every shop. What are those tools, you ask? We’re covering that in today’s post, so keep reading to learn more. 

What Must-Have Woodworking Tools Do You Need to Get Started?

Hand Saws

Whether you want to be a power tool woodworker or a hand tool woodworker, there is a large chance that you’ll end up needing a hand saw at some point or another. Sure, you might want to outfit your shop with a table saw, a bandsaw, or a miter saw, but the right hand saw will get you started on the right foot, allowing you to practice skills that will come in handy later on while giving you something you’ll use for years to come. We recommend starting with a flush-trim saw or a Japanese pull saw (or both, of course). You’ll find countless uses for these inexpensive hand tools. 

A Lathe

As Lifehacker notes, the woodworker and actor Nick Offerman recommends getting a small lathe if you’re just getting started, noting that “it doesn’t take long to learn the basics and you can finish great-looking pieces in a couple hours.” We agree. Having a lathe on hand opens up a world of possibilities where you can create everything from lamp bases to wooden toys to salt and pepper shakers. We offer a handful of kits and accessories to get you started with your new lathe, but you’re sure to find that the lathe is an addicting tool that you’re sure to love from the very beginning. 

A Woodburning Kit

If you’ve never used a Colwood wood burning kit before, you’re in for a real treat. The great thing about wood burning tools is that they allow you to personalize any project you make. They’re the perfect way to add a signature and date to your piece, add decorative touches, or provide a unique look. At the end of the day, no matter what other tools you use to create your projects, you’re sure to love finishing them off with your trusty wood burner.

Now Is the Time to Get Started

At Long Island Woodworking Supply, we believe that the best way to get started with woodworking is to find a project that excites you, do your research, buy what you need, and give it a go. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay if it doesn’t turn out perfectly. In other words, no matter what you’re building, you should always consider it an experiment — and you should be proud of the results! After all, not everyone builds things with their own two hands these days.

The truth is that it can be easy to dissuade yourself from getting started with woodworking because it seems like you need a huge shop full of fancy tools. Thankfully, that’s not true. There’s always more than one way to complete a project, so use your head, do your research, and get started. Trust us when we say that completing your first project is rewarding and fulfilling, and it will inspire you to want to learn more, do better, and keep moving forward.

Of course, at Long Island Woodworking Supply, we have a variety of tools needed for woodworking, ensuring that no matter what project you want to complete, you’ll find what you need here on our site. With fast shipping and unsurpassed customer service, our goal is to set you up for long-term woodworking success. Browse our entire selection and place your order today. Have a question? Contact us to get the help you need.

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