The Problem with Tool Buying
Hardware stores and online retailers want you to think you need everything. You don't. The most common story in woodworking goes like this: beginner buys £400/$500 of tools, gets overwhelmed, half of them never come out of the bag. The tools that actually earn their place are used on every single project. The rest gather dust.
This guide separates the essentials from the nice-to-haves — and tells you why each tool matters, not just that you should buy it.
The Essential Hand Tools
| Tool | Why You Need It | What to Look For | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tape Measure | Everything starts with a measurement | 5m minimum, blade lock, clear markings | £8–£20 |
| Combination Square | Marking right angles, checking square and depth | Buy quality — cheap ones are inaccurate | £15–£40 |
| Marking Gauge | Scribing parallel lines to an edge — essential for joints | Wheel type preferred over pin type | £12–£30 |
| Hand Saw | Crosscuts and ripping before power tools | 10–12 TPI for general work | £15–£45 |
| Tenon Saw | Precise cuts for joints and joinery | Hardpoint or replaceable blade | £18–£50 |
| Chisels (set of 4) | Paring joints, cleaning mortises, carving | 6, 12, 19 and 25mm. Keep sharp. | £30–£80 |
| Mallet | Driving chisels without damaging handles | Wooden or rubber. Not a hammer. | £15–£30 |
| Block Plane | Trimming end grain, fitting joints, chamfering edges | Adjustable mouth. Stanley No.60½ is a classic. | £25–£80 |
| Smoothing Plane | Flattening surfaces, removing machine marks | No.4 size for general work | £40–£150 |
| Card Scraper | Final smoothing — better than fine sandpaper on hardwoods | 0.5mm spring steel, rectangular | £5–£15 |
💡 A sharp tool is a safe tool. Buy a sharpening stone (combination 1000/3000 grit) and a leather strop when you buy your first chisels. Spending 5 minutes sharpening before you start will improve your results dramatically.
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Buy power tools as you need them for specific projects, not before. Here's the order that makes sense for most woodworkers:
- Cordless drill/driver — buy this first. You'll use it on every project. Get 18V with two batteries.
- Random orbital sander — saves enormous time and gives better results than hand sanding large areas. 125mm size.
- Circular saw or mitre saw — for faster, more accurate straight cuts. A sliding mitre saw is extremely versatile.
- Jigsaw — for curves and cutouts. Very useful for beginners working on outdoor projects.
- Router — unlocks a huge range of joints and profiles. One of the most versatile tools in the workshop. Buy when you're ready for it.
The Tools That Are Usually a Waste of Money for Beginners
- Biscuit jointer — pocket screws do the same job better and faster for most applications.
- Scroll saw — very limited use. Get a jigsaw instead.
- Large bench plane — useful but only once you have a flat bench to work on and understand planing technique.
- Dedicated sharpening machines — a good stone and strop is all you need to start.
Tool Storage — Don't Overlook This
Tools left loose in a drawer get damaged and become dangerous. A simple pegboard on the workshop wall with hooks costs almost nothing and transforms your workflow — every tool has a place, you can see what you have, and nothing gets buried or lost. It's one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make to any workshop.
⚠ Never store chisels loose in a drawer with other tools. The edges will be damaged and become dangerous. Use a chisel roll, a magnetic strip, or individual blade guards.
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