10 Must-Have Tools For Beginner Woodworkers
This is my list of the top 10 Tools I recommend for Beginner Woodworkers! All of us got started off somewhere, these tools are what I believe will get you into woodworking quickly and affordably. I get a lot of emails and messages about how to get started in woodworking, this is one of the things I feel is important to understand early on when you begin your journey.
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Cheap Drill & Impact Driver - geni.us/dBTN26u (Amazon)
Better Drill & Impact Driver - geni.us/vZsd4a (Amazon)
7 1/4" Circular Saw - geni.us/FOyS (Amazon)
Clamps - kit.co/JohnMaleckiBuilds/bess...
Job Site Table Saw - geni.us/Xb4dhLG (Amazon)
Hybrid Table Saw - bit.ly/JM_JETHybrid
Cabinet Table Saw - bit.ly/JM_Sawstop5HP
12" Planer - bit.ly/JM_Planer12
13.5" Planer - bit.ly/JM_PLaner13
20" Floor Model Planer -
8" Helical Head Jointer - bit.ly/JM_Jointer8HH
Simple Pocket Hole Jig - geni.us/QBoTn (Amazon)
Better Pocket Hole Jig - geni.us/Bnad (Amazon)
Best Pocket Hole Jig - geni.us/BTSak (Amazon)
12" Basic Miter Saw - geni.us/nJ8vpkq (Amazon)
12" Compound Sliding Miter Saw - geni.us/3VoxhA (Amazon)
Combo Router Base - bit.ly/JM_Router
Bench Top Drill Press - bit.ly/JM_BenchDrillPress
Floor Model - bit.ly/JM_FloorDrillPress
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watching these kind of videos makes me realize how nice my high school woodshop was
As a woodworker/cabinet maker for the last 30 years or so, I think this is a great list. I'd like to add a few little extra bits of my own, if I may, in no particular order: 1. You can never have too many clamps. 2. Table saw - if you're buying a small table saw, get one that allows you to change the blade from the top. Might sound like a no brainer, but some small saws require the whole machine to be flipped over to change the blade which is a nuisance, believe me, especially if it is on a stand. 3. Cutting tools - buy decent cutting tools, whether they be saw blades, router bits, drill bits, whatever. Buying cheap ones is a false economy as they go blunt really fast and will either give crappy cuts or you'll have to change them more often. Same with glue - buy decent glue. It'll hold way better than cheap stuff. 4. The drill press - the floor standing ones are great, but keep in mind some manufacturers offer a bench top version of their floor standing drills. I have a big Record Power pillar drill that has a 3 foot post instead of 6 feet. This allowed me to make a heavy duty drawer unit on wheels so I have the height and power of the floor standing drill, but with storage for all the drill bits, sanding drums etc and, if I need to, I can move it easily. I have never needed to use the full height of the bed (who needs to drill through 3 feet?) so it works really well. 5. You can never have too many clamps. 6. Band saws - if you're buying floor standing shop tools, a band saw is very useful and should be considered in addition to the items in the video. 7. Routers - to reiterate what was said in the video, routers are incredibly flexible tools that will massively increase the scope of what you can do with your projects. They can be a bit scary, but as long as you stick to the recommended speeds, make shallow cuts and don't do anything silly, they're quite safe to use. 8. Shop vac - worth looking at if you're going to be using power tools. These machines can create a huge amount of dust and chips, and a shop vac will help alleviate that and make tidying up much easier. 9. Biscuit joinery - as well as pocket hole screws, you might want to look at biscuit joinery, especially for cabinet making. It removes the need for screws, nails etc and creates very strong, completely invisible joints. 10. You can never have too many clamps.
Some great additions! I thought the list was great, but was surprised that dust extraction was only mentioned in passing, and bandsaws not mentioned at all!
i would add 1 more thing to your list!. CLAMPS!! that is All.
Well, I think Marc Spagnolo (the wood whisperer) has too many clamps. Watch one of his videos to understand my point. Also, what biscuit jointer do you recommend? I assume Ryobi is to be avoided...
You always need 2 more clamps than what you have on hand 🤷🏽♂️
I think you missed that we need clamps
This is a great list, but I honestly would not consider some of these tools "beginner tools." My list would only include a circular saw, a jigsaw, a drill-driver combo, a random orbit sander, a shop vac, and F-clamps. My rationale is that power tools like the table saw and the router may come across as intimidating to a new woodworker. Plus, some of these suggestions are not cheap; a benchtop jointer, for example, is going to run you at least $300-$400, and even the low-end thickness planers are going to run you $400. Obviously, I'm not accounting for something you might be able to find on the secondhand market, but a novice is likely not going to know enough to make an informed purchase. The better approach, in my opinion, is to start simple, get comfortable making some basic projects, and then start buying tools as you find a need for them. Beyond this, I do compliment you on your explanation of these tools and their purpose.
Agreed
@ryan norris agreed, but then again that was my point.
@@JeffreyMoon1974 your list is practical. His list is NOT. No beginning shop list should contain tools over $1,000. I swear most of these "top 10 tools" videos are done just to show off their high priced tools, and to try and get more free things from sponsors.
@@JeffreyMoon1974 I think a table saw if ur making more than 3 projects is reaaally necessary at that point. I tried being cheap with a circ saw and everything took forever. And the weird placement made things get sketchy sometimes without a huge table/bending over constantly. Table saw once debunked and safely used felt way better for regular cuts.
@@dylan-nguyen I agree that there are things you can do with a table saw that are more difficult with a circular saw, and I LOVE my table saw. That said, as I stated, you should start buying tools as you find a need for them. The flip side to that is that you buy all these tools as John recommends and then they sit in your garage or basement collecting dust (and not sawdust) because you have no time or you lose interest. FWIW, when I started woodworking, I didn't have a table saw for about the first ten years or so. Do I wish I had bought one sooner? OF COURSE, but my time between projects didn't make it worth getting one and I managed most cuts with my circular saw or jigsaw (more the former than the latter). Once I found myself in the shop more, then it became an obvious purchase to step up my game.
As a novice I'm really interested by your pocket holes comment. Can you do a video showing when to use and not to and why?
Never!
you can use pocket holes just about any were from table top to doing framing
There are many good uses for pocket holes, but typically should only be used with 3/4" or 1" thick material building like box work for cabinets or what have you.
I am a convert. Pocket holes are great, you just have to do it right. Steve Ramsey has great videos on it
Mainly for strengthening right angle joints with a diagonal brace, like that 📐, it’s usually seen in make shift table tops and framework for doors or gates
Thank you so much for creating this list of tools. I find this extremely helpful. I'm at the beginning stages of woodworking and your expertise takes the guesswork out of the equation. Creating this list of tools and adding it to my iPhone for future purchases. Thanks again!! You are slaying the game and educating me with each video.
16:08 one of the quickest tool showdowns ever, thanks for that!
I’m in carpentry class right now, inspired by you, but I will watch this once I’m done. Thank you for all you have shown and taught me!
I love your videos as I am a starting Wood worker. I'm glad you keep is simple and straight to the point. Keep it up.
As a total hobbyist, I really appreciate this! Thanks, really terrific, hope you keep going with it!
Thanks so much! Love all your videos. Yep, I'm a beginner and have been doing wood/epoxy projects with the most basic tools. I'm wanting to expand on my tools and this helps a bunch!!
Another great video John. Love the no bs approach to the advice you give.
Running this video in the format you did for the bar stools would also be great. Like others mentioned, that format is really fun and engaging. Thanks John!
Hey thanks for the vid it really helped me
Thanks for the great video, My girlfriend started watching these videos with me and now I have to remodel her closet... Sound advice I used a job site for years before I got a table.. still use the job site when i have too work out side the shop.
This is the video I needed all this time. Just getting started with woodworking.
Thank you for this video. I’ve been woodworking for over 2 years now, and I’m officially obsessed! My husband remembers you from the Steelers. I have a lot of these tools we’ve bought over the last year, except a router. That’s my next purchase, and a planer. My dad was very much into woodworking and has a wood shop in his house. I drool over all of his equipment whenever I visit.
love the Black Rifle Coffee Co banner. thumbs up for that alone
Hey John! Loving the content as always! As an aspiring woodworker, I would love to see a video dedicated to re-sawing and breaking down raw lumber efficiently/correctly. Much love from a fellow Sam in New Zealand!
Haha a fellow kiwi in the comments
Haha another fellow Kiwi in the comments
Man, I love the way you film, speak, and explain. This was a great video for my limited woodshop to avoid wasting money but I can just binge your videos that aren't even relevant to me. You keep them incredibly entertaining and educational. Thank you!
John thank you so much I have been waiting for an video like this. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work make on my friend great videos
Love you too bro! Thanks for the killer videos!
I was blown away like a queef in a tornado, by the dewalt 12v performance .
Absolutely disgusting... Thank you for making my random Saturday night two years later. I'm definitely about to get slapped by my wife, cheers!
Thanks for this, it's a pipe dream but good to know what to target down the road!
Was a past homeowner woodworker, you are getting me back into it now that I am retired from my job! Thanks!
18 volts = more power.. lol anyone else hear Tim "the tool man" Taylor!! Keep it up we love the channel...
Great video John! I'm new to woodworking so this was very helpful for me , I also really liked your last video on the bar stolls would love to see more smaller projects like that. keep up the great work!
Gotta be one of the best 10 tools for beginners out there. Really appreciate your honesty and explaining the reasons for them on the list and their location.
Thanks for showing all levels of tools! It's easy to watch youtube videos and see wall to wall Powermatic/Jet/Festool/etc... tools and think you have to have them to make cool stuff.
Great video John, good info. The I-Beam clam is not a new innovation. I have two of them in my shop that I got from my Uncle, that are over 50 years old, they were made by Jorgenson which I think that Bessy bought out a few years ago. They are really great for heavy duty clamping and are heavy as hell.
I like how everything is "the most versatile tool in the shop" :D
I love it lol
I enjoy watching your videos they're informative and professional and I'm glad I have them in my history so I can always refer back to them you do a good job give yourself a big pat on the back and have a Merry Christmas
Fantastic tips, John! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
100% agree with Malecki on the Router being lower on the list. I was terrified of it, which I knew that fear could lead to more mistakes on it rather than make me use it in a safe manner. So I didn't use one till I was about a year into learning woodworking. After that, it's become a staple in my tool use, but I made lots of things without one too. Malecki is bang on in this regard. Also the video is pretty great for beginners. So if you're new listen to his advice.
And 11: enough space in the shop to have all these tools 😄
I did not plan to make use of this woodworking book, *TopFineWoodworking. Com* but instead curious about it. I had been truly amazed right after trying it. I was seeking to learn more about the art of woodworking, and was not disappointed. I found many topics such as wood types and designing your workshop.
On most woodworking channels, the shop space is what usually wows me/makes me jealous first
You ain't kidding!! My shop is half of a 2 car garage! And I have to share it with my wife's car. My truck wouldn't fit in the garage anyway.
Bessey, as sponsor: "We will give you $10,000 for your show" Next day in the mail, 15 clamps are found on the front porch...
Just found you great tips single mom and needing to learn all these handy skills so far I love your teaching very easy to understand 🙏❤️
Great vid and right on point wrt where I am in my tool inventory. Have the first 5 already - though I need to get some of those killer clamps. Thanks for putting this together, it answered a lot of questions for me.
I got my first impact drill, grinder and circular saw the other day, so stoked!!! XD
Just bought my first set. As soon as I setup the circular and tried it for the first timw it dawned on me how powerful and scary it is. Have fun and be safe.
You can cut anything with an angle grinder.
@@thewoodweldingfabricator9300 Arent those typically for tile and metal?
@@Wopko typically. But I use mine, with a flapper disc, for gross material removal when I'm power carving.
@@thewoodweldingfabricator9300 Ok cool. Thx
Ha! You post a video stating the dangers of a router, literally the day after I nearly lost a whole fingertip to mine. Luckily, it didn’t end up as bad as it could have (still blood all over my workpiece and shop), and I was right back to using it the next day to finish a job.
Can’t wait to get a jointer. Thank you for the tips
Enjoyed your opinion on this topic John! Appreciate the info and details!
7:45 Great shoutout to @3x3Custom - Tamar you're both 2 of my fav follows on the youtubes
I instantly went to check out some of her videos and subscribed.
I think we all need to know where you got that Ron Swanson picture. That should be a necessity in every woodworking shop
Love your vids bro very informative, super helpful for us beginners and those just having some fun with wood. Cheers
Fantastic and very informative video. Loved hearing your opinion on each of the tools. Greetings from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
I think this is actually the first "tools for beginners" video I've actually agreed with! thanks for another great video!
me: can't even afford a router John: we have routers designated to different bits for convenience so we don't have to change them
Try amazon katsu router supper cheep
I'd try to find an old Porter Cable. They were/are the best ones on the market (unless their quality has gone down a ton) and so there should be tons on the used market. It really depends on what you will use it for. Any cheap one can do edge banding trimming, but you'll need a BIG one for raised door panels and the like.
I bought a new car cause the ashtrays were dirty, John.
@@woodworkerroyer8497 cool im not doing much with it I was thinking of just getting a dewalt at home depot but I really need a job most places don't employe 14 yo
Reminds me of fishing as well. I love fishing and only use 2 different poles then when I watch KZhead fisherman they take like 7 different poles to the lake just so don't have to keep changing lures lol
Always impressed with your shop. Lots of space and Badass toys to build the world with! 💪
Thank you. This is incredibly helpful. I am a big DIYer but in the most archaic sense. The only saw I have is a 30 year old hand saw. The only power tool I have is a cordless drill. I have been wanting to buy a power saw for a while but feel overwhelmed when shopping. Thank you for telling me EXACTLY what to get. This is just what I needed. Now to go check out your other vids.
Nobody: Absolutely nobody at all: John: VERSATILE 😂 Keep up the quality content!!
I would actually recommend getting a Jig Saw before a Skil Saw
I guess it depends on what you're mostly working on, but I disagree.
I guess it depends what you're mostly working on, but I agree
Agree. A little safer and much more versatile. Unless you're cross cutting a bunch of like 2x4s from the jump. If that's the case, you'll probably throw the jigsaw right out the window and buy a circular saw, miter saw or even table saw.
Nah most beginners aren’t cutting curves, I would say skill saw because it’s easier to cut straight and is easier to cut a 90 or 45 with a skill saw, especially if you use a square to use as a guide
@@jamesmclaughlin5922 can't really disagree except that a jigsaw has a foot on it exactly like a circular saw which can be used with a speed square.
John, I found your channel only a few days ago and have binged everything. Love your projects. Great video as always. I liked the concept for tools. Maybe one could be done for finishes, woodworking techniques, etc. Great information as always.
GOD Bless You My Brother! Thanks For The Lesson “Teacher”, Truly My Friend. ONE LOVE!
You and quarantine are the reason I'm considering a career change mid pandemic. I hate you and love you at the same time. My bank account despises you LOL
You might already have a lot of this stuff. Probably circular saw, cordless drill, miter saw, router
@@raul0ca actually not much other than hammers and hand tools minus a drill. I’ve bought everything in my adult years. Dad wasn’t generally a power tool or DIY person
@@simplysimon1918 Dude it's gonna get expensive but you'll get a lot of cool stuff. Scott Brown Carpentry has a rundown of what he uses when working on houses which is different from this woodshop stuff Also invest in PPE first! Eye protection,, good lighting for your work station and hearing protection and clamps to keep your work secure. Think about all the ways the power tool can hurt you and avoid those things.
Hey im building a desk and im struggling a little on the design is there any way I could contact you?
I love your channel and I learn a lot! thanks for that buddy! It would be great if you can explain when to use the pocker holes and compared with other joins to have a clear idea when to use it.
This is exactly what I wanted to see. Thank you.
Take a shot every time he says “the most versatile tool”
I’m drunk and I just clicked skip ad 🤣
My phone would run out of space
Ron Swanson in the background made this video for me... lol
i was looking for this
This video was really useful I can finally start woodworking
really helpful! our factory makes big woodworking tools and now we plan to buy some small ones, your video gives us great ideas !
When you realise you have more of the second part of the list before you have more of the first ... 😂
yah, im right there with ya Allisen.
We don't talk about trim carpenters on this channel....
Please don’t fire them up. They’re so mean... and talented ... and good looking .... and smart........ dammit I should’ve been a trim carpenter
@@John_Malecki Hey now, im a nice one :)
Hey..... Thanks for the info, it was very useful to me. Iam begining with this amazing art and way of life.
Absolutely love your videos bud! Much love from Texas!
11:18 I was so ready for your sponsor to be....TREES! thank you nature for giving us trees to cut down and make really cool shit out of...TREE! (you can use that if you want, no charge ;)
Routers are scary, I think I still have one circling the earth in a low orbit.
LOL!
Thank you John, its nice to get a pro's view on what tools to by first. And no I'm not being a smart aleck, i do consider you a professional wood worker.
Great video, will be helpful with setting up my workshop.
I'm a little confused on why a good sander isn't on here
You should add a shirt, “let us spray!” With a spray gun below the saying. Just sayin!
yes! like with the siloute of a preacher holding a spray gun and something silly like a hazmat book
*just spraying
I really enjoy your videos!! I just started watching you and you make watching very enjoyable!! Thank you!
This was a great video and super informative. Could you do a top ten hand tools video as well?
Omg I just found ten different definitions of the word 'versatile' in the dictionary
Still shouldn't have covered up those hardwood floors though.
I didn’t cover up any hardwood tho. They were softwood....
Excellent tips of Great tools with Fantastic Design. Tips that will no doubt be useful for the years to come. Thank you for sharing!
Great information on the basic tools to get you started
The most important tools you'll ever have, are your noodle and your grabbers.
And, the 11th tool for any good woodworker: a cast iron-grated grill for the purpose of proper meat-sweats! Amirite?!
Useful video John, thanks for sharing
Awesome video, thanks for the advice!!
Just discovered your channel. Getting into woodworking. Great content, thanks.
awesome video very helpful like most things as a home owner/hobiest i have some tools from both groups but this helped with the bigger stuff. would love to see a video on the smaller hand tools .......like chisels, palm planers, what brands, edge setup and how to sharpen etc
Grrrrrreat consultation! Thank you good Sir!!!
Hi John, I am a big fan of your work and your youtube channel. I would really like if you can make a video on using pallets (or how to make them usable for projects) and how to get lumber from small logs/firewood without using big machines? (for hobbyists / weekend woodworkers) . Thanks.
Great stuff as always, Still missing out on a jointer and a planer. Man do I want a helical head in both. Grizzly had a Jointer/planer combo that was dang neat as well. May still be available. I dont want to check and temp myself. Great vid John!
Was setting up sheet metal shelters for animals. My friend's dad and I had to share an impact driver between us while his son had the regular drill. We were both done with our areas before he was even close to being finished. Was our first job using impacts and it won us over
Thanks John. As someone who has been woodworking about 10 years, I completely agree with most everything you said, and really agree with your thoughts on wanting to know you can work with a dangerous tool before upgrading to it (i.e. the router in your case). I have never had a circular saw, track saw, miter saw or pocket hole jig, but outside of the latter one, I have definitely found situations where they would have come in handy. Thanks again for this content. It's really great!
Hi, since you didn't have any saws (as such), may I ask how did you manage cutting wood? I am facing a similar conundrum!
@@jimbokraut640 I have a few saws: table saw, band saw (which replaced the jig saw I had when I first started), and other than that, I do most everything with Japanese hand saws.
I agree with John's view on pocket hole joinery 👍👍👍
Incredible. Thank you.
Great video for the newb. Ibeam clamps have been around for a long time tho. I have a couple that are over 100 years old and love it. 👍
Just subscribed because of the picture of Nick Offerman in the background. Nothing better than a woodworker showing respect for another woodworker..... :)
I think its awesome that you mention that brand doesn't matter. So many people feel like you have to have the most expensive and pretty tools to make stuff, but really you can use any brand!
Yes! But also that he mentioned to be mindful when it comes to Cordless because of interchangeable batteries and to pick one but stick to it! Like brand doesn't matter but once you buy a certain brand whatever it is...stick to it:)
I do finish cuts with my miter saw, I use a 100 tooth blade, and I've also taken sand paper and put it on either side of the blade so it sands the cut smooth. Works amazing. Doesn't make the kerf any wider either.
Excellent informative show...Thank you.
Love your vids man keep it up!
Sir, thank you! Love from the Philippines
great video, and i know you guys mainly work with wood, but can you do a top 5 or top 10 for beginning machinists or metalworking?? very nice video!
Great video! I learned some things..👍🏾
Hello sir, thank you so much for such an interesting video. I can add the following information based on my personal experience. I still don't have most of the tools that you have shown, but I have a great desire to make, restore and create. I believe that the main thing that a beginner needs is a desire, the rest is all a technical process. And if you want to, you can improvise, it is very important, even if it is a primitive method. Good luck, success and health to all. Best regards.
Great suggestions John! 😃👍🏻👊🏻