(updated for 2025)
As a new woodworker, you might ask “What tools do I need to start woodworking” and “What are the best woodworking tools”?
Good questions… Tough to answer. Until you know – what you want to build, what’s your budget, how much space you have to create in your wood shop, and power limitations in that space. And when budgeting, don’t forget, there are consumables that you’ll be using, like screws, glue, drawer guides and pulls, and sandpaper.
Most woodworkers and cabinet installers try to start with these (your mileage may vary):
- Drill and driver combo
- Circular saw (or track saw)
- Miter saw
- Table saw
- Router
- Sander (palm or RO)
This list can quickly expand to adding; a Brad and/or pin nailer, planer, and dust control system, but it’s what works best with YOUR budget and whether it could be cordless or electric.
(you can also check my articles about mistakes doing dust control, hybrid table saws, or benchtop planers.
Here are my recommended woodworking tools and supplies that I recommend for different budgets. During my 20+ years in luxury building, woodworking, and cabinet installations, I have owned and used lots of different woodworking tools and products, and won’t recommend something I don’t believe in.
I do use affiliate links to help support my site, which means if you purchase something through a link I may receive a small commission, but it costs YOU nothing extra and is an easy way of showing your support, so I appreciate it!
Cordless Tools
When you first start out, choosing the RIGHT cordless tools might seem daunting. I’ll recommend the tools below based on my experience with them. If possible, I suggest cordless tools with “BRUSHLESS” motors.
They are stronger, have more torque, and get you longer battery life. But, “brushed motor” cordless tools are just fine and are way less expensive to save your budget. You can always upgrade later.
NOTE: Keep in mind you should consider a tool’s “battery ecosystem”. No matter what brand you start with, you should think about how many other tools they offer that use the same batteries (and chargers).
Otherwise, you can end up with lots of different chargers and batteries that are NOT interchangeable. This is not a “set in stone” rule, just something to consider.
Let’s start off my recommended woodworking tools with something you’ll use every day.
Budget Cordless Tool Combo Kit
If you are working on a budget, I can comfortably recommend this combo set of brushed tools. It gets you some of the basics you will need to get started in one kit.
When people talk about the best woodworking tools, they tend to give Ryobi a lot of crap (online) but DON’T listen to the keyboard warriors.
Ryobi has a HUGE selection of tools, that are very good for the price, and dozens that are compatible with their vast tool line that shows 263 tools in their 18v line alone! If you’re starting on a budget, they are worth looking at.
Here is just one Ryobi combo kit that can get you started on the cheap!
Mid-Range Cordless Tool Combo Kit
For those looking for cost-efficient tools in a combo kit, this DeWALT ATOMIC kit is the one I would suggest buying because it is more powerful, smaller, and has brushless motors. It’s a 20v Lithium-Ion system and will last you for years.
You should also look at Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel brushless tools, like their drill and driver set, and their detail sander. All fantastic tools at an affordable price.
Best Bang for the Buck – Cordless track saw
Here are two options for cordless track saws:
- Ridgid’s new cordless track saw is reported to be released into the wild around mid-summer 2023. It’s priced at just under $400 but remember you’ll need to buy a guide and batteries.
- The Milwaukee track saw system is available now and getting very high reviews. It’s a beast too.
The Best Cordless Tools. Period. End of story.
It should be no surprise when I say that I consider Festool to be top-of-the-line when it comes to offering the best woodworking tools with the best warranty around, from miter saws and sanders to their routers, track saws, or domino joiners. They just make amazing tools. Period.
Not only are they an amazing company, with a family culture and the highest quality, but their service department is second to none. For this reason, I mention several of their tools here for those who know that quality and longevity do come with a price and they are willing to pay for that.
This Festool random orbital sander is one you can buy and use for your entire woodworking career.
Next is the Festool cordless track saw with guide and Systainer. If you are going to be breaking down sheet goods then you are going to need a good track saw, no matter what budget you’re working with.
If you can afford it, this will last you as long as you are in woodworking!
Miter Saws
Best Mitre Saws Under $500
- My favorite workhorse is the DEWALT Miter Saw, a 12-inch, double-bevel, compound that comes in under $370. It will last you for years and works great!
- Next would be the Wen 12″ Dual bevel sliding miter saw for around $290.
Best Mitre Saws From $500-$1700
- Coming in around $795 is the Makita LS1219L 12″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser. It is a fantastic saw and will give you worry-free service for quite some time.
- If you want to cry once and use it forever, then the Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw is exactly what you’re looking for. It does everything, has tons of power, and will run you about $1,625.
Best Woodworking Tools – TABLE SAWS
Budget Table Saw
If you’re just starting, you may not have a lot of coins to throw at power tools, but in woodworking, you will want to get a table saw to help rip sheet goods and boards. I recommend these:
- Dewalt job site table saw for a saw you can use without buyer’s remorse. Plus it comes with a rolling stand. (This is my choice)
- This SKIL 10 Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw with Stand is a great option for stability and being a workhorse. Mine lasted for years before I upgraded.
Best Table Saw Under $1,000
This is a great table saw from Delta that will hold up well and is built very solid.
You can read more about it in my review of the best hybrid table saws under $1,000.
Unless you’re spending over $2000, chances are the miter gauge that comes with your table saw isn’t very good (actually, it’s probably really poor and inaccurate). I recommend upgrading it to the Incra Miter gauge fence for under $80. Believe me, you’ll be GLAD you did!
Best Mid-Range Table Saws
I am consistently seeing and hearing good things about this Laguna F2 Fusion table saw and for good reason. It’s a very solid, powerful, and reasonably priced for a cabinet table saw. I’ve seen it in action, and you won’t be disappointed and it will last you a looooong time.
Best Table Saw High End
If safety, power, and durability are your greatest concern, then you will want the Sawstop 3hp 52″ cabinet table saw. Touted as the “safest” table saw, anything that can help you from cutting off a “digit” is worth the money in my book.
Cabinet Doors, Drawers, Hardware, and Jigs.
Install Jigs
When mounting new drawer panels you need to be accurate while not wasting time. These Drawer Install Clamps from Rockler will do both of those and save you lots of frustration, making your drawers come out perfect!
Drill Bits & Pocket Holes
Pocket Hole Jigs
The most popular pocket hole jig I recommend is this one from Kreg. And to help you hold your board in place while drilling and screwing.
If you’re trying to save a buck (they aren’t expensive anyway) you can always pick up a pocket hole jig like this affordable one from Wen.
Drill Bits
When buying drill bits I can’t stress enough that you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
One set of bits you’ll use quite a bit… The Famag Forstner bits in this kit. They are NOT cheap, but are really good bits and will last for years.
Material Handling
Sheet Goods
If you have to lift and move 4 x 8′ sheets of plywood to break them down (or even glass), then you should consider picking up this Vacuum Suction Cup Lift tool. It’ll not only save your back, but make larger sheets easy to pick up and move by yourself, PLUS help you avoid an accident! This is definitely at the top of the best woodworking tools because safety is #1.
If budget is a concern, then try this affordable plywood lifting handle for under $30 and it works just fine too.
Lumber Storage
If you need an affordable and sturdy way to store lumber on racks ABOVE the floor so you don’t waste space or risk moisture damage, then you’re going to want these racks from Bora. They are amazing and under $50!
Tools for Finishing Projects
If you are doing any edge banding for plywood, you should have this handy Fastcap edge banding trimmer. It takes two edges off at the same time, works well, and it’s cheap.
If budget isn’t an issue, then definitely look at the Festool Edge Bander for only $3300! Yeah, it’s incredible and expensive but if you’re doing a large project, it’ll pay for itself quickly and is VERY precise. If you can afford a top-end (cry once, buy once) edge bander, this should be on your best woodworking tools list too!