Best Woodworking Tools for Beginners
So you want to start woodworking. Maybe you watched one too many YouTube videos of someone building a walnut coffee table in a single weekend and thought "I could do that." Spoiler alert: your first project will probably be a cutting board, and it won't be perfect. But that's fine — nobody's first one is. The trick is buying the right tools without going broke. You don't need a $3,000 table saw on day one. What you need is a solid circular saw, a decent jigsaw, some good chisels, and a flat surface to work on. That's it. Everything else can wait until you actually know what you're doing. We've picked the tools that give beginners the best shot at making something they're proud of — without emptying their savings account.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 18V LXT Brushless Circular Saw (Tool Only) | Circular-Saw | Brushless motor efficiency | Buy on Amazon |
| Bosch 18V Cordless Jigsaw JS120BN | Jigsaw | Barrel grip for superior plunge-cut visibility | Buy on Amazon |
| Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool Kit | Rotary-Tool | Extremely versatile | Buy on Amazon |
| Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO | Woodworking | Auto-adjusting clamp is a game changer | Buy on Amazon |
| Narex 863250 Set of 6 Premium Wood Bench Chisels Chrome Manganese Steel | Wood-Chisels | Chrome manganese steel holds a sharp edge exceptionally well | Buy on Amazon |
| Worx WX572L PEGASUS Folding Work Table and Sawhorse | Workbench | Converts from table to two sawhorses | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Circular Saw (Tool Only)
Cordless 6-1/2 inch circular saw with a brushless motor delivering 5,000 RPM for fast, clean cuts in dimensional lumber and plywood. Magnesium blade guard and shoe for lightweight durability. Compatible with all Makita 18V LXT batteries.
- Brushless motor efficiency
- Lightweight magnesium construction
- 5,000 RPM cutting speed
- LXT battery compatible
- Battery sold separately
- 6-1/2 inch blade limits cut depth
Bosch 18V Cordless Jigsaw JS120BN
The Bosch 18V cordless jigsaw JS120BN uses a barrel grip design favored by woodworkers for precise plunge-cut control and visibility along the cut line without the body of the tool blocking your sightlines. Variable speed from 0-2,700 SPM accommodates materials from soft pine to aluminum, and the tool-free blade change system swaps blades in seconds without touching the hot blade after a cut. Compatible with Bosch 18V batteries for cordless convenience.
- Barrel grip for superior plunge-cut visibility
- Tool-free blade changes
- Variable speed 0-2,700 SPM
- Battery sold separately
- Barrel grip less comfortable for long cuts than top-handle jigsaws
Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool Kit
Versatile rotary tool with variable speed from 5,000 to 32,000 RPM. Includes 24 accessories for cutting, sanding, grinding, polishing, and engraving. EZ Twist nose cap for tool-free accessory changes. Comfortable slim body design.
- Extremely versatile
- Variable speed control
- 24 accessories included
- Tool-free accessory changes
- Corded only
- Gets hot during extended use
Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO
Professional pocket-hole jig system with auto-adjusting clamp that adapts to material thickness automatically. Docking station stores the jig and organizes screws, drill bits, and accessories. GripMaxx anti-slip surface holds workpieces securely without vise clamps.
- Auto-adjusting clamp is a game changer
- Docking station keeps things organized
- Very repeatable joints
- Premium price for the jig
- Proprietary screws required
- Jig drill bit wears over time
Narex 863250 Set of 6 Premium Wood Bench Chisels Chrome Manganese Steel
Narex premium bench chisels are made in the Czech Republic from chrome manganese steel hardened to Rc 59 for excellent edge retention. The set includes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch widths to cover all common woodworking tasks. Hornbeam handles are fitted with metal ferrules that accept mallet blows without splitting.
- Chrome manganese steel holds a sharp edge exceptionally well
- Six sizes cover virtually every woodworking application
- Metal-reinforced handles withstand mallet strikes
- Require honing before first use out of the box
- Handle finish can be rough and may need light sanding
Worx WX572L PEGASUS Folding Work Table and Sawhorse
The Worx Pegasus Work Table folds flat for easy storage and converts between a 31x25-inch work table and a pair of sawhorses to support sheet goods or long workpieces up to 1,000 pounds combined. Four clamps are included to hold workpieces securely and the legs have quick-release legs for rapid setup and breakdown. The accessory mounting holes are compatible with the WORX ecosystem of clamps and accessories.
- Converts from table to two sawhorses
- Folds flat for easy storage
- 1,000 lb combined capacity
- Plastic construction less rigid than steel alternatives
- Height not adjustable
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the first woodworking tool a beginner should buy?
A circular saw. Hands down. It's the most versatile cutting tool you can own, and it handles 90% of the cuts you'll make starting out. The Makita 18V LXT is a beast — clean cuts, cordless, and light enough that your arm won't fall off after twenty minutes. Skip the table saw for now.
Do I need expensive chisels for woodworking?
Not crazy expensive, but don't grab the cheapest set at the hardware store either. Those dull out in about five minutes. The Narex bench chisels hit a sweet spot — they hold an edge well, feel solid in your hand, and they won't set you back more than a nice dinner. Learn to sharpen them properly and they'll last years.
Is a pocket-hole jig worth it for a beginner?
Absolutely. Here's the thing — pocket-hole joinery isn't what the fine woodworking purists use, but it makes incredibly strong joints and it's dead simple to learn. The Kreg 720PRO lets you build bookshelves, frames, and basic furniture in a fraction of the time. You can always learn dovetails and mortise-and-tenon later.
What kind of workbench do I need to start?
Something flat and stable. That's really it. The Worx PEGASUS is great for small spaces because it folds up and doubles as a sawhorse. If you've got a garage, you can build your own bench — that's actually a fantastic first project. Just make sure whatever you use doesn't wobble when you're pushing a hand plane across it.