You need far fewer tools than you think ,  a circular saw or miter saw, a drill/driver, a random orbital sander, and a couple of chisels will get you started on the vast majority of beginner projects. Everything else is a luxury you can add as your projects demand it.

The biggest mistake new woodworkers make is buying a garage full of tools before they've built a single thing. Start small, build something, and let the project tell you what you need next.

Why Most "Starter Lists" Are Wrong

Every woodworking YouTube channel and forum has a "starter tool list," and most of them will have you spending $2,000 to $3,000 before you've made a single cut. I get it, the hobby is intoxicating, and the tool shopping is half the fun. But I spent my first year buying things I didn't need and ignoring things I did. This guide is my attempt to fix that.

The philosophy here is simple: buy a tool only when a project requires it. That means your list will look different from mine, because your projects will be different. But there is a core set of tools that shows up in almost everything, and that's where we start.

The Core Four: Tools You Will Use Every Time

These are the tools that show up in virtually every beginner project, shelving, small cabinets, picture frames, workbenches. If you own nothing else, own these.

1. The Saw, Circular Saw or Miter Saw

This is your single most important tool. A circular saw is the better first purchase for most people. It's portable, inexpensive ($60–$120 for a solid one), and with a decent straightedge guide, it can make cuts accurate enough for cabinet-quality work.

A miter saw is a big upgrade in convenience, crosscuts and angled cuts become effortless — but it costs more ($200–$400) and takes up bench space. If you have the room and the budget, a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw is one of the best tools you can own. But it's not essential on day one.

What to look for: a blade guard that retracts cleanly, a reliable on/off switch, and compatibility with standard 7¼" blades (for circular) or 10" blades (for miter saws).

2. A Drill/Driver

A cordless drill/driver is used in almost every project, drilling pilot holes, driving screws, mixing finishes. A 12-volt is fine for most beginner work, but a 20-volt gives you more torque and versatility for larger projects down the road. Budget $60–$100 for a decent one with a battery and charger included.

A second battery is worth the extra $20–$30. You'll always want one charged while the other is in use.

3. A Random Orbital Sander

Sanding is not glamorous, but it's what separates a project that looks homemade from one that looks handmade. A random orbital sander ($40–$80) is versatile, hard to misuse, and works on virtually every surface. It won't gouge the wood the way a belt sander will.

Get one with dust collection — your lungs will thank you. Hook-and-loop (Velcro) sandpaper pads make switching grits effortless.

4. A Set of Chisels

You don't need 20 chisels. A basic set of ¼", ½", ¾", and 1" bench chisels covers almost everything a beginner will encounter, cleaning up joints, squaring mortises, prying off clamps, and a hundred other small tasks. A decent starter set runs $20–$50.

Sharp chisels are safe chisels. A dull chisel skips, slips, and requires force, all of which lead to injuries. Pick up a simple sharpening stone or a pull-through sharpener and learn to hone your edges before your first use.

Measuring and Marking: The Unsexy Essentials

"Measure twice, cut once" is a cliché because it's true. Bad measurements don't just waste material, they make your projects look amateur. These tools are cheap, but they matter more than most woodworkers will admit.

• Tape measure — A 25-foot tape measure with a locking blade. Get one with a wide, stiff blade that doesn't flop around.
  

• Speed square — This is your go-to for marking 90° and 45° cuts on lumber. It also doubles as a straightedge for marking and a guide for your circular saw.
  

• Combination square — More versatile than a speed square for layout work. Use it to check for square, mark consistent widths, and set depths. A 12-inch model is the most useful.
  

• Pencil — A standard #2 pencil works. Mechanical pencils give you a finer line if precision matters for your project. Keep a dozen on hand, they disappear.
  

• Level — A 24-inch level for checking that your shelves and cabinets are actually level. A 4-foot level is even better if you have the storage for it.
  
  

Assembly: Clamps Are Not Optional

There's an old joke in woodworking: "You can never have too many clamps." It's true. Clamps are how you hold things together while glue sets, and the right clamp for the job makes assembly significantly easier.

Bar Clamps or F-Clamps

These are your workhorse clamps. Get a set of four in 12-inch and four in 24-inch lengths. Heavy-duty bar clamps run $10–$15 each and handle most glue-up situations. Bar clamps are versatile, easy to adjust, and keep things flat.

Spring Clamps

Spring clamps are cheap ($1–$2 each), come in handy for holding small pieces in place while you glue or mark, and can be used as extra hands when you're working alone. Grab a pack of 10 or 20.

Safety Gear: Non-Negotiable

This isn't optional, and it isn't something to skimp on. Woodworking involves spinning blades, flying debris, and fine dust that damages your lungs over time.

• Safety glasses — Wear them every single time you make a cut. Every time. No exceptions.
  

• Hearing protection — Power saws are loud enough to cause permanent damage. Foam earplugs cost pennies and work well.
  

• Dust mask or respirator — At minimum, an N95 particulate mask when sanding or cutting. If you're sanding frequently, a proper P100 respirator is worth the investment.
  
  

What You Can Skip — For Now

Here's what most beginner lists include that you don't actually need yet:

• Table saw — A table saw is a game-changer, but it's expensive ($400–$800+), takes up significant space, and has a steep learning curve with real safety considerations. A circular saw with a fence guide does most of the same ripping work for now.
  

• Planer — You'll want one eventually, but not at first. Buy pre-surfaced lumber (S4S) until planing becomes a specific need.
  

• Jointer — Same logic as the planer. It's a workshop staple for intermediate and advanced work, but it's not day-one equipment.
  

• Band saw — Incredibly versatile, but only needed when you start making curved cuts or re-sawing thick stock.
  

• Router table — A handheld router is useful. A router table is a luxury. Don't worry about it until you're cutting profiles and edge treatments regularly.
  
  

The Bottom Line: A Real Starting List

If you bought everything on this list today, here's roughly what you'd spend:

• Circular saw or miter saw — $80–$400
  

• Drill/driver with two batteries — $80–$120
  

• Random orbital sander — $40–$80
  

• Chisels (4-piece set) — $20–$50
  

• Measuring and marking tools — $30–$50
  

• Clamps (bar and spring) — $60–$100
  

• Safety gear — $15–$40
  
  

Total: roughly $325–$840, depending on your choices. That's enough to build shelving units, small cabinets, picture frames, workbenches, planters, and dozens of other projects.

One Last Piece of Advice

Don't let perfectionism stall you. Your first project will not be perfect. That's not a failure, that's the education. The best tool you can own is not a saw or a drill. It's the willingness to start with what you have, make something, and learn from the mistakes along the way. Every master woodworker started exactly where you are right now.