The tools of the trade for under $500

All woodworkers start with a few tools in the beginning. I went through that but it was a practically random experience where I bought tools one at a time as I needed them. I now realized that there is a better way of optimizing your purchase of these tools and get the most out of it, if you are just beginning to build things. With these tools, which will not exceed $500.00 (new), one can actually begin to build very respectable, durable projects you can be proud of. Not included is a drill (cordless or otherwise) because I assume that every household has a drill, and that next to screw drivers and pliers drills are the most common tool (outside of the kitchen, of course). Anyhow, drills these days are inexpensive.

It includes everything, including safety equipment : protective glasses, dust mask and hearing protector. I must emphasize above all things before you embark on a woodworking project to make safety and personal health paramount before you even start thinking about making things. Below are what I would have you consider buying. Click picture to enlarge.

The practical total cost may not be as I estimate because many of you may already have some of the tools, i.e., a drill, a tape measure, a combination square and others. Lower even if you get into acquiring used tools instead of new ones. There are plenty of those. So clearly you can start woodworking on the cheap, with one caveat, do not go for really flimsy looking, very cheap tools, and more importantly don't try to use defective tools.

I have some suggestions below of the bare minimum to acquire or have in your line up of tools before you venture into your first project in this blog. These were all picked from one online site simply for ease of selection and, more importantly, the tools have been reviewed previously by other users.

$118.97 Miter saw

$49.50 Miter saw blade

$99.95 Kreg Pocket Screw Kit

$8.50 Safety glasses

$20.00 Dust mask

$19.50 Hearing protector

$23.81 Starter screw of 5 popular sizes and about 650 screws total

$39.90 Combination square

$12.69 Measuring tape

$89.99 Circular Saw

Total cost - $ 482.81