This is where we will spend almost half of the $500. While other saws, such as circular saws and jigsaws, can be useful, a table saw offers a level of accuracy and versatility that is unmatched by other saws. 

With the Prostormer table saw, you can easily make straight cuts and angled cuts, and it can be used to create a variety of joints, such as rabbets, dados, and tenons. Additionally, a table saw can save you time and effort, as it allows you to make quick, precise cuts without having to constantly adjust your saw.  

To stay within budget, this is about the best table saw you can get.  I chose this one because it has a 10" blade and a stand. It's not perfect, but most of it's shortcomings can be remedied by building your own add-ons. 

For more expensive saws read this article.

To stay in our budget we are going with the Skil 5080-01 circular saw. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of cuts, including crosscuts, rip cuts, and bevel cuts. It can also be used for breaking down sheet goods such as plywood and MDF, which can be difficult to handle on a table saw.

Circular saws are portable and easy to use on job sites or in locations where a table saw is not practical. While a table saw offers a high level of accuracy, a circular saw can be extremely versatile. 

With the right blade, a circular saw can cut wood, plastic, metal, and even masonry. This saw comes with a blade and the blade wrench. 

As an upgrade, this Skil saw is just outside our budget. However, it has a laser guide and comes with a blade and a carrying bag. If you want to splurge a little it's a great option.

A jigsaw is highly versatile and can be used for a variety of cuts, including curved cuts and intricate shapes. Unlike a table saw or circular saw, a jigsaw is highly maneuverable and allows you to make cuts at any angle, making it ideal for cutting out detailed designs or working on irregularly shaped pieces of wood. 

Jigsaws are also compact and portable, making them perfect for use in small workshops. This Skil JS314901 Jigsaw is perfect for our budget. One nice feature about this jigsaw is that it can use both T-Shank and U-Shank blades. I would throw away the blades that come with it and order these though.  

The Worksite Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, 20V MAX has one 2.0 amp hour lithium-ion battery and offers long-lasting power and quick charging capabilities. It also features high and low speeds. 

The kit includes a variety of accessories, including drill bits and screwdriver bits, but the quality of those bits aren't the best. They will get you started but you'll want to replace them fairly soon. 

It features a built-in LED light that illuminates your work area, and also includes a keyless chuck that allows for quick and easy bit changes without the need for additional tools. Cordless drills offer a number of advantages over corded models. They are portable and easy to move around, allowing you to work in any location without being tethered to a power outlet. Cordless drills are also generally lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and maneuver. For more on drills you can read my article here.

The random orbit motion of this style of sander eliminates swirls and scratches, while the cyclonic dust box captures debris and particles, keeping your work area clean and free of dust. It does fill up quickly though and you may want to attach it to a shop vac. 

This SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander gets high marks and is designed to provide a smooth, even finish on a range of surfaces. The sander is also lightweight and easy to handle, with an ergonomic grip that reduces hand fatigue during extended use. It comes with 3 sanding discs but you'll need to buy more eventually.

We're going to splurge a little here and get high quality clamps that will serve you for your entire woodworking journey. 

This set of 4 Jorgensen 6" F-style bar clamps can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks, including gluing, clamping, and securing materials in place while you work. They are especially useful for small projects where larger clamps may be too bulky or cumbersome. 

These clamps are available in a range of sizes, making them suitable for both large and small projects. They are also adjustable, so you can customize how much clamping pressure you need to get a solid bond for your glue joints. 

You can also check out my article here where I go in more depth on clamps.

Spring clamps are particularly useful for projects that require a temporary or lightweight clamping force. This includes tasks such as holding together pieces of wood while glue dries, securing a piece of trim while it's being nailed in place, or holding a template in place while making a cut. 

Spring clamps are also useful for tasks such as clamping jigs to a work surface or holding workpieces in place while sanding or painting. One thing I've never heard a woodworker say is "No, I have plenty of clamps!"

This Koblenz 2 Gallon Shop Vacuum can be connected directly to your tools, such as table saws, routers, and sanders, to collect dust and debris as you work. This not only reduces the amount of sawdust and debris in your work area but also improves the visibility of your workpiece, allowing you to work more accurately and safely. 

Using a shop vacuum with your tools can also help to extend the lifespan of your tools by preventing dust and debris from clogging motors and causing overheating. With the right attachments, you can easily connect your shop vacuum to your tools and have a clean and efficient workspace.  

Chisels are one of the most versatile and essential tools in woodworking, used for a variety of tasks such as carving, shaping, and joining. They are typically made of high-carbon steel or other durable materials, and come in a range of sizes and shapes to suit different tasks. 

Chisels allow for precise and intricate work that cannot be achieved with power tools alone. They can be used to create details and patterns on furniture, doors, and other wooden objects, as well as to carve out joints and mortises for joinery work. 

These budget chisels are four of the most common sizes but don't let the price fool you. They will absolutely get the job done!

A measuring tape is one of the most essential tools in woodworking, as it allows for precise and accurate measurements of length, width, and height. It is important for making sure your project is done correctly, whether you're measuring a board's dimensions or checking if components are properly aligned. 

Although longer measuring tapes might appear to be a wiser choice, a shorter measuring tape can be more advantageous for woodworking. This is because it enables more accurate and readable measurements. 

This 25-foot tape measure is typically more than enough for most woodworking projects. However, I do have an article that has more measuring tools that you can read about by clicking here.

I chose the 16-inch combination square because it allows for measuring and marking larger pieces of wood. The square’s accuracy also ensures that your measurements are precise, providing a high level of confidence in your work.

Another advantage of the combination square is its ability to be used as a straightedge, making it an excellent tool for marking and cutting long, straight lines. This is particularly helpful for tasks such as cross-cutting or ripping large sheets of plywood.

This square features a stainless steel blade that resists rust and corrosion, while the precision-machined head ensures accurate measurements and a secure fit when marking lines. The locking screw also provides a secure hold on the blade, ensuring that your measurements remain accurate throughout the cutting process.