Beginner's Woodworking Toolbox: Figuring Out The Essentials
The first episode of The Woodworking Shed Toolbox series where I'm figuring out the contents of my basic hand tool woodworking toolkit!
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From Zero to Hero
Tools. I love tools!
But… I don’t have any! - Ok, I have a few, but nothing that will be of much use to a woodworker.
Starting this process with no tools is both exciting and daunting…
I’m excited to build up my woodworking toolkit, and even more to get stuck in using them. But equally, I don’t want to regret any decisions! - Some are quite expensive…
If I am to part with my money to acquire a new tool I need to do as much as possible to ensure it’s the right one.
In this episode, we will be looking at what I believe to be the essential woodworker’s toolkit. This will provide me with a basic tool list to get me started on my tool purchasing journey!
Power Tools or Hand Tools
Anyone who has read my introductory post will know that I have decided to start woodworking using traditional hand tools. Although it wasn’t an impulsive decision.
For a good while I had it in my head that I would be using power tools. Building up a collection of whichever brand tools with batteries strewn everywhere.
But then I got to thinking… This is a shed.
Can I be effective with all these tools in this environment?
What about the noise?
What about the risks?
I concluded that woodworking with power tools is not the right decision at this time. This was all quite a while ago now. I put the whole idea of woodworking to one side.
Disappointed.
Then I started to think about woodworking again. Watching videos again, and reading blogs again - Building desire again...
That’s when I discovered Paul Sellers…
His content really drew me in and made me realise that slowing down and putting my mind and body into the craft was what I really wanted. Not to produce, but to create…
My perspective was completely changed, I was enjoying new content - Not just from Paul, but other traditional woodworkers too. I was learning about new (old) types of tools and techniques and I was fascinated. This is what I need…
…I need a hobby that allows me to slow down and relax…
…I believe that traditional hand tools will provide me with this opportunity.
So, What Tools do I Need?
Oh, man!
To be able to go online and click “add to basket” and buy everything - The temptation!
I wish… But I have to be responsible, I have a family to provide for. So I'll be keeping it sensible and looking for good quality - not high-end.
Also, I'm a beginner! What grounds do I have to be buying high-end tools anyway?!
There's one problem - Storage!
I have a small shed and zero tool storage. It's going to have to stay that way for a while yet too!
So, strategising - to keep my initial tool costs down and space requirements to a minimum, I will let my projects drive my tool purchases.
That means the workbench!
Being a fairly big project the workbench is perfect for defining the basics. A tool kit that can build a workbench can build many things!
So let's figure out what I need…
Chopping Wood
I need to be able to cut wood so a hand saw is the obvious place to start!
But there's a problem. The same problem as before really… Storage…
That old chestnut
I have nowhere to store massive lengths of wood! I can't leave it outside. If it gets wet we're into a whole world of pain.
I need to be able to cut long lengths to reasonable sizes quickly. To do that, I feel that I have little choice but to go against the grain of the hand tool woodworker…
…And buy a circular saw.
It's disappointing. But how else am I to manage?
I can't leave all my wood outside for days exposed to the elements waiting for me to find the time to cut it.
With a power saw I will be able to process the wood and get it inside the workshop in no time. Perfect, but…
…I'm imposing a rule.
The shed is a power tool free zone. - Perhaps I should put a sign on the wall!
The circular saw will only be used for cutting long lengths to rough lengths to get it inside the shed.
So that's saws covered. What's next?
Crafting Joints
Creating wooden joints is one of the woodworking elements that has enticed me to pick up the craft. - There are so many different types to try too!
When I see wooden joints being slotted together, even imperfect ones, I always find it so satisfying. I’m excited to get a hit of those endorphins for myself!
But what tools do I need for this?
A Hammer & Chisel(s)!
I already have a claw hammer and a lump hammer… But none of them are suitable for or worthy of being added to my woodworking toolkit.
So to practice the art of joinery I will need to find myself a new hammer and a nice set of quality chisels to play with! - I’ll need to keep them sharp too but more on that later…
I’m edging towards a softer-faced hammer - perhaps nylon - that won’t make as much noise. - Got to keep the neighbours sweet!
What types of hammers do you use for woodworking?
I am going to have to do some research when it comes to choosing a set of chisels!
Prices vary massively, I need to delve deeper and understand more about them before I commit to anything. I want a set that will last!
So that’s two more items on my shopping list… Next up - My favourite….
Taking Shavings
Whenever I watch a video of someone using a hand plane - Taking perfect shavings - I am mesmerised…
…Ok maybe a slight exaggeration but I am most definitely fascinated.
Of all of the tools that I need to buy to get started - Bench planes are what I am most excited about.
And the most expensive!
They might also be the most challenging to buy. There are so many types of bench plane out there…
Do I need a No.4, a No.5, a No.7?
What does that even mean?
It’s a little daunting! I seriously have my work cut out for me researching the right ones to buy to get started!
It’s not all bad though.
There’s a lot of helpful information online though, like this article written by
which provides an excellent insight into how they work and the purpose of all the different sizes. Check it out!Despite the challenges ahead, I am still excited. Bench planes were the biggest draw for me to pursue hand-tool woodworking after all!
I could keep going but best to move on…
Marking It Up!
Measure once, cut twice… Hang on that’s not right??
There is no point in me buying all of these tools if I don’t know where to use them!
That’s where measuring and marking tools come into play.
Boring as they might be…
I should have done this section first really. They are the most important tools in any toolbox. However: They’re useless if you don’t know how to read them!
Measure twice, cut once - THAT’S IT!!
Having a background in engineering, I’m no stranger to misreading measuring tools - I have had more than a few work-based headaches from exactly this in the past…
One thing I have noticed with woodworking, there are loads of marking-out tools that are effectively the same tool in a different package. I need to weed out what is actually important.
Everybody knows by now that I don’t have the space for storing junk.
As with all of my other tool selections, I am going to let my first project: The workbench dictate my needs here. As I progress with that project I will research further into what’s really needed!
Right now I’m thinking combination square and bevel gauge, what do you think?
Sharp As A Razor
The only things I ever sharpen personally are kitchen knives - And I get in trouble for it too! Something about the awful scraping sound…
Just like knives - planes and chisels need to be razor sharp too.
There’s a whole bunch of YouTubers out there with bald arms from proving how sharp their plane irons are. Looks a bit daft really why not use a sheet of paper?
Don’t worry, I won’t be shaving my arms for Substack - Unless it unlocks some hidden potential… Maybe I should consider it after all!
Jokes aside, sharpening is a bit daunting really.
There are a few systems out there, all variations on a theme. Then there’s grit size etc..
I have some work to do to figure out the best way forward.
My Basic Tool List (Or What I Think I Need)
Phew… If you’re still with me after all of that you deserve a pat on the back.
I think I have quite successfully identified my beginner's toolkit:
Hand Saws
Chisels
Hammer
Bench Planes
Marking & Measuring Tools
Sharpening Tools
What do you think? Have I missed anything crucial? Any must-have tools I’ve missed? let me know in the comments!
Now the big question: Which ones?
I have already looked into some of these tool categories and they are minefields! I have my work cut out for me…
Stay tuned for future toolbox episodes where I will be tackling these tool buying decisions.
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Hi Rich!
Thanks for taking the time to write such a lengthy response. It's appreciated!
I'm sorry it's taken a little while to come back to you but I wanted to make sure I had the time to respond to you properly.
I've actually already chosen my saw and chisels you can see them in the post below. You'll be pleased to know Narex made the cut 😊
https://thewoodworkingshed.substack.com/p/first-tools-acquired-sawing-chiseling?r=g6si0
Planes has been a tough one for me. I'm leaning towards a No 5 to get me started but it won't be second hand. I know there's the potential cost savings with it but I feel like I need to experience setting up and using a plane before I experiment restoring something. Which I will have a go at eventually...
I'm most likely going to get a Verum plane of whichever size I'll eventually use...
Sharpening... Another tough one. I'm yet to make a decision on that one. There will be a post about it when I do! The same goes for clamps actually (minus the confusion) so stay tuned!
It's certainly an interesting journey building a new toolkit from scratch.
I appreciate all the advice here and you can rest assured I always take it in and factor it I to my decisions.
Once again thanks and welcome to The Woodworking Shed! 🪚
I want to stick to the two plane route. Ideally I'd get 3 but funds...
Would a no. 3 be a better partner to a no. 5 in that case? 4 & 6 may be a good shout too.
Food for thought. I haven't bought them yet so I'll do some more reading anyway.
Thank you for all your feedback I do really appreciate you taking the time.