The Top 5 Power Tools That Beginner Woodworkers Need to Know Review 

Many newbies in the woodworking scene find determining the right tools to kick off their new hobby rather daunting. This is because they have a budget, but the top 5 power tools to choose from are intimidating. Do you choose a jigsaw and drill, then leave out a circular saw and table saw? Daunting right?!

However, I’m here to inform you that as a beginner woodworker, you should only have five power tools. This doesn’t mean you will never need any other power tools because as you improve your skills, you will have to invest in more. 

Still, for the time being, these are the five power tools that beginners should have:

Circular Saw 

A circular saw is vital, and every beginner and professional woodworker should have one in their arsenal. Even though this power tool makes construction work move quickly, it can be incredibly useful in your workshop. It works to make different cuts on different materials. Additionally, it is swift and ensures accurate cuts.

The different blade types let you make a wide range of cuts. For maximum versatility, you can invest in the different types of blades and start working on those large-scale projects you’ve kept on hold. 

Types of Blades for Circular Saws 

Crosscut Blades 

These blades make smooth cuts against the wood’s grain. 

Ripping Blades

Ripping blades let you follow the wood’s grain. 

Combination Blades

As the name suggests, these blades make all the types of cuts that the crosscut and ripping blades create. 

Jigsaw 

While I was starting, I was torn between a table saw and a jigsaw. Eventually, I ended up choosing a jigsaw, and I have no regrets. This should not come as a surprise, especially because I was using it to make furniture. Furniture making involves attaching box joints or simple interlocks, which you can make with ease using a jigsaw. 

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, a jigsaw is a must-have! It is a portable and versatile machine, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor projects. Also, it can work on both wood and plastic effortlessly. Again, this machine offers incredible flexibility, which is why it’s perfect for all woodworkers. 

Using a jigsaw, you can cut different wood shapes, which you can utilize for joinery. For those who don’t know what joinery is, it is the discipline of working with different workbench parts to establish multiple project types. 

Moreover, a jigsaw can create precise straight cuts, perfect for use to make boxes and other woodworking tasks that need accurate joints. While other power tools can make accurate cuts, they cannot make clean curved cuts the way a jigsaw does. 

Also, if you buy a jigsaw instead of a table saw, you will end up saving money, which is great if you’re on a budget. What’s more, it is highly portable, so you can carry it from your home to the work site with ease. 

Keep in mind that when purchasing a jigsaw, you should choose one that’s easy to hold and facilitates effortless blade change. 

Compound Miter Saw 

After buying a jigsaw for your workshop, it’s now time to start looking for a functional compound miter saw. Fortunately, compound miter saws aren’t expensive and are expedient for cutting compound, miter, and bevel cuts. 

This power tool lets you bevel the motor head in two ways, which allows you to make straight angles (miter cuts) and compound cuts. You can start with a 10-inch saw, though I would recommend the 12-inch option since you can use it even when you have improved your skills. 

Some compound miter saws can even make angled cuts on workpieces with a 16-inch widths. 

Random Orbit Sander 

Here is yet another woodworking power tool that every beginner woodworker should have. The orbit sander is quite a nifty tool, which is why you need to have it. 

If you thought venturing into woodworking would cost you an arm and a leg, you are wrong. Still, some people spend a lot of money, because they do not know which tools to start with, so they invest in almost all available tools. 

But consider investing in a random orbit sander if you are new to woodworking and aren’t sure if you’re serious about it. 

This is an affordable, lightweight power tool that helps you sand any type of wood. Whether you intend to start with a small project like a power toolbox or parts of furniture, you will certainly need to do some sanding, which is why this tool is a must-have. 

On top is that random orbit sanders don’t leave scratches on your workpiece, hence making them look neat and professional. 

Power Drill

The last tool that you should have as a beginner woodworker is a power drill. This power tool is a great investment to help level up your projects. Also, it guarantees that you have a potent power tool with the flexibility to attach workpieces and establish a top-quality final assembly. 

You can find a corded and cordless version on the market. The corded model is heavier, though it delivers sufficient power to finalize your projects. Additionally, it is cheaper and long-lasting than the corded version. 

On the other hand, the corded power drill is highly portable and can be used in areas where there is no power connection. 

Here are the three main power drill types:

Impact Driver 

This is a heavy-duty machine and is normally used by DIYers to drill through cement or other tough materials.

Hammer Drill 

This one is also perfect for drilling into hard surfaces like hard plastics and metal. 

Regular Drill

This one is the most suitable for beginners, who drill through nothing but wood. 

Some shops have all these drills while others have the regular drill only, which is perfect for your basic woodworking projects. 

Conclusion

You are a beginner, and while you will have to add a handful of more power tools, these are enough to get you started. 

Yet, as you continue sharpening your skills, you will need more, so make sure you consider the woodworking discipline you intend to pursue. This will narrow down the available list of power tools. For instance, if you are more into woodturning, the types of power tools you need might not be the same ones a cabinet maker will require.

Something else to keep in mind is protection gear like ear muffs, safety goggles, and a dust mask. Your safety is more important than everything else.  

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