Woodworking is a broad field with many tools you can use, depending on your niche. But where can you buy tools for woodworking? Oftentimes, woodworking tools can cost you an arm and a leg, especially for the larger table saws, lathing gear, and so on. With that in mind, it only makes sense that you buy the best.
If you are on a budget, consider purchasing second-hand tools. Multiple platforms sell used woodworking tools, including Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist.
Here is a list of the best places to buy tools for woodworking:
Amazon
Amazon is one of the biggest and best online sales platforms globally. When buying new and even used tools for woodworking Amazon is one of the best places.
Amazon has some of the best discounts and shipping deals for those looking to purchase new tools. Besides, you will find the best brands like DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi, and other not-so-popular brands, but never anything sub-standard.
Additionally, they offer detailed product descriptions, down to the small and obvious details like color options. The customer ratings on durability, ease of use, and maneuverability, are also included. All this information combined helps you make an informed purchasing decision.
On the other hand, if you want to purchase used power tools on Amazon, it's also a viable option. This platform is one of the best globally, with good reason. They verify the product thoroughly to ensure they do not sell their clients fraudulent products, and their return policy on used goods is quite generous.
eBay
eBay is the next best option after Amazon. This is an online platform where buyers and sellers meet. It was launched in 1995 and is among the largest online-selling platforms globally.
EBay is an excellent option if you want to add to your woodworking tools collection. It has a wide range of power tools, so whatever you are looking for, there are high chances you will find it here.
However, eBay does present an issue with shipping. Often, woodworking tools are huge and heavy; once you include the shipping costs, they can be too expensive.
Generally, purchasing woodworking tools on eBay is restricted to easily packaged and shipped sizable items using the usual transport means like Fedex, UPS, and USPS.
When you find woodworking tools on eBay labeled as "Local Pickup Only," the seller isn't willing to cover the shipping expense due to the tool's large size or heavy weight. As such, you will need to go to the seller’s location to pick it up.
While this might favor the seller, it's an unwanted expense if you do not reside near the seller's location.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook has swiftly risen into an online business platform and is an excellent place to buy woodworking tools. However, unlike eBay and Amazon, you will only find used power tools here.
There is a lot of information on the seller’s profile; therefore, you can narrow down the available options using this information. While sellers on Facebook can cater to shipping, Facebook Marketplace encourages face-to-face meetings more than most buying platforms. This allows you to inspect the woodworking tools before making payment.
What's more, this platform is free to use, meaning hundreds if not thousands of woodworking tools sellers are available. This offers you a decent pool of options, and there are high chances you will get exactly what you’re looking for.
Craigslist
Yes, craigslist is still operational. It is among the oldest online marketplaces and is well-known for its random outcomes. As you might have guessed, here you will find used woodworking tools.
Even though most woodworking tool buyers find what they are searching for, you need to be careful to find a reliable seller. Generally, Craigslist has a wide range of used goods with great discounts. Hence, you won't have difficulty finding somewhat used woodworking tools at even half price.
Nonetheless, there are no shipping options, but Craigslist has made it mandatory for you and the seller to meet face-to-face before you can pay for the merchandise. This allows you to inspect it beforehand. To be safe, bring a friend to the meeting.
Woodworking Clubs
Woodworking clubs are an excellent place to buy tools for woodworking. Since everyone is a woodworker, you can meet potential sellers. Like Craigslist, this is a great option for used tools. You might even meet a woodworker with slightly used tools willing to sell them to you at a generous discount.
Woodworking Forums
Like woodworking clubs, woodworking forums are an excellent platform to buy woodworking tools. These are online platforms where woodworkers socialize. First, they provide an ads section that lets you purchase specific products like woodworking tools.
However, some of these platforms are area-specific, so they target people from a certain part of the country, which can nullify any issues linked to shipping.
You should check reviews about these sites before buying woodworking tools from them. This will help you know whether a specific site is linked to fraudulent products or sellers.
Also, meeting with the seller to verify the merchandise before paying would be best.
Govdeals.com
The last option on where to buy tools for woodworking is government surplus websites. This is a great pick if you want to add to your woodworking tools collection on a budget. This site has a separate section for woodworking tools, and you can even get heavy-duty tools, including table saws, at great discounts!
You will only find used woodworking tools here, though most are fairly new. They might require cleaning and some maintenance, but you will get them at an affordable rate. Ensure you peruse the pickup deals and contact the seller in case of any queries. At times, the pickup needs can be rather specific, including the pickup location and date.
My Advice to You
We all want to be proud of our purchases, especially the expensive ones. So, when buying tools for woodworking, make sure you read the product description, and if the serial numbers are available, run them.
Also, if you’re buying from an individual, make sure you meet to inspect the tools before making payment.
Lastly, don’t let shipping or transportation get in the way of a good and affordable woodworking tool. If you need to go pick it up yourself, do it!