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Beginner woodworking ยท Budget tools

Start woodworking without wasting money on the wrong tools.

Plain guides to the first tools worth buying, easy first projects and staying safe in a small shop. Researched, not sponsored reviews.

Start with the first tools to buy Browse guides
A simple wooden workbench with a hand saw, a mallet and a chisel on top and tools hanging above

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Starter tools1 guidePower tools1 guideBeginner projects1 guideShop safety1 guide

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Starter tools3 min read
What to buy firstThe short list of tools worth buying first, in order, so you can start building without paying for gear you will not use yet.
Projects2 min read
Five easy first projectsFive small beginner builds, what skill each one teaches and which tools you need, so your first projects finish rather than stall.
Power tools3 min read
Choosing a first cordless drillWhat actually matters when buying a first cordless drill: battery, clutch, chuck, weight and the battery system you are buying into.
Shop safety2 min read
Safety gear basicsThe eye, ear, lung and hand protection to buy before your first power tool, and the habits that matter as much as the gear.

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