How to Equip a Woodworking Shop Like An Expert From the Start

Buying tools and equipment to equip a woodworking shop can be expensive. That’s why outfitting your shop first only with the tools and equipment you will need for the projects you have in mind is important. You can always add specialty gear later on as you expand your skills and the kinds of projects you want to tackle.

It’s also critical to set up your workshop in a way that makes your workflow easier and more efficient. That means arranging your shop layout according to how you work and keeping everything neat.

Get a Workbench

A workbench is essential equipment in a woodworker’s shop. It provides a place to hold and use large tools and assemble parts and projects.

It also gives you a flat surface to use for working. Buying a workbench is one of the best bang-for-the-buck ways to equip your small woodworking shop, but getting the right one is still important.

Workbenches come in a wide variety of styles and materials. A good workbench should offer a sturdy base with strong legs and stout stretchers. Feet that span both ends enhance sway resistance and make leveling a bench easier. Through-bolted joints are also a must, adding superior strength and durability.

Get Power Tools

Buying power tools can be a major expense for many woodworkers. Fortunately, there are ways to save money buying power tools for a small woodworking shop. First, buy only the tools that you need right now. A jointer may be necessary for furniture drawers and interior cabinets, but it’s not for carpentry.

One of the best ways to save money buying power tools is by buying them from online stores. These stores often feature discounts on selected power tools. If you can wait until a sale event, you may be able to upgrade in quality or expand your inventory for the same money.

These online stores offer a great selection of power tools for both DIYers and professionals. Many also provide excellent customer service because they deal with knowledgeable consumers who know what questions to ask.

Another way to save money buying power tools is by checking out reconditioned ones. Some online stores have a special section on their websites just for reconditioned tools. These tools are in good working condition and, in most cases, can get the job done as well as brand-new.

Get Clamps

Clamps are a must-have tool for any woodworker. The saying is that you can never have enough clamps. They’re essential for a wide variety of projects and tasks, from securing project parts to the bench to holding them in place while the glue dries to securing assemblies during a dry-fit.

Depending on your work style, you may need to build up a collection of different clamps. That’s why it’s a good idea to start with a few small, medium, and large clamps and add them to your collection over time.

As a beginner woodworker, you’ll be able to save money buying clamps by building a small stockpile of the types and sizes you’ll use most often. Once you have a few favorites, you can easily expand your selections as your shop grows and you begin working on more projects.

How to choose the best woodworking tools for your budget requires some planning and a little footwork.

Get Safety Gear

Woodworking is a hobby that can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be dangerous. Fortunately, it is not impossible for a beginner woodworker to equip their small shop with safety gear that will keep them safe from injury.

It’s important to know what type of safety equipment is necessary to protect yourself in the woodworking shop and which ones are unnecessary. Ventilation and lighting are always a priority, and these considerations must be built into your workshop’s earliest plans and layouts.

Getting cut-resistant gloves is another essential piece of safety gear for woodworkers as these will help you avoid cuts and splinters that may result from a woodworking project.

In addition to wearing cut-resistant gloves, you should invest in safety goggles, as wood particles can fly through the air and cause discomfort and itchiness. It is best to choose wrap-around style safety goggles rather than prescription glasses because these are not made to resist damage.