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How Do I Choose the Best Woodworking Set?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A woodworking set will include several tools that are useful for various woodworking projects, but no two sets will be the same. You will first need to decide what kind of projects you will be doing so you can choose a woodworking set with the most appropriate tools for your purposes. Sometimes a set will be designed specifically for use with power tools, while others will include hand tools only. Be sure to consider how you will be working with wood to ensure you choose the right tools for the job.

A basic, entry-level woodworking set will include only the most basic tools used for woodworking projects. If you are a beginner and want to purchase a more comprehensive set, you may be able to find one that even includes a workbench. When considering such a woodworking set, be sure to carefully inspect the materials included for the workbench. Make certain that the materials are high quality and the bench is sturdy and useful. Cheaper materials may mean an unsteady work surface, which can not only mean more difficulty making great woodworking projects, but also possible safety hazards. The best benches often have low shelves for storage of tools and raw materials as well.

A power sander, which is used for woodworking.
A power sander, which is used for woodworking.

More advanced woodworkers may need a specific type of woodworking set that includes tools for a specific type of woodworking. A chisel set, for example, will be great for creating fine cuts and ornate designs, though such tools may not be as useful for a beginner. If the woodworker will be working with a scroll saw to create decorative pieces, he or she may consider purchasing a scroll saw kit that includes the tool itself as well as several blades and even possibly some patterns. A jigsaw may also be a useful purchase for such woodworking.

A woodworking set might include a bevel gauge, which is used most often to duplicate and measure angles.
A woodworking set might include a bevel gauge, which is used most often to duplicate and measure angles.

A clamp set is perhaps one of the most useful sets a woodworker can buy. Such a woodworking set will include clamps of various sizes, usually all of one style. A C-clamp set, for example, will feature C-shaped clamps useful for securing pieces of wood during cutting. The set may include several clamps of various sizes, or clamps of the same size but with different features such as padding to protect the wood from marring or cracking. Sometimes a clamp set will include various styles of clamps, from C-clamps to A-clamps or even certain types of vises that can be secured to a bench top.

Discussion Comments

stl156

I bought a power tool set to use around the house, and it has been great. It came with a circular saw, cordless drill, reciprocating saw, and sabre saw. All of the tools are cordless and use the same type of battery. The set even came with two batteries, so that you can have one charging while you are using another.

I've probably used the circular saw and drill the most, but all of the tools are extremely useful if you are going to be doing any type of DIY projects around the house.

You can find some of these sets fairly cheap, but in my experience, it is best to go with a well respected brand over a lower-tier discount brand. You may pay a little more upfront, but the quality and durability are much better.

jmc88

@titans6242 - Excellent information. I completely agree that that is a good place to start. I might also add that several magazines are available to purchase project designs. They aren't all that expensive, either.

Depending on how confident you are in your abilities going in, one of the best projects for a new workworker is to build his own workbench. If you build your own instead of going with a pre-made bench, you can customize it to the perfect height and width and add as much storage as you will need. All you really need to start is a table saw and a drill.

titans62

@cardsfan27 - I'm glad to see you're wanting to start with woodworking. I started a couple of years ago, and it has been a great hobby. I've even made a little bit of money with it.

You're right about needed a table saw. No matter what you do, you'll always need something that can cut down pieces of wood in a hurry. Other saws you might want to invest in are either a scroll saw or sabre saw for cutting shapes. A band saw might be something to look into down the road. I'd also suggest a router and table to finish edges on your projects.

Besides that, invest in a few C clamps and bar clamps to start with. A jointer and planer can be helpful, too. That's pretty much how I started, and now I just buy tools when they're necessary for a project, which isn't very often. Best of luck to you!

cardsfan27

I would love to get into woodworking, but I don't have the first idea where to start. I know of a few people where I live that make various woodworking items and are able to sell them for quite a bit. If nothing else, I would at least like to try my hand and see how I do.

I think what I'd really like to do is make things like lawn ornaments and Adirondack chairs and benches. I think those types of things are always nice to look at and would sell well. At the very least I could make some things for around home and have a new hobby!

Why types of things should I start with to make some basic projects? I'm sure a table saw and some type of sander would be important, but what else?

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    • A power sander, which is used for woodworking.
      By: Negaro Imaging
      A power sander, which is used for woodworking.
    • A woodworking set might include a bevel gauge, which is used most often to duplicate and measure angles.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      A woodworking set might include a bevel gauge, which is used most often to duplicate and measure angles.
    • When woodworking, a miter saw is ideal for making precise crosscuts.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      When woodworking, a miter saw is ideal for making precise crosscuts.