I get asked a lot about what tools I use or tool recommendations for beginner DIY’ers, so I decided to write a post about it! Honestly, I wish I would of had access to a post like this when I first started out. I’m not gonna sugar coat it for you, there was A LOT of trial and error. But the more comfortable I got with the tools, the better I became. That’s how it works. Practice makes perfect, right?
Please note, these are recommendations based on personal experience. There are so many tools out there, but these are the main ones that I use on a regular basis. Also, these are what I consider the basic tools but you will most likely need additional tools and/or accessories depending on your project.
For example, if you are joining wood planks together (think wooden picture frame or wooden furniture) I would recommend using wood glue. If you are doing trim or crown molding, I would recommend caulk and a caulk gun. See? The tools needed are dependent on the specific project you are tackling. BUT these tools will be a great start!
#1: Miter saw – this was my first major tool investment and I don’t regret it! I remember the first time I used mine, the noise from the blades terrified me and I seriously made my first cuts with my butt out and as far away from the saw as I could. I laugh about that now. But the fear was real.
Note, the below pictures were taken from Lowe’s and Goggle and are not mine.
I have probably made over 2000 cuts with mine and it is still chugging along. I have the Kobalt Miter saw. This saw will allow you to make angled cuts along with straight cuts. However, miter saws typically cannot cut wood deeper than 12”. This type of saw would be great to make open shelves, cut base trim, trim molding, frames, etc.
Most miter saws come with handy features such as a laser that can show you where the blade will touch the wood. However, I still recommend measuring with a tape measure for accuracy. Some lasers do not work properly which could leave you with a piece of wood cut too short.
#2: Circular saw – there are several styles of circular saws that will make the exact same cuts as a miter saw. Even the angled cuts. If I had to choose between the miter saw and the circular saw and I could only have one, I would choose the circular saw because it can cut almost any size of wood (think sheets of plywood), where a miter saw cannot. However, making straight cuts is a little more difficult if you don’t have all the right accessories such as clamps and a level. Also the setup time to make cuts with a circular saw will take longer. Honestly, I only use my circular saw when the wood is too big for my miter saw.
#3: Orbital sander – I use this for almost every project that includes wood. I have the DEWALT 120-Volt 3-Amp Random Orbital Sander and it is powerful! This brand has other options and there are other brand options as well. I have experience with ones that have a one-speed setting and ones that have multi-speed setting. The ones with multiple speed settings are going to be more powerful. Which could work in your favor if you are trying to remove multiple layers of paint. However, if you press down to hard and have the sander set to a higher speed it can make an unsightly pattern on the wood, which you don’t want. I highly recommend reading the manual. I know that sounds boring, but that will give you the most helpful information to know which setting to use for your project if you opt for a multi-speed orbital sander.
With an orbital sander, you’ll also need sandpaper that is specific for orbital sanders. They look like a disc with holes around the inner circle. I recommend buying the following grits for starters: 80 grit, 120 grit, and 220 grit.
80 grit is coarse and will remove layers. So you would want to use this grit if you are dealing with wood that has a lot of deep imperfections that you want to smooth out. 120 grit is less coarse and should be used to get that smooth finish before painting or staining. 220 grit could be used in place of 120 grit. I like to use 220 grit when sanding between coats of paint or primer.
#4: Cordless drill – I have the Kobalt 24-volt max 1/2-in cordless drill/driver and it’s a beast! This is a tool that you would need for almost any project that includes woodworking. You’ll want to make sure you have both, phillips and flathead bits along with a drill bit set. I have the DEWALT 21-Piece assorted titanium twist drill bit set.
#5: Level – This tool is imperative to ensure your build is the same height/even. For example, if you were building a table, you would place the level on the tabletop to make sure that the legs are all the same length. If the bubble is not between the lines that indicates your build is not level, which means, slants, and could potentially be unstable or wobbly. Reference the picture below so you know what I mean by “bubble”.
#6: Tape measure – I think the name says it all, but you’ll use this to measure everything. If you have to use a saw, you have to use a tape measure.
#7: Kreg Jig – This tool is my go-to when I am connecting multiple pieces of wood. This tool creates pocket holes and was a big player when I was building our bed frame, coffee table, and dining room table. If you buy a Kreg Jig, you’ll also need pocket hole screws. The kits come with some, but the length you need will vary based on the thickness of the wood you are working with. I have the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 as well as the KregPocket Hole Jig K4 Master System. The Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 is great for beginners who want to get into woodworking and it is under $40!
#8: Clamps – These will be necessary when using your circular saw or Kreg Jig. Clamps hold your wood in place and ensures clean cuts and/or pocket holes. I recommend purchasing hand screw clamps as well as bar clamps (shown below). Bar clamps will come in handy if you are building a tabletop. Hand screw clamps are smaller and good for securing wood that you will be cutting with a circular saw.
#9: Brad nailer (nail gun) – I have the Craftsman V20 2-in 18-Gauge 20-Volt Max Cordless Brad Nailer and it is a dream. I actually did not buy it until a few months ago, and I am kicking myself that I waited so long. I can’t believe I used a hammer. I seriously hammered in every nail for the shiplap wall I did at our previous house. What the heck was I thinking?
But seriously the Brad nailer has made a world of difference and has sped up my projects ten fold. I especially love it because it is battery operated and does not require an air compressor like some do.
This tool would be great for securing: shiplap, base trim, crown molding, wainscoting, and window trim.
#10: Stud finder – This tool comes in handy when you want to hang or secure anything to a wall. It is important to know where your studs are. Studs meaning the wood slates that make up the frame of your house. Knowing where the studs are will tell you the type of anchor you should use (if any) depending on what’s behind the wall. Some stud finders can also detect wiring, pipes, metal, etc. That will be especially helpful when you want to make large holes to hang something heavy (like floating shelves) and it can also prevent you from drilling or hammering into something that you don’t want to. I have the stud finder sensor wall scanner and really like it. Fun fact, studs are normally spaced 16 inches apart.
Lastly, but most importantly, invest in safety goggles and a safety mask before operating any type of electric tool. There are different types of safety masks, but I recommend getting one with a valve that is specific to sanding and painting. You should absolutely wear safety goggles when working with any type of saw, sander, brad nailer, or any other type of powerful tool.
And that’s a wrap! I truly hope you found this post helpful. If you have been wanting to get I to woodworking/DIY I hope this post gave you that push to get yourself some tools and get to work!
If you have any questions, please comment on this post or DM me via Instagram. My handle is @acarriedaffairdesigns
Until next time. Happy DIY’ing! Xo
