"Where do I begin?", is a question I am frequently by folks looking to get their creative journey started and make something useful & long lasting. They look at me excitedly hoping for a laundry list of 'things to do and stuff to buy' and all I can come up with at that moment is, 'just do it, get building!!' ☺️. Because that's how I started. I have had the privilege of studying design and my school had a small albeit productive workshop where we could go and tinker with wood, metal, glass etc while we worked on student projects. Being an architect also means I come with an understanding of joinery, structure, systems of measurement. I can visualize, draw and plan a project. And so, I do understand when my short response is met with a confused look, more questions and more often than not the "easy for you to say" indifference.

As a new woodworker you are probably overwhelmed by all the information and variety of tools out there. It is very easy to hoard a few thousand bucks worth of tools you may never use or later realize you needed a different specification of. Most basic tools for woodworking are not expensive or elaborate. I am referring to them as 'basic tools' because your first tool kit needs to start with a feel of simplicity, which goes a long way into creating good work.

There are 5 classes of basic tools. Tools to measure, cut/shape, finish, join and hold wooden parts together. Here is how the list goes:

Measuring Tools:

• A good measuring tape – seemingly the easiest tool to purchase, you may begin with the inexpensive ones at the local hardware store. But I’d advice going for a sturdy lockable tape with legible and accurate markings in metric and imperial units.

• a speed square or an engineer's square - 12 and 6 inch; would recommend Kristeel

• a combination square ;would recommend Kristeel

• a 0.9pt pencil or I would highly recommend getting a marking knife

Cutting/Shaping Tools:

• carpenter's saw

• chisels (6mm, 12mm, 19mm, 25mm for starters); I would recommend buying Anant or Taparia

• mallet

• coping saw or jeweler's saw

• smooth plane

• block plane

Finishing Tools:

• sandpapers with varying grit (80, 120, 220, 320, 400)

• hand-files

Assembly Tools:

• a couple of 6 inch 'C' clamps of different sizes

• a couple of 'F' clamps (12 inch)

• a belt clamp

Joining Tools:

• wood glue

• a box of fluted dowels

Apart from these simple tools, a power drill with a couple of bits of different sizes is a must for every DIYer. It was the first tool I owned, had it around for doing things around the house, small repairs and such.

Let's not forget safety. We need our eyes and digits to create more.

Safety and maintenance:

• Face shield or safety glasses

• Hearing protector

• Dust mask or respirator

• Sharpening stone (dual-purpose, coarse/fine)

• honing guide

the affiliate links are not sponsored, few recommendations are based on my experience.

There!! I hope I have been able to answer the question we started with. You begin by acquiring a basic tool kit, plan simple projects and get building. A small box for your tools sounds like a good start!!☺️

If you have more questions in general or about these tools, put them in the comments below and let the community help you.

Or go to 'Ask us Something' and begin a discussion.