My Picks For Starting Woodworking On A Budget

Starting out in woodworking doesn’t mean compromising on accuracy. A well-chosen starter setup should help you build skills confidently, work safely, and achieve reliable results without unnecessary complexity or expense. Whether you're setting up your first workshop, learning core techniques, or upgrading from basic DIY tools, these are the budget-friendly woodworking tools and essentials we recommend for building a capable and dependable foundation.

  • Bevel Edge Chisel Set

    My go to recommendation for affordable bevel edge chisels that still cut and retain their edge well.

    Bevel Edge Chisel Set

    My go to recommendation for affordable bevel edge chisels that still cut and retain their edge well.

  • Cutting Gauge

    A great tool for scoring across the grain. But can also be used for scoring along the grain if care and light passes are used.

    Cutting Gauge

    A great tool for scoring across the grain. But can also be used for scoring along the grain if care and light passes are used.

  • Marking Knife

    A great alternative to our premium marking knives. The blade is exactly the same shape, and can be folded away for protection.

    Marking Knife

    A great alternative to our premium marking knives. The blade is exactly the same shape, and can be folded away for protection.

  • Jack Plane

    A great all-rounder for woodworking. These are commonly referred to as a No.5, however you can also get a No. 5 1/2 which is slightly wider and longer.

    Jack Plane

    A great all-rounder for woodworking. These are commonly referred to as a No.5, however you can also get a No. 5 1/2 which is slightly wider and longer.

  • Low Angle Block Plane

    These are my recommendations for Low Angle Block Planes, otherwise known as a No 60 1/2.

    Low Angle Block Plane

    These are my recommendations for Low Angle Block Planes, otherwise known as a No 60 1/2.

  • Japanese Dovetail Saw

    This saw cuts on the pull stroke which often makes it easier to commence a cut. Additionally, the blades are fully replaceable and do not require sharpening, making this a very convenient and low maintenance saw.

    Japanese Dovetail Saw

    This saw cuts on the pull stroke which often makes it easier to commence a cut. Additionally, the blades are fully replaceable and do not require sharpening, making this a very convenient and low maintenance saw.

  • Sliding Bevel

    A well built sliding bevel that has a rock solid lock on it.

    Sliding Bevel

    A well built sliding bevel that has a rock solid lock on it.

  • Engineers Square Set

    A budget set of engineers squares that in my experience were spot on right out the box.

    Engineers Square Set

    A budget set of engineers squares that in my experience were spot on right out the box.

  • Honing Guide

    This is used to hold a blade at a constant angle while sharpening. Pair with one of our protrusion stops for quick and easy setups.

    Honing Guide

    This is used to hold a blade at a constant angle while sharpening. Pair with one of our protrusion stops for quick and easy setups.

  • Diamond Sharpening Stone

    A diamond stone is often considered the most low maintenance way of sharpening blades. They cut quickly, stay flat, and last a long time.

    Diamond Sharpening Stone

    A diamond stone is often considered the most low maintenance way of sharpening blades. They cut quickly, stay flat, and last a long time.

  • Strop and Compound

    This is used to gently remove the burr produced while sharpening a blade. Adding the compound to the strop can also make the edge even sharper

    Strop and Compound

    This is used to gently remove the burr produced while sharpening a blade. Adding the compound to the strop can also make the edge even sharper

  • Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual

    The best book for a general overview of all things woodwork. Great for anyone gettting into the craft.

    Collins Complete Woodworker's Manual

    The best book for a general overview of all things woodwork. Great for anyone gettting into the craft.

  • BAHCO Coping Saw

    A nice affordable coping saw with a rectangular section frame that stays rigid while cutting.

    BAHCO Coping Saw

    A nice affordable coping saw with a rectangular section frame that stays rigid while cutting.