You will find a list of my essential tools for a home workshop. These tools enable me to create my projects, manage this DIY blog, and more.
Essential Tools for Home Workshop
Although my essential tools for a home workshop may change from time to time, I’ll do my best to update this list accordingly.
If there is a discrepancy, feel free to call me out on it.
My Tool List
Home Workshop
- Mr Cool DIY Mini Split 36k (Workshop)
- Mr Cool DIY Mini Split 18k (Office)
- Workshop Dehumidifier
- Drill Bit & Screw Storage
- Tool Belt
- Tool Storage
- SmartThings Hub
- Amazon Echo Dot
- Z-Wave Wall Outlet
- Z-wave light switch
- Shop Fan
- Wall Mount Magnets
Best Wood Finishes
I wrote a detailed article about my best finishes for wood projects, so be sure to check that out.
Epoxy Resin
I wrote a detailed articles about the best epoxy resin for wood or resin art projects and my 11 best epoxy resin application tools, so check those out for more info.
- Deep Pour Epoxy
- Protective Top Coat for Table
- Epoxy for Resin Art Projects
- Best Epoxy to Stabilize Wood (Reclaimed or Rotten Wood)
- Epoxy Glow Powder
- Pigment Powder
- Transparent Dye
- Epoxy Clean Up
Glues/Tape
Hard To Categorize
Woodworking Tools
- MFT3 Work Table
- Festool Domino
- Festool TS 75 Track Saw
- Small Dust Extractor
- Large Dust Extractor
- Festool 55″ Guide Rail
- Festool Carvex Jigsaw
- Laguna 14-12 BX Bandsaw (replaced Grizzly G0555lx)
- Miter Saw
- Router
- Handheld Drill
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Kreg True-flex featherboard
- Clamping Straight Edge Guide
- Push-Bloc Pad for Table Saw
- GRR-Ripper Pushblock
Wood Sanding
- Festool RO 125
- Festool ETS 125
- Grinder/Sander
- Oscillating Spindle Sander
- Disc Sander
- Sanding Block (various grits)
Measuring/Clamps/Levels
- Festool MFT3
- Digital Laser Distance Measure/Rangefinder
- 6″ Combination Square
- 45/90 degree layout miter gauge
- Tape Measure
- Digital Protractor with 10″ Rule
- Electronic Digital Caliper
- 12″ Combination Square
- Speed Square
- Corner Clamp
- Magnetic torpedo level
- Magnetic I-beam Level
- Horizontal Quick Release Toggle Clamp
- Parallel Clamps
Hand Tools
- Hand Chisels
- Stanley Block Plane #60-1/2
- Mallet
- Japanese Dozuki ‘Z’ Saw
- 9-1/2″ Dovetail Saw
- Ryoba 9-1/2″ Double Edge Razor Saw
- Lie Nielsen Low Angle Jack plane with Blade Set
- Smoothing Plane #4 – Lie Nielsen
- Lie Nielsen 102 Block Plane
Business Tools
- Furniture Shipping
- Website and Domain Hosting
- Tailwind – Social Media Management
- ConvertKit – Email List Management
- TubeBuddy – YouTube Management
- SEO Tool
Camera Gear
Computer Gear
Tools for Home Workshop
Every craftsman and DIYer use tools no matter their skill level.
Professional woodworkers often enjoy the top-of-the-line tools.
On the other hand, some hobbyist use only simple hand tools to enjoy the craft of making things.
As the popular phrase goes “the skill is not within the tool, but within the creator” is very true.
Regardless, the essential tools for a home workshop started with a single tool.
First Tool Purchases
For the most part, my workflow determine the tools I use.
My first tool purchase over $100 was a craftsman circular saw (an incredibly dangerous saw) and a ryobi miter saw.
I purchased both of these tools to cut plywood and 2x4s in order to board the windows of my house 3 days before Hurricane Katrina.
Despite my amateur (to put it politely) woodworking skills at this time, the boards protected our home from damage.
Essentially, both of these tools served me well on various DIY projects for 10 years.
Tools for Home Workshop Buying Tips
Ultimately, I encourage you to buy tools that fit within your workflow and as you need them.
Before I purchase a new tool, I ask myself these questions:
- Will I use this tool on 50% of my projects?
- Does this tool fit my workflow and lifestyle?
If I answer ‘yes’ to both questions, I purchase the tool.
Ultimately, these simple questions help me avoid unnecessary purchases and consuming space in my workshop with unused tools.
Buying Advice for Tools
When I first started getting serious about woodworking, I purchased various stationary power tools.
Over time, I realized mobile tools fit my lifestyle and workflow much better.
So, I sold my stationary power tools (except for my bandsaw) and invested in the Festool system.
Conclusion
Obviously, my tools are by no means the #1 tools on the market.
Rather, they simply help me work safer and efficiently.
Keep in mind, I own tools that are not listed on this page because I don’t recommend them.
In conclusion, I hope my essential tools for a home workshop provided you with value.