Highland Hardware's Tool List for a Basic Woodworking Shop

This list includes a wide variety of tools used for general-purpose "straight-line" woodworking—that is, tools and machines for turning are not represented. This is not intended to slight woodturning, which is not only an integral part of much classic furnituremaking, but a fine sport unto itself. The focus of this list, however, is on the tools and machines most often used for basic woodworking: cabinets, shelving, tables, boxes and other common projects.

The choice of tools herein naturally reflects personal predilections, and there's doubtless plenty of room to debate the merits of any specific item. These are our favorites, tools we've learned about, used and enjoyed during the past twenty years. Occasionally two or more similar tools are listed, marked with a red asterisk ( * ), to offer a choice of features or price. You'll get what you pay for, but the less expensive alternatives are nonetheless good, functional tools. Please consult a current Highland Hardware catalog for specifications, additional options, related items and current prices.

Our catalog numbers are shown (where applicable) to help you identify the tools precisely. The tools are labled to indicate their usefulness in most shops:

•••• Critical; tools you can't do without.
•••   Essential in virtually any shop; their lack will always limit what you can do.
••    Almost essential; you can get by without them, but they'll pay for themselves quickly.
•     Very useful; significant convenience. Substitutes can often accomplish the same functions.