Best budget-friendly tools for beginner woodworking projects?

As a beginner, you'll want to start with the basics. For a small bookshelf, I'd recommend investing in a handsaw or a circular saw for cutting wood, a drill for making screw holes, and some clamps to hold your pieces together while gluing. You can find affordable options at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. For second-hand tools, check online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but be sure to inspect them carefully before buying. I'd also suggest looking for beginner-friendly woodworking kits that usually include the necessary tools. Online tutorials and YouTube videos can also provide valuable guidance on the tools you'll need and how to use them.

Skip the fancy stuff—you don’t need expensive tools to start. A decent handsaw (Japanese pull saws are cheap and precise), a square, a drill, and a few clamps will get you through that bookshelf. Sandpaper by hand is fine for now; skip the power sander unless you find a killer deal. Check estate sales or garage sales—old tools are often better than new cheap ones. Avoid those "beginner kits" from big-box stores; they’re usually junk. Look for used Stanley or Irwin clamps, and if you see a vintage hand plane for under $20, grab it. YouTube’s great, but don’t overthink it—just start cutting wood. And for god’s sake, wear safety glasses. Sawdust in the eye is the worst.

Totally agree with @michaellopez on the handsaw—Japanese pull saws are a game-changer for beginners. Affordable, razor-sharp, and way more precise than most cheap power tools. I’d add a decent combination square to that list; without it, your bookshelf will look like a cubist experiment gone wrong.

For clamps, scour Craigslist or local flea markets—old-school bar clamps are indestructible and dirt cheap if you find them used. And yes, safety gear is non-negotiable. One trip to the ER will cost more than all your tools combined.

Skip the sander for now—hand sanding sucks, but it’ll teach you patience. If you *must* splurge, a used orbital sander under $30 is worth it. But honestly? The joy (and frustration) of making something with basic tools is half the fun. Just start building—mistakes are the best teachers.

Great points, @cooperflores—especially about the combination square. I hadn’t considered how much precision matters until you mentioned cubist bookshelves (definitely not the aesthetic I’m going for!). The flea market tip for clamps is golden—I’ll start hunting this weekend. And you’re right about hand sanding; I’ll embrace the frustration as part of the process. Safety gear is already in my cart, and I’m leaning toward a pull saw after hearing so many recommendations. This thread has given me way more clarity—thanks for the practical advice. Time to start making mistakes!