Beginner Woodshop Tool List

Beginner Woodshop Tool List and Total Cost

This tool list is for beginners working on 2-hour, screw-based projects (e.g., birdhouses ~$5, storage crates ~$10, coasters ~$3, planter boxes ~$12) at your woodshop meeting. Participants will use your DEWALT drill and impact driver for fastening, with an optional bit kit for personal use. Prices reflect reputable brands (e.g., Irwin, DEWALT, Wooster) from retailers like Home Depot, Harbor Freight, or Amazon in Greenwood, SC, as of July 2025, prioritizing durability over low-quality options. The target is ~$150 per kit, aligning with your $55/week fee ($330 for 6 weeks), $8-$15 project materials, and ~$15 profit per student per week.

Tool List

1. Hand Saw (Irwin 15” Crosscut Saw)

• Purpose: Cutting pine or cedar for birdhouses, crates, or planter boxes.

• Why: Irwin saws are sharp and durable, avoiding $8 generic saws that dull quickly.

• Cost: ~$15

2. Drill/Driver Bit Kit (DEWALT 20-Piece Screwdriver and Drill Bit Set)

• Purpose: Driving screws and drilling pilot holes with your DEWALT drill/impact driver.

• Why: DEWALT bits are reliable and compatible; a budget-friendly set for personal use, per your preference over loose screws.

• Cost: ~$15 (cheaper than $30 premium sets, but not low-quality generics that strip).

3. Tool Bag (Husky 12” Tool Bag)

• Purpose: Storing and carrying tools.

• Why: Husky bags are durable and compact, better than $5 flimsy bags that tear.

• Cost: ~$15

4. Clamp (Irwin Quick-Grip 6” Bar Clamp, Single)

• Purpose: Holding wood during assembly or gluing.

• Why: Irwin clamps are reliable; one clamp suffices with your shared tools.

• Cost: ~$8

5. DEWALT 25ft Easy-Read Tape Measure

• Purpose: Measuring boards accurately.

• Why: Per your request, DEWALT’s easy-read design is durable and beginner-friendly.

• Cost: ~$25 (as specified)

6. Sandpaper Assortment (60, 120, 220 Grit, 15 Sheets, 3M)

• Purpose: Smoothing wood for coasters or birdhouses, used with your orbital sander.

• Why: 3M sandpaper ensures consistent results; assortment covers rough to fine sanding.

• Cost: ~$6

7. Wooster 2-Inch Angle Paintbrush

• Purpose: Applying finishes (e.g., stain or paint) to projects like coasters or planter boxes.

• Why: Wooster brushes hold paint well, preferred over Purdy for cost savings.

• Cost: ~$10

8. Drop Cloth (9x12 ft, Canvas)

• Purpose: Protecting surfaces during finishing or sanding.

• Why: Canvas drop cloths are reusable, unlike $3 plastic ones that tear.

• Cost: ~$12

9. Carpenter’s Square (Irwin 12” Combination Square)

• Purpose: Ensuring straight cuts and 90-degree angles.

• Why: Irwin’s stainless steel square is precise, avoiding $5 plastic squares that warp.

• Cost: ~$12

10. Straight Edge with Level (Stanley 24” Level)

• Purpose: Checking flatness and alignment for crates or tool racks.

• Why: Stanley’s combined straight edge and level is versatile for beginners.

• Cost: ~$15

11. Safety Glasses (3M Standard)

• Purpose: Eye protection during cutting or sanding.

• Why: 3M glasses are comfortable and durable, better than $2 brittle options.

• Cost: ~$6

12. Work Gloves (Firm Grip, Medium)

• Purpose: Hand protection for handling wood/tools.

• Why: Firm Grip gloves are durable for light woodworking, unlike $3 gloves that rip.

• Cost: ~$6

We can gladly pick up your tools before 1st meeting if paid here by Wednesday, July 23, 2025