-Cordless drill
-Circular Saw
-Hammer
-Philips Screwdriver
-Flathead Screwdriver
-Ratchering socket wrench
-Channel lock wrench
-Adjustable wrench
-Needle nose pliers
-Standard pliers
-Diagonal cutting pliers
-T-square
-Level
-Measuring Tape
-Sanding blocks
-Pocket knife
-Putty knife
-Rags
-Drill bits and screwdriver bits for drill
-Socket sets for drill or ratchet
Most of these hand tools can fit in a toolbox, and the power tools won’t take up a ton of space.
For the power tools, you want something reliable, but do not feel the need to break the bank. I’m partial to Milwaukee brand tools, but I’ve also used DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi, and cheaper brands I wouldn’t recommend. Ryobi is on the cheaper side, but I have had good luck with their tools. I prefer cordless, but a corded option is cheaper and probably more reliable if you have a good workspace and plenty of outlets.
For the hand tools, cheap Harbor Tool stuff is probably OK to start. When they break, that means you’re using it enough to justify getting a nice one. You can also surf your local Facebook groups for free tools people give away sometimes, or check your local Goodwill shops. Used tools can be worn down or broken, but most of the time it’s just old.
Second-level woodworking power tools you shouldn’t buy until you need one:
-Jigsaw
-Orbital sander
-Router
-Biscuit joiner or Planer
-Rotary tool (dremel or similar)
-Reciprocating saw
-Impact drill or driver
-Dedicated screw gun
-Nail gun (and compressor)
-Angle Grinder (mostly for metalwork)
What sort of woodworking do you want to do?
How much space is “limited space”?
Either way, any tool kit should include:
-Cordless drill
-Circular Saw
-Hammer
-Philips Screwdriver
-Flathead Screwdriver
-Ratchering socket wrench
-Channel lock wrench
-Adjustable wrench
-Needle nose pliers
-Standard pliers
-Diagonal cutting pliers
-T-square
-Level
-Measuring Tape
-Sanding blocks
-Pocket knife
-Putty knife -Rags
-Drill bits and screwdriver bits for drill
-Socket sets for drill or ratchet
Most of these hand tools can fit in a toolbox, and the power tools won’t take up a ton of space.
For the power tools, you want something reliable, but do not feel the need to break the bank. I’m partial to Milwaukee brand tools, but I’ve also used DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi, and cheaper brands I wouldn’t recommend. Ryobi is on the cheaper side, but I have had good luck with their tools. I prefer cordless, but a corded option is cheaper and probably more reliable if you have a good workspace and plenty of outlets.
For the hand tools, cheap Harbor Tool stuff is probably OK to start. When they break, that means you’re using it enough to justify getting a nice one. You can also surf your local Facebook groups for free tools people give away sometimes, or check your local Goodwill shops. Used tools can be worn down or broken, but most of the time it’s just old.
Second-level woodworking power tools you shouldn’t buy until you need one:
-Jigsaw
-Orbital sander
-Router
-Biscuit joiner or Planer
-Rotary tool (dremel or similar)
-Reciprocating saw
-Impact drill or driver
-Dedicated screw gun
-Nail gun (and compressor) -Angle Grinder (mostly for metalwork)
Larger items that take up space:
-Saw horses
-Workbench and Toolboxes
-Table saw
-Routing table
-Drill press
-Band Saw
-Planer
-Compressor
-Ladders
Hand tools for specific tasks (buy when needed for a project):
-Paintbrushes
-Hand planer -Tin snips
-Rubber mallet or specialty hammer -Drywall tools
-Tiny screwdrivers
-Allen wrenches/keys
-Pry bars
-Clamps
Edit: I almost forgot safety gear.
-Work gloves
-Safety glasses
-Ear muffs -Dust mask -Hardhat and reflective vest (if you’re working on job sites)