Newbie:

#1- Workbench- Simpson Strong Tie WBSK Workbench and Shelving Hardware Kit
Hands down, the most important part of a workshop is a sturdy work surface. You can buy a pre-made workbench, but building your own will be a lot cheaper, can be custom built to fit your space, and typically will be a lot stronger. Get yourself a kit, a few 2 x 4’s, and some plywood, and you’ve got yourself a sturdy work surface.

#2- Power Drill/ Impact Driver- Dewalt Cordless Impact Driver 18 V 1330 In-Lbs. Of Torque

In a dream world, you would have both a cordless drill and an impact driver. A drill really should be your first purchase, but an impact is life changing!

#3- Circular Saw- Skil 5480-01 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Kit

Every shop needs a circular saw. I personally like a corded one, so I never have to wait for a battery to charge, but corded or cordless, a circular saw will be one of the most versatile tools you own. Its great for ripping plywood as well as cross-cutting lumber.

#4- Electric Sander- Ryobi ZRCFS1503K 1.2 Amp Corner Cat Finish Sander

An electric sander is truely one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread! Different sanders are better for different jobs, but if I had to choose one, it would be a finish sander with a narrow point, like the Ryobi Corner Cat.

Stepping it Up:

If you give a mouse a cookie…well, you know the rest. The same goes for tools. Here’s a list of great gift options, when you’re ready to step up your game in the DIY department.

#1- Pocket Hole Jig- Kreg Jig® K4
A pocket hole jig lets you join wood together, quickly and tightly. There is a reason why you see Kreg jigs all over DIY blogs. It is game changer, especially if you want to build or repair furniture and cabinets.

#2- Clamps- IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Clamp Set, 6-Piece (SET150)

Oh, how I love clamps! With some projects they’re helpful, and with some they are down right essential. Everyone could use a set of ratcheting bar clamps.

#3- Sawhorses- Stanley STST60626 Adjustable Sawhorse Twin Pack

Ever need a third (or forth) hand? A couple good sawhorses are more than handy. I use mine for cutting sheets of plywood, painting, and sometimes as a second workbench.

#4- Miter Saw- DEWALT DWS782 12-Inch Slide Compound Miter Saw

Perfectionists will love a good miter saw. Although you can cut almost any angle with a circular saw, a miter saw allows you to cut them quickly and almost perfectly. A must-have for cutting moulding.

Been Around the Block:

Once you can check these tools off your list, you have just about everything a weekend warrior would need. After this, you can just start at the beginning of list and upgrade.

#1- Table Saw- SKIL 3410-02 120-Volt 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand

A table saw opens a whole new world of DIY. Ripping plywood down to a manageable size makes woodworking at lot more enjoyable. If you are getting into furniture building, a table saw should be on your short list.

#2- Push Block- Gripper(TM) 200 Advanced System – Assorted Colors (Black or Yellow)

Have you seen a video of the Gripper? Man, this thing is cool. It makes your ripping so much more precise, and safe. It’s a push block and jig, all in one.

#3- Drill Press- SKIL 3320-01 120-Volt 10-Inch Drill Press

My husband scored a large, industrial drill press when a lumber warehouse went out of business, a few years ago. Since then, I have fallen in love with a drill press. Since I have started working with metal, I couldn’t love my drill press more. I can drill holes quickly and more precisely than I ever could by hand.

#4- Router- Factory-Reconditioned Ryobi ZRR163K 8.5 Amp 1-1/2 Peak Horsepower Router Kit

A router is one of the more versatile power tools around. Most people think of decorative edges, but a router can trim, join, and plane wood and MDF like a champ.

Stocking Stuffers:

drill bits- Tooluxe 13-Piece Hex Shank Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set
driver bits- IIT 64370 6-Inch Power Driver Bit Set, 9-Piece

router bits- Pro-Series PS07426 Router Bit Set, 12-Piece

sandpaper- SandBlaster 21120-CCG Sandpaper with No Slip Grip Backing, 120 Grit, 9 by 11-Inch
chisel- Stanley 16-292 Utility Chisel, 1-1/4 Inch

screwdrivers- Stanley 60-060 Standard Fluted Screwdriver Set, 6-Piece

paintbrushes- PURDY 144152125 2.5-Inch Clear Cut Glide Brush

glue- Franklin International 5005 Titebond II Premium Wood Glue, 32-Ounce Bottle

needle nose pliers- 6 Piece Precision Pliers Set

Now its your chance to win! One of the most basic essentials for any DIYer is a good workbench and everyone could always use some more storage. Follow the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win a Simpson Strong Tie WBSK Workbench and Shelving Hardware Kit.

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