The Complete Woodworking Tool List: Everything You Need for the Shop or Jobsite

Whether you're setting up a professional cabinet shop, outfitting a finish carpentry crew, or building a serious home workshop, having the right tools from the start saves time, money, and frustration.

We've broken everything down by function so that you can easily prioritize what to buy first and build your setup over time. From stationary machines to cordless portables, this guide can help you choose the correct pieces to include in your collection. 

No piece of equipment defines a woodworking setup more than the table saw. It's where lumber is ripped to width, sheet goods are broken down, dadoes are cut, and joints are dialed in. If there's one machine to invest in, this is it.

For serious production work, the Powermatic PM2000T lineup is the benchmark. These saws feature precision-ground cast iron tables, robust trunnion assemblies, and the brand's signature ArmorGlide coating on the fence for smooth, consistent movement. 

The PM2000T is available in 1.75 HP single-phase all the way up to 7.5 HP three-phase configurations with rip capacities from 30 to 50 inches, depending on model. If you're running a cabinet shop or production environment, these machines are built to go all day without complaint.

On the jobsite side, the DeWalt DWE7485 8-1/4" Compact Jobsite Table Saw gives you a capable, portable option that won't break your back. For contractors who need to rip dimensional lumber and sheet goods without dragging a contractor saw to every job, this is a smart pick. If you're already running DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT platform, the DeWalt DCS7485B 60V MAX FlexVolt Table Saw takes cordless table-saw performance to a level that was simply not possible a few years ago.

For shops that want a safety net, the SawStop CTS-120A60 Compact Table Saw features SawStop's flesh-detection technology, which stops the blade in milliseconds upon contact with skin.

A miter saw is the go-to tool for any work that involves cutting trim, molding, framing lumber, or dimensional stock to length at precise angles. For carpenters and finish trades, it gets used constantly.

The DeWalt DWS779 12" Sliding Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw has been a staple in professional shops for years. It handles 2x12 lumber and wide crown molding with ease. The DWS780 steps up the game with DeWalt's XPS cross-cut positioning system, which uses an LED shadow line to show you exactly where the blade will land. Both are solid corded options at a price point that professional tradespeople consistently find worthwhile.

If you're adding cordless capability to your miter saw lineup, the Milwaukee 2739-21HD M18 FUEL 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit is one of the most capable battery-powered miter saws on the market. It delivers corded-level performance on Milwaukee's M18 platform, meaning your crew shares batteries across the whole kit.

For medium-duty trim work where a 12" saw is more than you need, the Bosch GCM12SD 12" Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw is worth a serious look. The Glide axial design gives it a small footprint while still clearing the full slide range, which makes it a smart choice for tight work areas. Makita's LS1219L 12" Sliding Dual-Bevel Miter Saw is another workhorse in this class with a reputation for cut accuracy right out of the box.

For stands, the DeWalt DWX726 Rolling Miter Saw Stand is worth pairing with any of these saws. The Gravity-rise setup, mobility wheels, and wide-extension wings make it a legitimate upgrade over building a temporary bench.

A circular saw is one of the most-used tools in any carpenter's kit. Breaking down sheet goods, site cutting framing lumber, trimming doors and decking, it handles all of it.

For raw cutting capacity, the DeWalt DCS578B 60V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw delivers corded-level performance on the FLEXVOLT battery platform. If you're already using 60V tools, this is the upgrade that makes the platform truly complete. For those on M18, the Milwaukee 2834-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw checks the same boxes.

The bandsaw is the tool that separates a serious wood shop from a basic one. For resawing thick stock into thinner boards, cutting curves in hardwood, slicing book-matched panels, or cutting custom veneers, nothing else does the job as cleanly.

The Jet JWBS-14SFX 14" Bandsaw is one of the most well-regarded 14" saws on the market. Jet engineered it with a deeper table featuring 360 square inches of cast iron work surface and over 13" of resaw capacity, backed by heavy-duty tubular steel construction. Dual 4" dust ports make connecting to your existing collection system straightforward.

If you need a larger machine for production resawing, the Powermatic PM1500 is a category-defining 14-1/2" bandsaw. The Accu-Fence system gives you the kind of repeatable rip accuracy you'd expect from a Powermatic machine, and the foot brake with magnetic switch interrupt lets you stop the blade hands-free. Step up further to thePowermatic PM2415B 24" Bandsaw for the largest production work, featuring 5 HP, solid cast iron upper and lower wheels, and blade tension release with electrical interlock.

A router is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. Use it for flush trimming, edge profiling, cutting dadoes and rabbets, template routing, mortising hinge pockets, and inlay work. Once you've got one dialed in, you'll wonder how you managed without it.

For corded performance, the DeWalt DW618 2-1/4 HP EVS Fixed Base Router is a dependable mid-range machine. The DeWalt DW618B3 Three Base Router Kit gives you fixed, plunge, and D-handle bases in a single package, which is useful if you're switching between table routing and freehand work.

For cabinet shops and production environments that need heavier-duty routing, the Bosch MRF23EVS 2.3 HP Electronic VS Fixed-Base Router is a solid pick. Variable speed with feedback control means the motor maintains speed under load, which matters when you're cutting hardwood profiles.

Going cordless, the DeWalt DCW600B 20V Brushless Cordless Router and the Milwaukee 2723-20 M18 FUEL Compact Router are both legitimate jobsite tools. These are ideal for trim carpenters doing hinge mortises, edge profiles, and decorative work on-site without running extension cords. The Milwaukee plunge base accessories (48-10-5601 and 48-10-5600) expand the M18 compact router into a full plunge setup.

Getting a clean finish starts with proper sanding. The right sanders save time and give you a surface that actually accepts stain and finish evenly.

The Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 5" Random Orbit Sander is a top pick for site work. According to Milwaukee, it was purpose-built for professional carpenters and remodelers, delivering power for heavy stock removal while keeping vibration levels low, a real differentiator when you're sanding for extended periods. It connects to M18 dust extractors for on-tool dust collection.

For a corded 5" random orbit, the DeWalt DCW210B 20V XR 5" Random Orbital Sander is a clean performer in the DeWalt ecosystem.

When serious material removal is on the table, you want a belt sander. The Milwaukee 2832-20 M18 FUEL 3"x18" Belt Sander brings aggressive stock removal to the M18 cordless platform. For corded belt sanding with a wider belt, the Makita 9403 4" x 24" Belt Sander is a long-running professional tool known for consistent tracking and smooth, reliable operation.

The Bosch GET75-6N 6" Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sander is worth mentioning for finish work that demands a finer scratch pattern. The 6" pad and dual-mode operation give you more control over the finish quality when you're working with hardwoods or pre-finishing cabinetry.

A thickness planer takes rough or warped stock and brings it to a consistent, flat dimension. Every cabinetmaker, furniture builder, and finish carpenter eventually needs one.

At the benchtop level, the Jet JWP-13BT 13" Helical Cutterhead Planer is a standout pick. The helical cutterhead uses carbide inserts arranged in a spiral pattern rather than straight knives, which results in a noticeably smoother surface finish and much quieter operation. It's also more forgiving on figured grain that tends to tear out with traditional straight-knife heads.

For higher-volume shops, the DeWalt DW735 Heavy-Duty 13" Thickness Planer is a reliable corded machine that handles most shop planing needs. The DW735X includes extension tables for longer stock support.

On the cordless side, the Milwaukee 2623-20 M18 3-1/4" Planer is a handy trim and chamfer tool for carpenters who need to fit doors, shave jambs, or ease edges on-site without running a corded unit.

A jigsaw handles curved cuts, cutouts in countertops and flooring, radius work, and plunge cuts into panels. It's one of those tools that gets used across multiple trades.

The Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw is a pro-grade cordless option with variable speed and tool-free blade changes. The D-handle configuration gives more control for longer cuts. For those who prefer a barrel grip for close-quarters work, Milwaukee also offers the 2737B-20 barrel grip variant. On the corded side, the Bosch JS572EK 7.2A Top-Handle Jig Saw Kit is a well-regarded performer for finish carpenters and remodelers.

No toolbox is complete without an oscillating multi-tool. It's the go-to for plunge cuts in tight spots, undercutting door casings for flooring, removing old caulk, flush cutting fasteners, and sanding in corners where a pad sander won't fit.

The Milwaukee 2836-21 M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit runs on M18 and delivers consistent oscillation speed under load. For a corded kit with an accessory set included, the DeWalt DCS356D1 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit is a proven performer. If you're on the Makita 40V XGT platform, the Makita GMT01Z 40V XGT StarlockMax Multi-Tool accepts the full StarlockMax blade system for maximum accessory compatibility.

Woodworking and carpentry depend on nailers for everything from rough framing to delicate finish trim.

For framing, the Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer and Milwaukee 2745-20 M18 FUEL 30° Framing Nailer are fully cordless tools that eliminate the need for a compressor on framing jobs. For finish work, the Milwaukee 2839-20 M18 FUEL 15 Gauge Finish Nailer and Milwaukee 3020-20 M18 FUEL 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer are the tools of choice for baseboard, casing, and cabinet installs.

If you're working trim or interior millwork with a compressor, the Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series 1-1/2 HP Compressor or the Milwaukee 2840-20 M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compact Quiet Compressor are both worth a look. The Milwaukee cordless compressor in particular has been popular with finish crews who want to run a nailer without the noise and bulk of a traditional gas or motor-driven unit.

For shops that do custom millwork, decorative trim, or turning, a scroll saw and lathe round out the tool list.

The DeWalt DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw is the go-to for intricate curved cuts in thinner stock. The Jet JWSS-18B 18" Scroll Saw is another solid option for shops that do sign work, fretwork, or decorative cutting.

For turning, the Jet JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Lathe is a capable entry-level to mid-range machine for bowl turning, spindle work, and pen turning. Step up to the Jet JWL-1640EVS 16" x 40" Lathe for larger-diameter work and longer spindles.

Every woodworker will tell you the same thing: you never have enough clamps. Glue-ups, frame assembly, edge jointing, holding jigs in place -- clamps are everywhere in a busy shop.

Jet's parallel clamp series covers everything from 12" to 98" of jaw opening and is available at ToolUp in individual sizes. These are precision clamps with flat, parallel jaws that apply even clamping pressure across the full face of the workpiece -- a major advantage on glue-ups where uneven pressure causes panels to cup. Jet offers parallel clamp sizes at12", 24", 31", 40", 50", 60", and beyond to suit any job. 

A well-equipped woodworking shop is built over time, not in a single purchase. Start with the tools that match your current project list and add specialized equipment as the work demands it. Quality machines from established brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Jet, and Powermatic hold their value, hold their calibration, and hold up to daily professional use.