Where to Buy Woodworking Tools

Where to buy woodworking tools is a common question among new woodworkers. In the beginning, it can be difficult to know what you need. You also may not know all the places you can find woodworking tools. Here are a few places to look.

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There are actually a lot of places to find woodworking tools. Where you go does depend a little bit on your project type, and what you are looking for, but you can find them in many different places.

In the beginning, it can be tempting to buy all of your tools from one place. While this is fine if you are comfortable with that place, you can save some money and expand your tool choice by combining a few different types of places.

After all, you need to get the tools that will make you successful. You also need to spend your money wisely in order to get the most bang. Depending on what you need, check out one or all of the following places, and you will be happy with what you find.

After you know where, you can then look at What Tools Do I Need to Start Woodworking for more about making good buying decisions.

Woodworking Tools in the Hardware Store

The hardware store is where most beginning woodworkers go when they need to buy woodworking tools. Most towns have at least a couple hardware stores, and they are stocked with the most commonly needed tools.

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Beginners and weekend warriors tend to use about the same types of tools, so the hardware store responds to the market and stocks them. In general, the bigger the store, the more conservative the tool selection.

If you go into a few of the large home improvement stores, you will find about the same tools in each. If you go into a smaller hardware store, you will tend to find more of a detailed selection. The small stores try to beat the big guys by carrying a deeper selection, because they can’t win on price with the same products as the big stores.

Visit a couple hardware stores, especially if you are thinking about making weekend warrior types of projects, or you are looking for a commonly sold tool. Try a big store, and also try a smaller local store so you learn the differences in what they carry.

Fine Woodworking Stores

With any hobby, there are going to be stores that stock only the best. These boutique stores can be found in most cities, and online. When you go into a higher end woodworking store, you will find a completely different selection.

Where the hardware store stops at the basic level, the fine woodworking store picks up and gives you more options for where to buy your tools. For those getting serious about woodworking, this kind of store is worth the visit.

In a dedicated woodworking store, you will find more materials, a much deeper tool selection, knowledgeable staff, and tools you would never see in a hardware store. Visit one of these stores if you have one in your area, and see what they have to offer.

Remember this about high end stores though. The tools do not make the woodworker, they are only an extension of you. Most people are surprised that I Don’t Have Many Fancy Tools, but that’s actually a good thing.

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Buying Woodworking Tools Online

Today, you can buy nearly anything online. Tools are no exception. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. The bad thing is that as a beginner, it can be difficult to know what you are buying without seeing and touching it. The good side though is that it gives you access to tools from anywhere in the world.

As a beginner, it’s best to handle your tools at least a bit before you buy them. Going to a store lets you see, touch, and experience what owning that tool will be like before you make the purchase. This is a good opportunity for you, and you can ask questions as well.

If you know what you need, and you really don’t need to see it, the internet will connect you to anywhere in the world. Now, instead of having to buy from a local store every time, you can buy from a place that is half a world away, and take advantage of a larger selection.

Finding Second Hand Tools

Another place where you can buy woodworking tools is in the second hand market. There is a big market for people that are getting out of one hobby and into another. They are interested in selling their stuff, and you can take advantage.

The internet has a number of second hand seller sites and apps that will help connect you with people in your area that are selling things. Simply frequent some of these sites and eventually you can find something worth buying.

Be careful meeting strangers though, and always test what you are about to buy. Anyone that will not power up a tool for you is trying to sell you a broken tool. No exceptions. If you don’t get a demo, you don’t buy.

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The second hand market is great for saving money, which can be great for the beginning woodworker. Gently used tools are as good as new in most cases, and you can make your dollar go farther. If you don’t know what to look for, take someone with you that does.

Buying Tools in Antique Stores

One of the places that is overlooked when you buy tools is the antique market. There are a lot of antique stores in the world, and there always seems to be at least a small tool section that you can look through.

Looking at these tools, make sure to check that they are in good shape. Many times, a tool that has lasted several decades is a great buy. This is simply due to the fact that is has lasted so long already. If it has made it this long, it can make it even longer with care.

Older tools have a spirit to them, and when you find some older tools that you like to use, they can feel better than new tools. In the beginning, it’s worth finding a few hand tools in an antique store that connect you to woodworkers of the past. I found a nice moulding plane on my last trip to an antique store, and I love it.