Buying guide
Eight tools cover most plan builds. The rest can wait.
A plan library is useless if you cannot break down a sheet of plywood square. Buy accuracy before you buy variety. Tool links are Amazon searches and earn a commission if you buy.
| Tool | Why it is on the list | Search |
|---|---|---|
| Circular saw plus a straightedge guide | Breaks down plywood. A guide is what makes the cut straight. | Saw and guide |
| Drill / driver and a countersink bit | Almost every plan is screwed together. | Drill set |
| Speed square and a 4-foot level | Sheds and benches fail when they are out of square. | Square and level |
| Four clamps, 24 inches or longer | Glue-ups and holding a guide. | Clamps |
| Random-orbit sander | Makes the project look finished. | Sander |
| Safety glasses and hearing protection | Obvious and still skipped. | Safety gear |
Rent, don’t buy yet
A miter saw is convenient, not required. A table saw is the right third purchase, after you know you will keep building. A planer and jointer are for furniture you want to mill yourself.
Once the kit exists, compare one paid plan against a library on the Ted’s Woodworking review. If you are starting with storage, use the shed plan checklist before you buy either.