We’re launching a series on hand tools in woodworking to help you set up a practical workshop and choose the tools and accessories that matter at the start of your woodworking journey — without spending a fortune.
We often get asked what hand-tool starter kit to buy. There is no truly universal set (tools vary by project), but below I outline a foundational kit that, in my view, will let you begin hand-tool woodworking confidently.
Workbench (Workbench/Joiner’s Bench)
A solid workbench is the cornerstone of hand-tool work — it determines stability, accuracy and comfort.
Your four options:
- buy new,
- buy used,
- build it yourself,
- commission a bench.
Buying a new bench
Weight matters. If a bench weighs under ~80–90 kg, it will likely be too light for comfortable hand-tool work. My smaller benches are around 180 kg. Mass brings stability; excess springiness in a benchtop makes planing frustrating. In short: heavy and stiff wins.
From what I’ve seen, there’s little that’s compelling below ~10,000 PLN on the new market (not an exhaustive survey).
Buying used
A great alternative. I’ve seen solid used benches online for a few hundred PLN. Check:
- Weight & real top thickness (a cosmetic apron can hide a thin core).
- Condition (no major rot, worm, or voids).
- Leg section (undersized legs = flex).
- Vise hardware (you can replace vises later). New front + tail vise sets: ~1,200 PLN.
Build it yourself
Expect ~800–1,200 PLN for timber + ~1,200 PLN for new vises (less with used hardware). You can also start without a tail vise.
Hand Planes
There’s debate about the “one plane to start.” I use and recommend metal planes (wooden planes also work). If your first projects are small, a No. 4 is a smart first plane. Premium vs budget both get the job done — setup and sharpening are what really decide results.
- Premium brands: Lie-Nielsen, Veritas (from ~1,200–1,500 PLN).
- Budget that I’ve tried: Dictum (around half the price). Consider the “Japanese iron” upgrade for better edge life.
The real difference is often steel quality (sharpening frequency) and fit & finish. A well-tuned budget plane can perform brilliantly.
Avoid as a beginner: bevel-up planes as your first/only plane. Despite marketing, they aren’t simpler to master than a traditional bevel-down with chipbreaker.
Second plane? Skip the 5 if you already have a 4. Add a No. 6 for the benefit of a longer sole.
Chisels
As with planes, premium and budget options exist. Skip “market” chisels — in tests with students, edges rolled after a few firm strikes.
- In the school and my shop we use Narex — very good value (~220 PLN for a 5-piece set) and pro-grade capable.
- High-end Japanese hand-forged chisels can be ~1,500 PLN each. Caveat: some mass-made “Damascus look” products are just cosmetic.
Starter sizes: ~6, 12, 20, 26 mm (or similar). Sub-6 mm and very large sizes are seldom essential early on.
Saws
If you won’t work fully “unplugged” (you have jointing/flat-stock access), start with one backed tenon saw. A taller plate = more versatile.
- A century-old English backsaw sharpened well can rival a new one (I bought one for a few pounds at a London flea market).
- For a new saw: Veritas tenon saw or PAX (both ~600–700 PLN).
- For a single first plate, a rip with >6–8 TPI can stand in for crosscut early on.
- If budget allows, add a fret (scroll) saw and good blades (I use Pegas #5) — they track cleanly and drift less.
Layout & Marking (Accuracy First)
For clean joinery you need precise layout. Essentials:
- Combination square — e.g., Stanley 0-46-151. Factory 90° may need truing; with small tweaks (e.g., easing edges) you get near-Starrett performance at ~1/6 the cost.
- Marking knife — Stanley 0-10-598 (re-sharpenable blades).
- Wheel marking gauge — e.g., Veritas or Dictum (~190 PLN / 133 PLN). Easy to use, great repeatability.
Clamps
Start with a few light assembly clamps (e.g., Bessey KliKlamp, or budget Klemmsia) for boxes/small frames, plus several larger clamps for panels and casework. Pipe clamps are the most economical/pro-grade flexible option.
Rule of thumb from old-school joiners: you can never have too many clamps — and yes, I agree.
Sharpening
Any system can produce razor edges if used properly. The fastest and most convenient (also pricey): diamond plates.
Budget path: water stones — start with ~600 / 1,000 / 3,000 grit, add ~8,000 later.
You’ll want a honing guide (from simple to Veritas MK II). If it’s well-made, it’ll work.
I covered sharpening live on my YouTube channel — the recording is still available.
Trusted Retailers (EU/UK/PL)
- Dictum (DE) — dictum.com
- Fine Tools (DE) — fine-tools.com
- Axminster (UK) — axminster.co.uk
- dluta.pl (PL) — Tradycyjne narzędzia stolarskie i rzeźbiarskie | DLUTA.PL
Bottom line: you don’t need expensive brands to start. With knowledge and proper setup, you can do serious, precise work with modest tools.
Best,
Tom
