You are looking for a new hobby, and woodworking is on the top of your list.
You have already watched YouTube woodworking videos and want to get started as a hobby.
But you probably have concerns about the cost of getting started in woodworking.
So, How Much Does It Cost to Get into Woodworking as A Hobby?
How expensive woodworking is depends on how serious you get and how further you want to advance it. Generally, you can expect to spend around $500 on basic woodworking hobbies, up to $1,000 for intermediate level, and more than $3,000 for advanced woodworking projects. The cost varies based on the type of woodworking you are planning, the size of the project, and if you are planning to purchase used or new equipment. Therefore, woodworking can be a cheap or expensive hobby based on your budget and what you are planning to do.
What Is the Cost of Basic Woodworking Tools?
The cost of woodworking as a hobby depends on the pieces of materials and equipment that you will use.
Therefore, before purchasing anything, you should decide on the particular project you should do. Think straightforward, small, but creative.
Getting into woodworking also requires you to have some background about it.
This said, let’s look at some basic woodworking tools you need to start woodworking.
1. Handsaw
This is an essential woodworking tool available for less than $100.
You can select various sizes, styles, and applications from different types.
2. Chisels
Chisels are an all-around tool you can use to cut or carve wood materials.
For as low as $50, you can buy a set of chisels in different sizes.
3. Clamps
This is an essential tool in holding your workpiece in place.
Depending on its kind, you can get an ideal quality clamp for around $50.
There are F-clamps, C-clamps, Pipe, and Trigger clamps.
The Parallel clamps are the most expensive type.
4. Hand Planes
The tool is used for shaping or smoothing the surface of the wood.
Based on its type and manufacturer, it costs about $200.
5. Wood glue
In woodworking, you will often use wood glue than nails.
One gallon of wood glue goes for $50 and is sufficient for sticking lots of wood pieces.
6. Nails And Screws
You will need different sizes of screws and nails for woodworking.
You can purchase various nails and screws for as low as $20.
7. Workbench
You can choose to purchase a workbench for $150-$500 or even make it as a first project.
This bench is where you will be working from.
8. A Power Drill
With approximately $50 -$100, you can find an electric drill with a full set of drill bits.
9. Sharpening Tool
You will need to maintain your woodworking tools’ sharpness with sharpening tools.
This tool will be available for less than $50.
10. Measuring And Wood Marking Tools
The efficiency and accuracy of your measurements are essential in making quality products.
Measuring tools and wood marking go from $50 to $100.
11. Wood Material
You require wood material to start your woodworking project.
A wood costing $25 can have you occupied for a while.
The common types of wood used include basswood, walnut, and oak.
Generally, most of the woodworkers began from primary tools.
The price varies based on your location, but approximate costs are.
If you plan on doing woodworking as a hobby, you can start with the basic tools unless your budget allows you to purchase more costly instruments.
What Is the Cost of Advanced Woodworking Tools?
As you advance your woodworking skills, you can consider purchasing advanced tools, especially if you are already earning from your hobby and are looking to expand your woodworking store.
1. Jigsaw
This type of saw is primarily used for making the plunge, curved, straight, angle, and intricate cuts on wood.
The price goes for about $100.
2. Router
This tool is used in making the hollow cut in hardwood.
A quality router goes for $300 to $500.
3. Miter Saw
The saw cuts accurate and quick crosscuts.
Depending on its brand and features, the price can go from as low as $150 to as high as $500.
4. Circular Saw
This hand-held device used to cut wood costs $100 to $300.
5. Table Saw
A table saw is used for cutting large wood panels such as MDF or plywood.
Home table saw models cost about $400 to $1000 while professional models go for over $1000.
How Can You Save Money in Woodworking?
Based on the type of your project, woodworking can be expensive.
It mostly depends on the types of tools and materials you will use. Fortunately, there are various ways of saving money when purchasing the basics for your workplace.
1. Purchase Cheaper Materials
Different from tools, consumable woodworking materials require to be replaced constantly.
Finding cheaper materials doesn’t mean they are of lower quality.
You can get the materials from a supplier with no high overhead cost.
You can consider unbranded or bulk materials to save more money.
2. Shop Online
Today, online shopping is a popular method. It is more convenient, and the prices are almost similar to hardware stores.
However, because of the stiff competition among online sellers, you can find some tools at a lower price.
As a general rule, always read reviews, comments, questions, and product descriptions.
3. Choose A Project And Stick To It
When starting woodworking as a hobby, it is essential to find one particular project.
Select a project that will assist you in learning and expand your experience without breaking the bank.
Select an exhilarating project that is doable with just the basic tools.
As you develop your skills slowly, you can consider investing in a more significant project.
What Are the Benefits of Woodworking as A Hobby?
1. Woodworking Is Productive
Woodworking allows you to be more creative in terms of planning and designing.
You can create valuable stuff from heirloom raw boards.
You can create valuable wooden gifts such as wooden pens, cutting boards, and small tables as a beginner.
2. Woodworking Is Beneficial To Your Physical Health
While woodworking might seem too exhausting, it relaxes your body as a form of exercise.
Your body and muscles constantly move, causing continuous blood circulation.
When carving out using a chisel, working with a plane, or hammering a wood, you engage in healthy exercise for your body without noticing it.
3. Relaxes Your Mind
Woodworking as a hobby relaxes and engages your mind as well as takes away your worries about your job and other issues in life.
The hobby helps divert your attention from the pressure of the real world.
Time will literally fly as you cut joints, plan your projects and finish them.
4. Woodworking Can Earn You Money
While you do woodworking as a hobby, you can earn money as well.
There is nothing more rewarding than this, especially in the corporate world where individuals are not satisfied with their current job.
Woodworking can be the beginning of a new business venture.
You can use the money you earn from the hobby to buy new tools in the future.
Bottom Line
Woodworking is a versatile hobby that can be inexpensive or expensive depending on what you plan to specialize in.
If you are looking to join woodworking as a hobby, at the most basic level, you will require wood materials to use in your projects and a set of basic tools appropriate for your project.
This can range from around $500 all the way up to over $3000 if you choose to advance your hobby.
Related
References
Woodwork as a hobby- Hardware Zone