What Woodworking Tool Should You Buy Next? (Top Picks for Every Budget in 2025)

Written By Matt Outlaw

Not sure what tool to upgrade next in your woodworking shop? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions I get from beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.

In this guide, we’re walking through the top tools you should consider upgrading or adding to your workshop. From sanders to table saws and everything in between, I’ll show you what I recommend (and what I don’t), plus a few budget-friendly options that still pack a punch.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support! Prices are valid at the time of posting but are subject to change at any time.

🛠️ Start Here: The Best Woodworking Tool Upgrades for 2025

Once you’ve got the basics (a drill, a circular saw, maybe a jigsaw), these are the tools I suggest upgrading next—ranked in order of what’ll give you the most bang for your buck.

Watch the full Youtube Video 👉 Woodcraft Tools You Need

1. Sander – Smooth Operator

Top Pick: DeWALT Variable Speed Sander
Budget Alternative: Craftsman Sander
Premium Upgrade: Festool ETS 150/5

I’ve tested over 15 sanders, and the DeWALT comes out on top nearly every time. It’s the same one I started with—plenty of power, great finish, and variable speed. The Craftsman is nearly identical, just without speed control.

Want the best of the best? The Festool is the Cadillac of sanders. It’s smoother, quieter, and the dust collection is second to none.

2. Pocket Hole Jig – Joinery Made Easy

Top Picks:

Pocket holes changed the game for me—and I built a whole furniture business using 'em. They’re beginner-friendly, strong, and fast. And yes, I’ve been called the Pocket Hole King... and I’m okay with that.

Want beginner-friendly woodworking plans? I’ve got a bunch at 731Woodworks.com made specifically with pocket holes in mind.

3. Router – Versatility Champion

Top Picks:

A router opens up a world of woodworking—from edge profiles to dados and joinery. If you can swing it, go with the Bosch or DeWALT combo kits. Want to save some cash? That SKIL set gets the job done for less.

Need just a little router for trim work? Bosch Colt is a great pick.

4. Clamps – You Can Never Have Too Many

Starter Options:

Upgrade When Ready:

Don’t blow your budget on parallel clamps out the gate. Start with bar clamps and squeeze clamps—you’ll use ‘em constantly. When you're doing bigger glue-ups (like tabletops), that’s when the parallel clamps shine.

5. Miter Saw – The First Big Tool Purchase

Top Budget Picks:

If Money Ain’t a Thing:

Both SKIL and Kobalt offer solid, under-$400 saws with shadow lines and compound slide action. Perfect for trim, crosscuts, and angled work. If you’ve got the budget, Festool is in a league of its own—but it comes at a price.

6. Table Saw – The Backbone of Any Shop

Budget Options:

Mid-Tier:

Top-Tier Cabinet Saws:

A good table saw can last decades—if it has a solid fence. That’s what sets the Delta and SawStop apart. If you want safety above all else, SawStop’s brake system protects your fingers better than any saw on the market.

Already own a saw? Add the Bow Fence System. It gives you infeed and outfeed support, reduces kickback, and boosts your cut accuracy big time. One of my favorite shop upgrades, hands down.

7. Planer – Save Money, Mill Your Own Wood

Top Picks:

With a planer, you can buy rough-cut lumber and make it smooth—saving you a ton long term. Helical heads give a cleaner finish and quieter cuts, but straight-blade DeWALTs still get the job done.

8. Jointer – For Flat, Straight Edges

Great Picks:

You can technically “fake” a jointer with a jig or a level and a table saw, but if you're working with a lot of rough lumber, a real jointer makes life easier. Rikon’s rust-resistant tops are a nice touch, especially in humid shops.

9. Dust Collection – Don’t Breathe That Stuff

Best Extractor: Festool CT36
Air Filtration Options:

Dust is the silent killer in woodworking. If you're sanding or routing without a proper extractor, you're breathing in fine particles that settle in your lungs. The Festool CT36 works great with sanders and routers. For overall shop air, grab a filtration unit.

Matt Outlaw
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I Tested 15 Track Saws – Here's the Best One (And the Ones to Avoid)