In spite of what many think, you don’t need a huge space filled with a lot of expensive tools to have a great DIY home workshop. In fact, you don’t need an actual workshop space at all!
On our little farm, our “workshop” can be found almost anywhere. In the barn, garage, garden – or wherever we might be creating our latest project.
Most are surprised to find out our workshop isn’t comprised of hundreds and hundreds of tools. In fact, the entire collection fits neatly into one 15 foot long x 3′ wide section of our garage.
And yet, that basic set of tools has helped us build everything from our home, to chicken coops and barns. And of course, pergolas, tables, chairs, benches, wine racks and more. (See : Our DIY Projects)
You might think to complete all of those tasks requires a lot of expense in tools. But, that simply doesn’t have to be the case. Believe it or not, our basic tool collection in our little DIY workshop was assembled in its entirety for a little under $1300.
Not bad when you consider how much those tools have helped build. And, of course, how much they have saved!
Here is a quick look at the basic tools needed to create a great DIY home workshop.
The Basic Tools You Need To Create A Great DIY Workshop
Start With A Combo Kit
In today’s world, a cordless combo kit is the perfect place to start when creating a great home workshop. It replaces the need for so many expensive tools!
We use our 20 volt Porter Cable combo tool kit for everything. It is by far the most powerful, space-saving, multi-purpose set of tools we own.
With one single purchase, we had a circular saw, jig saw, reciprocating saw, drill, multi-saw, and grinder. And even more, the tool we use the most – my impact driver. It also came with two 20 volt batteries and a charger.
Battery powered tools have come a long way. In fact, we gave up on corded tools about 7 years ago and have never looked back.
Our current set is as powerful or more than any of our old electric tools. And way more portable! It is our workshop in a bag.
I would say that on average, we complete 90% of our projects with just the tools in the combo kit. For a little over $400 for the entire set, it is an incredible investment. Affiliate Link : Porter Cable 20 Volt Tool Set
Especially when you consider they can do the work of thousands of dollars of corded or individual tools.
A Table Saw & A Miter Saw
There are two “major” tools that are incredibly helpful in a home workshop.
The first is a good compound miter saw. It is perfect for cutting boards to exact lengths, and for cutting perfect angles for all kinds of projects.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune for a top model. For about $250, you can get a 10″ compound miter saw that will more than get the job done.
The second must-have tool is a table saw. A basic table saw really is a must if crafts and building projects are in your future.
We use ours to rip down long lengths of wood and plywood to size. It is also perfect for making beveled edges and cuts too.
Although there are table saws that run $600 to $800, our $200 table saw has performed incredibly well year after year. A 10″ saw that has a blade that can bevel will more than tackle any job.
The Little Tools That Make A Big Difference
Now that the “major” things are in place, here is a look at the little tools that really make all the difference to have at your disposal.
A Good Set Of Sawhorses
For any home DIY’er, a good pair of sawhorses is an absolute must for a solid DIY workshop! They are invaluable for working on all types of projects such as woodworking, assembling, painting, staining and more.
And they sure beat using buckets and tables for work surfaces!
Although you can purchase some inexpensive sets, we made our own. With a few 2 x 4’s you can create a great looking, sturdy set of sawhorses that will last for years and years. (See : How To Make Your Own Sawhorses)
Measuring Tools
Having a good basic set of measuring tools is a must for a great home DIY tool kit. We have found without about 6 basic tools, we can measure, level and square nearly everything.
Our measuring tool drawer consists of two hand levels (2 ft. – 4 ft.), a line bubble level, a couple of 25′ measuring tapes, a square, speed square, and a chalk line. And my new favorite – a contour gauge! (See: The Contour Measuring Gauge)
Together, they can all be purchased for around $100 to $150. But they are invaluable for helping to keep projects, straight and true!
More Little Tools
When it comes to the “small but necessary tools” in a home DIY workshop – it pays to buy in combo sets.
We have combo sets of wrenches, sockets, and for screwdrivers. pliers and channel locks. The same goes for drill bits as well. Affiliate Link : Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set
Buying in sets is a great money saver. But more importantly, it allows you to have everything you need on hand.
We have around $120 invested in the above sets. And it is a much more cost effective choice than spending $5 to $10 on individual wrenches or tools.
Invest In A Tool Box / Container
Here is one final and very big tip: Whatever you do, invest in a tool box or container to keep all of your tools in. Especially those small sets and pieces!
Not only will it help you have them on hand when you need them, it will keep them from getting lost. Having the right tool for the job doesn’t mean a thing if you can’t find it!
Here is to creating a great DIY home workshop on a budget – and building your dreams! Jim and Mary
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
As always, feel free to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! You can sign up for our free email list in the subscribe now box in the middle of this article. Follow us on Facebook here : OWG Facebook. This article may contain affiliate links.