Best Woodworking Tools for Furniture Work

Ryan Fightmaster, MD

Writer. Furniture professional. Former practicing physician.

In furniture refinishing, I’ve found I can get by with very few actual woodworking tools. It’s actually staggering. Example: the only saw I possess in my workshop is jigsaw. Example 2: my only drill is a cheap Black and Decker drill.

Some would call this heresy. I would call it practicality. I only buy something when I need it. Below are my list of absolute essential, woodworking tools for the furniture refinisher:

Best Saw for Working on Furniture: The Jigsaw

Buy: SKIL 6-Amp Corded Jig Saw

I’ve been working on furniture for three years. Every working day of the week. And this is the only saw I own. Granted, I do fairly limited construction. If I built furniture, I’d need a table saw. But I do not build furniture; I refinish furniture. Occasionally, I need to cut a new piece of trim. Or even hack off the bottom of an old dresser and replace it with midcentury feet. The jigsaw can do all that and more.

Best Clamps for Furniture

Buy: Jorgenson 2-Piece Steel Bar Clamp Set

To set veneer, to fix a drawer runner, to add a piece of trim, you will need clamps. Just a part of working with wood consistently. Measure the area you’re clamping first before buying—trust me on this—so you don’t end up with clamps that are too short. This basic set will have you covered for most issues.

Best Wood Glue

Buy: Titebond Original Wood Glue

Depending on the project, it might make sense to use a different glue. A stronger one. One made for veneer. Honestly though, I only use this basic, OG wood glue from Titebond. And it’s always worked.

Best General Tool Set

Buy: Prostormer 259-Piece Tool Set

Oftentimes, when you’re starting out refinishing furniture, you’ll have an idea of something you’ll want to do and you’ll expect there’s a tool out there that can do it. The only problem is you have no idea what that tool is. That’s where having a basic, general tool set with variously sized screwdrivers and several pliers and random allen wrenches will really help you. If you don’t have a set like this, go and get one. I use mine every day.

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