So, in the new start in the new version, I equip some tools like a bone axe to my woodcutters, then go back to the "resources" menu and see... nothing's changed. (I know the resources window doesn't automatically refresh when you change character equipment, but I double-clicked the button, which does refresh the window.) I also clicked to advance turns, and this isn't simply a display problem, tools do nothing. I equip a worker's outfit, and it adds the 25% to productivity it's supposed to on the productivity tooltip, the "resources" window, and when I hit "next turn" those rough wood show up in inventory like they're supposed to. (From 2.2 rough wood to 3 rough wood since this is a 7 phys rank recruit.) Tools, however, do nothing when the bone axe also says it gives just under +25% to woodcutting. (And in the work assignment page, the character highlights as green for having a lumber axe equipped.)
EDIT: Oh, and this isn't just woodcutting, it doesn't matter whether farmers have sickles or not, either.