Some of my favorite tools that make every project easier (and safer too!)

I’m often asked for gift ideas for woodworkers, so we put together a list of 11 Gift Ideas for Woodworkers and Makers under $70.00

These are tools that I use on a regular basis in my wood shop. Each of these items will make your woodworker’s shop more efficient and safer.

All these items are in my shop except the tape measure. I bought that for my son-in-law who uses it on a regular basis.

I find each of these items serves multiple purposes for me in the shop to keep me safe, provide my accurate measurements, and give me that extra pair of hands that I need.

You can find Amazon links below that will take you directly to the item.

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SAFETY FIRST

GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblock for Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws, and Jointers by MICROJIG

Safety is essential in the shop and these GRR-RIPPERS keep tablesaw blades, router bits and Jointer blades away from my fingers. No shop should be without them. I Have 2 and use them daily.

T-90 Half Face Respirator Mask with Organic Vapor and Particulate Filtration

The T-90 is designed to offer maximum convenience while prioritizing safety. It includes a range of user-friendly features that make wearing and maintaining it effortless. Users who require respiratory protection for extended periods or work in hot conditions appreciate its exceptional breathability and comfort.

MEASURING TOOLS

DFM ToolWorks Small Carpenter Square

 DFM Small Carpenter Square Alloy Steel Made in USA with Fixed Miter Angle Pin. Great things come in small sizes. I carry this little wonder in my apron  for every project.

Pica-Dry Longlife Automatic Pencil 3030

This Mechanical Pencil is a great addition to any workshop apron. A great part of this pencil is that you can also purchase a white lead that works great on multiple types of wood. It comes with its own handy sleeve that clips into your apron.

12 in Centerpoint Rule – $13.95

I picked this up on a whim while walking through a wood store one day and I have never regretted it. It can be difficult to determine the center point of wood at times and this finds center every time without failure and with great ease. Find the full measurement on the top of the ruler and find the same number on the bottom and that is center.

NO ONE EVER HAS ENOUGH CLAMPS

Large Rockler Bandy Clamps

I could never figure out what the fuss was for these until I acquired them and now use them almost daily to hold things in place. I just used them for a small project when gluing edge molding to a puzzle board made with plywood. These held the molding in place while the glue dried.

BESSEY EHK SERIES – 300 lb Clamping Force – 12 in – EHKL12 Trigger Clamp Set – 3.125 in. Throat Depth

These are the extra hands I need in the shop. I can hold the wood with one hand and clamp with the outer without any effort. I use them to hold my straight edge when using my circular saw on long pieces. I use them to hold wood in place when using my palm router. The use for these is endless.

Bessey BPC-H12 1/2-Inch H Style Pipe Clamps

I am a huge fan of pipe clamps because I can make them as short or long as I need depending on the pipes I have available. Having multiple pairs in the shop in various lengths is extremely handy. The are great for gluing up tabletop, cutting boards or anything that needs multiple pieces of wood joined together.

ODDS + ENDS

Magswitch – 8110015 Table Featherboard Universal Model, Yellow

Magwitch Universal Feather board : Works On Both Sides Of The Blade, And Even The Fence. The most versatile featherboard ever. Use on any table or fence – no miter slot limitation. I use this on my tablesaw, bandsaw and jointer.

Scott® Shop Towels Original (75147), Blue, (55 Towels/Roll, 12 Rolls/Case, 660 Towels/Case)

Paper roll towel for single-use general-purpose cleaning and absorbing lubricants, oil, and grime. Suitable for use in garages and workshops

ALLWAY PT10 Painter’s Tripod Stands, 10 Pack

For years I used different home made contraption for drying projects – one was a wood board with screws sticking out the top in rows, which I would carefully balance my almost finished masterpiece on. It worked, sort of – if you don’t mind a ton of tiny holes in your final project.

This little set of tripods caught my eye one day and I wouldn’t be without them –  they work SO much better!

What tool do you use that you can’t be without?

I’d love to hear what your favorite basic tool that you use everyday. I’m sure I don’t have everything I need and my wife will be asking for my list soon! Leave your suggestions below!

Roger