Although new woodworkers typically prioritize allocating their budget towards acquiring essential woodworking tools for their shop, it is important not to overlook the significance of certain shop accessories that are not only useful, but in certain instances, indisputably essential.
In this article, discover the essential accessories for every woodshop. As you will observe, some of these are DIY items, whereas others may not be typically associated with woodworking, yet they prove to be valuable in the woodshop.
1. Woodworker’s bench with vise
The most convenient shop accessory on this list is likely the woodworker’s bench, which comes equipped with a vise. This bench is a sturdy table with a thick top made of hardwood.
At the top of the bench, there are several holes purposely built for bench dogs, which essentially serve as movable pegs that can be positioned in different holes as needed. Additionally, the vise located at the end of the bench, mentioned earlier, works alongside the bench dogs to securely grip workpieces for the woodworker.
2. Portable shop table
It is highly likely that a large work table is the next most beneficial accessory for a shop. Our suggestion is to utilize a portable table that allows for easy movement within the shop whenever necessary. This specific table is both lightweight and durable, and also comes with retractable casters.
To relocate the table, just lift both ends and the casters will lock, enabling easy rolling. After placing it in the desired spot, pull the cord on both ends to retract the casters, preventing any movement of the table.
3. Saw horses
At some point in their career, every carpenter or woodworker finds themselves in need of a pair of sawhorses. These versatile tools have countless uses, one of which involves providing a solid foundation for a table saw.
These saw horses can be stacked, are extremely sturdy (capable of withstanding up to 500 pounds each if constructed correctly), and are simple and affordable to build. Once you acquire a set, you will discover numerous applications for them, not only within the woodshop but also throughout your household.
4. Tool storage
After you have accumulated a variety of hand and power tools, it becomes necessary to find a storage space for them when they are not being used. You can either construct a cabinet equipped with cupboards and drawers, or simply set up a shelving system to keep them organized and out of sight. It is crucial to create a suitable system that complements the layout of your workshop.
5. Clamps
Clamps, whether bar, pipe, or vise, may not come at a low cost (up to $50 each), but just as a dog is considered man’s best friend, clamps are an indispensable companion for every woodworker. In the realm of woodworking, the prevailing principle is that one can never possess an excessive number of clamps. Therefore, whenever you have the means, endeavor to gradually expand your collection by acquiring a few more.
You can create an uncomplicated method for storing clamps by mounting a 2×4 horizontally on a wall in your workshop. Position one end of each clamp on the board, and let the other end hang below, resting against the wall.
6. Dust collection and shop vacuums
In order to maintain cleanliness in your shop, it is a good idea to purchase a spacious and sturdy shop vacuum. A number of machines and various power tools are equipped with connections to link them with a vacuum, aiding in the elimination of dust within the shop. Moreover, the vacuum can also be utilized as a regular wet/dry cleaner.
As you continue enhancing your shop with accessories, it might be advantageous to contemplate utilizing a more advanced method of collecting dust. Various manufacturers provide dust collection systems that come with ducts properly positioned all around the shop. Implementing such systems can significantly improve the air quality and make breathing in the shop much more effortless.
7. Bench grinder
Although not typically considered a woodworking tool, a bench grinder can prove to be essential for various tasks, especially for maintaining the sharpness of chisels and other tools. Surprisingly affordable, costing approximately the same as a high-quality clamp, a bench grinder serves as a valuable asset in any woodshop.
8. Featherboards
The purpose of a feather board is to secure the stock in position against a cutting head, whether it is a table saw blade or a router table bit, as it is being guided through the tool.
Featherboards hold great value when executing delicate cuts like routing a beaded edge on a board. Although they can be bought from stores, we have never found a purpose in purchasing them since they can be easily and swiftly made using leftover materials.
9. Chisels
Chisels are highly flexible when it comes to woodworking and can serve a multitude of purposes. There is a wide range of chisel forms, sizes, and materials employed for cutting, chipping, carving, as well as refining surfaces and materials.
10. Hammer
Carpenters and construction workers can find great options in claw hammers and mixed hammer sets, which offer different sizes and types of hammers for striking or positioning tasks. Hammers are available in a range of sizes, weights, handle lengths, and materials, although there is no one-size-fits-all woodworking hammer.
11. Hand saw
If you need to complete tasks quickly or execute precise cuts, hand saws present a straightforward and user-friendly option. It is advisable to have a few types of hand saws, such as carpenter’s saws or an adjustable hacksaw, in your workshop. It is worth investing in hand saws that feature superior, sharp blades to ensure consistently smooth cuts.
12. Mallet
Mallets have heads that can be made of wood, plastic, metal, or rubber, which makes them considerably less rigid compared to the majority of other hammers. The sizeable head of a mallet aids in cushioning the impact and results in minimal marks when used to strike, making them frequently utilized for tapping wood joints together. The order of striking potency among mallet materials is as follows: wooden mallets are meant for striking in the gentlest manner, followed by rubber, rawhide, plastic, lead, copper, bronze, and various other metals.
13. Hand planes
There are numerous hand planes to choose from, each equipped with different blades and depths, and they all serve the purpose of shaping, smoothing, and flattening rough wood or curved boards. Comparable to a razor, a plane gradually removes thin layers of wood until the board becomes both straight and smooth.
14. Sandpaper
Having an extensive range of sandpaper is recommended for woodworking as it is highly effective for smoothing, finishing, and polishing woodwork. Different grits are essential for this task, with lower numbers being ideal for swiftly removing material, while higher numbers are better suited for achieving a smooth finish or polishing.
15. Table saw
Table saw, also known as contractor saws, are the power tools commonly found in workshops, which are utilized for creating accurate straight or angled cuts. These saws consist of a rotating circular blade positioned beneath a table, providing support to the workpiece during cutting.
16. Circular saw
Circular saws have a circular blade that spins to accurately create straight, diagonal, and angled cuts in wood or other substances. The diameter of circular blades ranges from 3-3/8 inches to approximately 11 inches for essential cutting purposes.
Circular saws designed for general purposes are equipped with blades on either the left or right side, depending on the user’s dominant hand. Furthermore, their RPM is comparatively higher, and torque lower, in comparison to metal-cutting circular saws, as they are specifically intended for cutting through wood.
17. Miter saw
Miter saws, like circular saws, are capable of making straight, angled, and beveled cuts by cutting with or against the wood grain. Miter saws are equipped with a compact table and a descending blade, allowing for the simultaneous cutting of vertical and beveled angles. The diameter of miter saw blades typically varies from 7-1/4 to 12 inches.
18. Jigsaw
When it comes to cutting curves, a jigsaw is considered one of the most effective tools. Jigsaws are equipped with a blade that moves vertically to create both curved and straight cuts in various materials such as wood, walls, ceilings, and floors. Compared to other types of saws, the slender and straight blade of a jigsaw enables precise corner connections with great ease.
19. Drill and driver combo
Corded and cordless power drills are popular choices for woodworking tasks due to their versatility. These drills are not limited to making holes; they can also be utilized with different attachments such as sanders and rounding bits. To make woodworking jobs easier, a combination kit that includes both a cordless drill and driver can be particularly useful. With such a kit, you can utilize the drill for creating holes and the driver for fastening screws.
20. Lathe
The use of a lathe is crucial in wood turning as it aids in the creation of chair legs, bowls, and spindles. By rotating the wood pieces at a rapid pace, they can be carefully sculpted using specialized chisels and gouges.
21. Sanders
There are typically two types of sanders that woodworkers commonly rely on: the sheet sander and the random orbit sander. The square design of the sheet sander enables it to easily access confined corners and edges. It is frequently utilized for delicate sanding, paint removal, or surface preparation.
Random orbit sanders are equipped with a circular sanding surface and adjustable speed options, enabling greater precision and reduced visible grain scratches. Due to their ability to remove a larger amount of material, random orbit sanders are commonly favored when refinishing wood floors and cabinetry.
22. Tape measure
Having a reliable tape measure is crucial as it will be one of the frequently utilized tools in your workshop. While conventional tape measures typically go up to 25 feet, advanced digital devices allow for an even greater range.
23. Square
To facilitate making measurements, it is highly recommended to buy multiple squares of various sizes as they are crucial instruments used in numerous projects for creating straight lines and determining angles.
24. Pencil
Carpenter’s wooden pencils are excellent for jotting down notes and transferring measurements or cut lines to materials because of their wide, flat bodies that can be sharpened multiple times to bring back the graphite tip.
25. Steel rule or folding rule
In order to achieve accurate measurements and facilitate convenient storage, rules and straight edges are utilized, allowing for multiple sections to be easily folded. When it comes to woodworking and machining, a non-skid steel ruler is commonly employed due to its ability to provide a superior straight line in comparison to measuring tape or a folding rule.
26. Level
Depending on the type, a level is useful in determining if an object is either flat or correctly angled. Typically, levels operate by utilizing a colored liquid with an air bubble.
27. Wood glue
Having good quality wood glue is crucial in many workshops as it is often employed to join boards for cutting purposes. Versatile wood glues are suitable for various woodworking tasks, furniture repairs, and carpentry projects that will not be subjected to outdoor conditions. To cater to outdoor carpentry projects, there are water-resistant wood glues readily available.
28. Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits are extensively utilized in workshops for various purposes, such as paint removal and wood surface cleaning. They are commonly employed for eliminating dirt, polish, wax, dust, and oil from wood. Nonetheless, caution should always be exercised while using mineral spirits due to their flammability, which can potentially lead to a fire hazard.
29. Hearing protection
This guide provides further information about the distinction between earplugs and earmuffs, which can be used to protect your hearing from the prolonged exposure to loud power tools such as a table saw. These tools have the potential to cause significant damage to your ears, making it necessary to use either earplugs or earmuffs. Investing in a pair of affordable earplugs or earmuffs can safeguard your hearing over time.
30. Dust mask
Working in your shop for an extended period of time can cause serious harm to your lungs due to sawdust and various chemical hazards. To mitigate the risks, wearing a dust mask is crucial. Additionally, ensure that your work area is adequately ventilated, particularly when dealing with chemicals like paint thinner.
