Tools, Accessories, Convenience Items, & Other Things You Might Want For Your Shop…
Over the years many small things have contributed to the comfort, convenience, efficiency, and effectiveness of my shop. These are some of my favorites:
Please Note: Obviously you are no obligation to agree or disagree with any of my choices or any of my musings, but if you think that any of these items might make your shop more efficient, more comfortable, more enjoyable, or more productive, you can click on any of the items listed here and you will be directed to Amazon.com where you can purchase the item if you want. And if you do, it won’t cost you a single penny more, but I will make a few of those pennies and help support this website, my content creation efforts, and (this is very important) my shop! Thank you!
Starrett TX12-12 Tape Measure
You probably don’t think much about tape measures, but you should. This is my favorite. It is small, lightweight, and reasonably tough. It wouldn’t be my first choice out on a construction site, but inside the woodworking shop it is about perfect. It has legendary Starrett accuracy, too!
I wrote an article about the Starrett tape measure. To read it, click here.
Order one, or maybe a few (you’ll want more than one), by clicking here.
If you like music, talk radio, or just general background noise in your shop, on the job site, or anywhere else, the Festool Sysrock is a great little wireless speaker and radio system. Read about it here, or watch a video here.
Auger Gimlets - Handy Shop Helpers
These spring-loaded sanding “sticks” hold a specially cut “belt” of sandpaper and can be used to sand in extremely tight spaces and attend to details like nothing you have ever used. The 24 Piece Standard Kit includes 4 color coded sticks and 5 belts each in 80, 120, 180, and 240 grits.
Click here to read the article I wrote about these and to see the chart I developed to help you sort out the grits and stick colors.
Click here to order a set. You will be glad you did!
Sanding Detailer “Sticks” are perfect for getting into tight spots
The blackwing pencil is the “perfect” shop pencil. It is smooth as silk and won’t roll off your workbench.
Probably not the first thing you think of as a “shop tool,” but how many times a day do you use a pencil? When I discovered the Blackwing 602 pencil, it changed things for me… it probably will for you, too. Read the fascinating history of the Blackwing pencil here. If you want to order a dozen and treat yourself to a really good pencil, click here.