Many woodworkers are always willing to splash some crazy amounts of money on power tools, but they forget that they also need to have some vital accessories in the workshop.
These accessories are crucial when using most of the power tools, and some also help keep things well-organized in the workshop.
Here we look at 7 woodworking accessories you need to know about as a woodworker.
In this post:
1. Workbench
A woodworker’s workbench is one of the essential accessories that every woodworking workshop requires.
The workbench holds the material you are working on, and it comes in handy whether you are cutting the wood, sanding or even applying varnish.
The typical workbench will feature a thick, hardwood top and has a series of holes for accommodating the pegs that work with the vice at the end of the bench to hold the stock securely.
Many seasoned woodworkers prefer to make a DIY workbench that is customized to meet their specific needs.
However, there are still top quality ones from reputable brands like Kreg and Worx in the market that even include wheels for easy mobility.
2. Sawhorse
The sawhorse is a long beam with four legs and serves a purpose that is quite similar to the workbench, which is supporting wood board and planks when cutting or even sanding them.
These handy workshop accessories are typically used in pairs and can also work as a sturdy base for your table saw.
What’s more, they have a pretty high capacity as most can easily hold up to 500 pounds.
Unlike workbenches, the sawhorses are pretty easy to build, and even if you prefer to buy one, they also do not cost much.
3. Woodworking Clamp
Clamps are one of the most widely used accessories in a typical woodworking workshop. Many woodworkers will have several types, from straps and spring clamp to the trigger-activated and wood screw clamps.
The primary function of the woodworking clamps is to hold things securely when working or create a sturdy bond as the wood glue dries.
Although they are typically relatively cheap, some types can cost up to $50, but you should always try to add a few more to your tool arsenal now and then.
4. Jig
When you want to cut certain shapes or even cut oddly shaped stocks into your desired design, you typically need a jig.
Also, jigs come in handy when you want to use tools like table saws to make cuts they would otherwise not make naturally.
Jigs come in several types, such as circle cutting jigs, tapering jigs and panel cutting jigs, which are all meant for specific purposes.
Additionally, you can make unique jig types to suit your particular needs like most woodworkers do for their projects.
5. Bench Grinder
As the name suggests, bench grinders are a type of benchtop grinding machine that drive an abrasive wheel for sharpening tools or grinding off excess materials from your workpieces.
While they are easy to overlook, these tools can be pretty handy in the workshop.
Depending on the type and grade of the grinding wheel on the bench grinder, you can use it to sharpen woodworking tools and accessories such as chisels, gouges and drill bits.
Bench grinders are inexpensive and deserve a spot in your workshop, given how useful they can be for maintaining your tools.
6. Dust Collection
A dust collection system is vital for every woodworking workshop as it helps keep the space clean by removing wood dust and debris. It can also affect the quality of your work significantly.
For example, it helps keep the cut line clear, so you can make clean and precise cuts.
There are different options to choose from when it comes to dust collection in a workshop.
A well-built Shop Vac system is one of the most efficient dust collection systems. With this option, you only need to connect the power tools to the dust collector via their dust ports.
If you are working with a small budget, dust collection bags connected to each tool can also work.
But, as you expand your operation and invest in larger and more powerful tools, the best idea is to invest in sophisticated industrial-grade dust collection systems.
7. Tool Storage
As you buy more and more tools, they can quickly start piling up in the workshop and hence the need to find a way to keep them organized with some sort of tool storage.
Tool storage can be anything from a cabinet to some simple shelves in your workshop.
But regardless of what you choose to use, the important thing is to make sure the tools are out of your way and are easily accessible.
Conclusion
As you invest in the best woodworking power tools, you should also not forget to buy accessories.
From workbench to clamps and even tool storage, you need a wide variety of accessories in the workshop, but it is always good to start by buying what you need most.