Top 10 Gifts for Woodworkers
It’s the holiday season and most of Yinz including myself, are going to be needing and wanting to buy some gifts. So here's my Top 10 Gifts for Woodworkers.
So we're gonna break these down into what, like, or maybe two tiers. One is cheaper, and one's not so cheap. But nothing here really is going to break the bank because I think giving gifts of extraneous pricing to people who may want something slightly different is always a bad move.
Explore our curated list of the Top 10 Gifts for Woodworkers! Find the perfect tools, gadgets, and accessories to delight any woodworking enthusiast.
1. Gluebot
Alright folks, the first must-have for any workshop, especially if you're like me and glue is your go-to, is the GlueBot. Now, we buy our glue in bulk - I'm talking gallon-sized here - and these GlueBots are lifesavers. Why? They let us stash glue all around the shop. But the real kicker? They save me from my ultimate workshop villain – the dreaded hardened glue cap.
You know the drill. You're in the zone, building away, then bam! You're wrestling with glue bottle caps that have gone rogue with dried-up glue. You're tearing them off, getting sloppy glue lines, and before you know it, you've got a mess on your hands. But with GlueBots? None of that chaos. Their design keeps the end clean, no clogging, no mess.
Price-wise, the big GlueBot's about 15 bucks, and the smaller one's around 10. Trust me, they're worth every penny. Check 'em out on Amazon – I've got the links right down in the description. Get your hands on these, and say goodbye to glue-top nightmares!
2. Bench Cookie
Alright, item number two on my must-have list is the Bench Cookie. And no, despite the name, don't try eating these – trust me, they're not as tasty as they sound. These bad boys are all about keeping your projects raised off the bench. You can grab an 8-pack for $15 or a 4-pack for $10 on Amazon, but I'm telling you, go big with the 8-pack.
Now, you might be used to those traditional standoff triangles, but let me tell you, they're a headache. They'll leave marks on your masterpiece, which is a total no-go, and they slide around like they've got a mind of their own. Not cool. But these Bench Cookies? Game changers. They come with this nifty insert for when you need a pointed standoff, say for finishing jobs and the like. I'm slapping these under pretty much everything – any workpiece with a finished side, anything sanded down, or ready for that final touch. Keeps everything scratch-free and neat.
They're a breeze to use, won't bust your wallet, and seriously, any shop worth its salt needs at least a dozen of these on hand.
3. Card Scraper
Alright, next up on my list of top 10 gifts for woodworkers is the card scraper. Now, this might look like just a hunk of metal, but trust me, it's a woodworking game-changer. It's got this little burr on the edge, and what this bad boy does is smooth out those surfaces like nobody's business. It's killer on hardwoods, making it a must-have in your tool arsenal.
You can snag a two-pack for just 15 bucks. I've got my hands on the DFM Tool Works 5-inch ones, decked out with my logo because, you know, gotta keep it stylish. But hey, you can grab yours on Amazon. I've got a few different types in my shop – some from Lee Nielsen. I've got this super sturdy one and a more flexible buddy for those tricky spots. And don't forget the curved ones, perfect for when you need to get all up in those curves and contours.
If you're deep in the woodworking world, you're probably using card scrapers all the time. And let me tell you, they make a fantastic gift for your fellow wood nerds – you really can't have too many. At least that's what I've found in my shop.
4. Mini Combination Square
Rolling into my fourth pick for a kick-ass stocking stuffer or just a nifty little gift for the woodworkers in your life – a mini combination square, or really, any kind of mini square. We all know the classic 12-inch combo square, right? They're like a staple in every woodshop around the globe. But let me tell you why the mini is a total game-changer. First off, this little guy can slide into any pocket you've got – shirt, chest, you name it.
It's a champ for all those fine-tuning tasks, like marking out shoulder lines or making measurements in tighter spots where the big fella just feels like overkill. I've got this sweet one from Starrett, and yeah, it’s about 75 bucks – a bit of a splurge, but worth it. But check it, if you want something more budget-friendly, Empire – you know, the folks behind this larger beast – they make a solid 6-inch model. I've used it for years; it’s probably lounging around at my place right now.
It does the job brilliantly, and it's awesome to have that smaller size option in your arsenal. Most folks have the standard size, but this mini guy? It's like the secret weapon they didn't know they needed. Now, if you're looking to score one without breaking the bank, the smaller Empire versions or a few other brands out there will only set you back like 10-15 bucks. Super affordable.
And let's talk combo squares – you're aiming for that perfect 45 and 90-degree edge. I'm all about this style, but some folks dig the double-sided ones too. So, think about what the woodworker in your life, or hey, even you, might prefer. Trust me, it's a simple, yet killer gift they'll be reaching for non-stop in the shop.
5. Work Tunes
Gear up for my fifth top pick for gifting this season – we're talking ear protection, but not just any. I'm all about these 3M WorkTunes. Every single one of us in the shop rocks a pair, and let me tell you why they're the bee's knees. First up, everyone's a fan. Why? Because they're Bluetooth-enabled, so you can jam out to your tunes, catch up on audiobooks, or whatever floats your boat, all while working on your projects.
These bad boys are top-notch at drowning out all that workshop ruckus, so you can focus on what you're listening to. They're chunky, they're durable, and man, they're built to last. I've been using mine for a couple of years now, and they're still going strong – the whole crew loves 'em.
You can pick these up on Amazon for about 50 bucks, and hey, keep your eyes peeled for those sales. I snagged mine at Costco, of all places. The 3M WorkTunes – they're a stellar buy, and an even better gift.
6. Boots
Rolling into number six on the list – hold up, gotta give this one a drumroll... Boom! A solid pair of boots. For anyone who's in the shop, outdoors, or just loves a good adventure, treating your feet right is key. Like my old man used to say, invest in everything that goes under you – mattresses, shoes, and well, let's skip the last one for now.
So, here's the scoop – my go-to boot has gotta be the Timberland Pro Alloy Toe Gridworks. Why? We're all about keeping our toes safe in the shop, so we stick to composite or alloy toes. But it's not just about safety – these boots have a killer durable sole and top-notch leather quality. I've rocked a couple of pairs, and the only reasons I've ever had to swap them out? Well, once I turned them snow-white spraying my house's interior, and another time I blasted them with paint in the shop – occupational hazards, right?
But man, these boots are a dream for all-day wear, in and out of the shop. If you're thinking of gifting something that screams 'quality', you can't go wrong with a high-end boot. These Timberlands will run you about 150 bucks, but they're worth every penny. Ask anyone who's always on their feet in the shop – a badass boot makes all the difference.
7. Block Plane
We're stepping up into the big leagues with these next gift ideas – they're pricier, but trust me, they're worth their weight in gold. Coming in at number seven is the trusty block plane. Now, there are a few different kinds out there, but if you want something that hits that sweet spot of quality and affordability, check out the Wood River block planes. They've got the standard and the low angle version, and both are around the 120-buck mark. You can even grab them as a set.
The uses for these babies in the workshop? Practically limitless. They're workhorses. But if you're aiming for the cream of the crop, the Lee Nielsen with its rabbiting block plane is your go-to. This beauty's blade stretches edge to edge, perfect for nailing those tricky corners. It'll set you back about $180 to $200, depending on where you find it.
In my shop, these things are like my right hand – I'm reaching for them non-stop. When I finally upgraded to a solid set of block planes, it was a game-changer. They're an absolute beast for anyone with a wood shop or who works with wood regularly.
Honestly, I wish someone had gifted these to me instead of having to shell out the cash myself. That's why they're on my list for you – because they're just that good.
8. Straight Edge
Coming in hot at number eight is something I think often flies under the radar but is a total game-changer – a top-notch straight edge. If you've seen any of my shop videos, you've probably noticed these flashy red tools all over the place. Those are Woodpeckers tools, and let me tell you, we're huge fans of their craftsmanship. They're all about that high-end, precision-measuring gear.
This bad boy right here is their 36-inch straight edge. Why drop your hard-earned cash on one of these? Because you're getting accuracy, durability, and a tool that stays true and flat. Sure, you could go for a cheaper version and make do, but when you're ready to level up, this is where it's at.
For around 60 bucks, this 36-inch beast can be all yours, and it's the last one you'll ever need. Woodpeckers make them in all sizes – we've got the 24-inch, and I'm pretty sure there's a 48-inch lurking around here somewhere. When you're diving into those precision projects and want something as reliable as it is sleek, you can't beat Woodpeckers. Trust me on this one.
9. Clamps
We're cruisin' into number nine, and this one's a universal truth in any workshop – you can never, and I mean never, have too many clamps. Clamps are like the unsung heroes of the shop, coming in every shape and size you can think of. And let me be crystal clear – they all matter. In my shop, we're using every type of clamp we've got our hands on, from those easy-to-squeeze clamps to the beastly single handle gear clamps.
We're talking I-beam clamps, K-body clamps, parallel clamps, F-style clamps – you name it, we're using it. And the thing with clamps is, you always find yourself needing just one more. The holidays? Prime time to snag some sweet deals on clamp bundles. I'm on the hunt to drop some juicy links in the description for you to check out, but you might need to roll up your sleeves and do a bit of scavenging too.
Prices? They're all over the map. You could be looking at 50 bucks for a set, or shelling out a few hundred for those beefier sets of four or six. But trust me, if you're buying for a woodworker, more clamps are always a safe bet. You can't go wrong with gifting an extra pair (or ten) of these bad boys.
10. Cordless Shop Vac
Buckle up for number 10 on my list of top 10 gifts for woodworker, and trust me, this one's a sleeper hit in the shop. The most under-the-radar game changer we've added in the last couple of years? A cordless shop vac. Sounds simple, right? But man, the ways we've been using this thing – we're talking over 15 different uses we never even thought of before.
I've got myself not one, but four of these bad boys. Two are at home, one's at the camp, and they're my go-to for everything from cleaning out the truck to tackling the grill. When you're in a spot without an outlet, these things are lifesavers – perfect for car cleaning and beyond. You can grab a solid model from Rigid for around 125 bucks.
This thing is a breeze to handle and use for all sorts of messes – keeping the soft tops spotless, dust and debris at bay, you name it. Having a compact, cordless shop vac around just makes life easier. We only realized its full potential after we brought one into the shop about a year and a half to two years ago.
And let me tell you, the guys and I? We're hooked. Never thought we'd be, but here we are. That's why I'm throwing it out there to you as my number 10 recommendation for Top 10 Gifts for Woodworkers.
