Non-tool implements. Maybe they are classified as tools. Some might call them knick-knacks, some might say this is more “tips and tricks” for shop setup and flow, I don’t think I’d go as far as to call them “gadgets” by any means. I like the sound of non-tool implements. Perhaps utensils?
I find this to be an overlooked piece of the equation of woodworking. As my own setup changed over time, so too did the shop requirements such as space, storage, and tools themselves. Alongside all these main things there are always peripherals, for instance more planes, chisels, scrapers means more sharpening equipment. Outside of the obvious tools and required maintenance gear, some of the peripheral implements I’ve been using have actually been excellent problem solvers.
This is by no means an exhaustive list or in-depth review, just some items I’ve found to be helpful in my own tiny shop. My suggestions are more suited to the budget-conscious woodworker; any problem can be solved by throwing enough money at it – there are plenty of premium shop utensils you can spend good money on but my shop is minimal and like with tools I like to start with the cheapest available option, assess how useful it could be then decide if it’s worth investing a chunk of change on for the long run.
First, and probably an obvious choice is a good shop stool. My bench is low and sometimes, especially for fine chisel work, it’s a lot more comfortable to sit with good posture closer to the work than stand and hunch over it. I’ll admit this is a relatively expensive IKEA adjustable stool but I picked it up at a thrift store for $15 so to me it counts as cheap. Non-tool implement #1.
Next is a system of brushes. Yes, not one brush to rule them all but three brushes for the Elven kings. I have a small handheld shoe brush for the bench (antique store find for $1), a dustpan and brush, and a full-size sweeping brush for the floor. The shoe brush is perfect for a quick benchtop sweep to clear it off to the floor when you just need a clear workspace. The dustpan and brush is sometimes used for heavy amounts on the benchtop but more so just to pick up the piles on the floor to go into a bag. The full size is for a full floor sweep, with the dustpan to finish it off. It’s your coarse to fine bench planes rolled in to a sweeping trifecta.
In a small shop like mine, cabinets do not and almost certainly will not exist any time in the near future. Even in cabinets, this next implement would probably be helpful. I have just one large set of shop shelves and I’ve found simple plastic containers to be a gift for keeping them tidy. Woodworking necessitates a lot of small and/or strangely shaped items so having a variety of plastic bins to keep like with like is extremely helpful. I have a few different sizes, and I might even include other small boxes that keep other things organised too (not just cheap plastic totes). Measuring and marking, layout, chisels, sharpening, screws and hardware, little shop cloths. Containers are a valuable non-tool implement.
Finally I can not recommend the last one enough – a variety of squeeze bottles. When I was starting out I did not realise how many liquids I would accumulate and use regularly. Now I have squeeze bottles for glue, finishes/oils, other solvents, even the water I use for my diamond stones. It saves using messy bottles and tins and is an excellent way to control the application of some finishes. Ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles can be bought for cheap at the dollar store or even better, use your next empty sriracha bottle. Non-tool implement #4.
Utensils? Gadgets? Hacks? All of the above. These might seem obvious to some, especially the seasoned woodworkers out there, but this would have been helpful to know over the years as I’ve been developing my shop (clearly from a cost-conscious perspective). No need to spend an arm and a leg to get organised or smooth out some processes as your shop grows, we just need to think outside the dovetailed box.
Leave a Reply