My Top Three Must Have Tools That Improved My Woodworking
I have a lot of tools in my garage. Some I’ve bought because I needed them for a project and hardly used them since, some I use frequently, but a select few I use every time I go into my garage. Here are my top three tools that helped me improve and can help a hobbyist woodworker increase the quality of their work. Disclaimer before we get started, 2 of the 3 tools are not what most people consider tools, but are two things that helped me more than any new power or hand tool.
Number 1: 6” steel ruler
My most used tool in my shop is my 6” ruler. I have 2 of them and I keep one at my table saw and one at my miter saw. Before my rulers, I used a tape measure. Tape measures are great for measuring long pieces but cumbersome when trying to make sure there’s an 1/8 reveal on an apron or when measuring exactly 2 3/16 for small box. Rulers sit flat, are easy to hold, and thin enough to make an accurate mark from. Using rulers helped me learn how to fine tune my measurements and markings so I could build intricate, small pieces that I wasn’t capable of before. They also helped me improve my ability to use the table saw enabling me to dial in a cut on without relying on the built in tape that isn’t quite as accurate as I want it to be. My favorite ruler (pictured) has markings at 1/8 and 1/16 on one side and reverses to 1/32 and 1/64.
If you want to get a ruler, make sure it’s one with the markings stamped into the metal. It’s hard to tell in the picture, but each mark has a slight indentation in the metal that I can feel with my fingernail, a pencil, or marking knife. This is a must have feature so you don’t have to rely on your eyesight to get right on the mark, the ruler tells you when you’ve reached the 3/8 mark. It’s also a plus for longevity because those marks aren’t going to wear off like they would if they were simply printed on.
Speaking of longevity, my rulers came from my wife’s grandfather. I’m not sure how old ruler’s are, but they were made by H. F. Ritter & Co. Inc. which is no longer in business but if I’d have to guess I’d say my rulers are from the 1960s or so. In all those years they show very little wear.
Number 2: A Work Table
Prior to building my miter station and outfeed table my work surface was some plywood on saw horses and an old dresser. On these small surfaces would sit the tools I was using and my materials which left zero space to work. I was constantly reshuffling tools around trying to make room and using the ground as my main assembly area. I still assemble oversized projects on the ground, but I try to avoid it. My garage floor is not level or flat, usually dirty, and hard. I don’t like being on my hands and knees on the concrete floor. A worktable has helped me enjoy working on projects. I can lay out, plan, mark, dry fit, and assemble in comfort without balancing final boards precariously on the edge of my miter saw so I knock it off to dent it. My work table is nothing special, just some 2x4s and extra plywood I had from a former project. The top is all scarred and damaged with stains and gouges in it that I need to replace it soon, but it works.
Number 3: Lighting
Upgrading my lighting was the best investment I’ve made in my shop. Prior to my new lights it was always dark. During the day I could open up the garage door to let in some light. Working at night was out of the question since half of my work space was basically unlit. I was always squinting to see the line I had marked to then make an inaccurate cut. Or I’d guess I had sanded enough to find out later that I had missed an area. It isn’t something you’d think about, but better lighting does have a huge impact on being able to put together better woodworking projects.
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