10+1 Tools to Buy for the Woodworker in your life

This list is for anyone who has a woodworker in their life or knows someone getting into woodworking and wants to find the perfect gift. Any of these tools would make a woodworker happy, and the bonus is that if they already have one, it never hurts to have a backup. Tape measures and pencils, in particular, seem to vanish into the void of the woodshop, never to be found when they’re needed most.

These ten tools see daily use in my shop and have truly earned their place. They’re not gimmicks, just reliable, well made tools that make my work smoother, faster, and more precise. I’ve always lived by the philosophy of “buy once, cry once.” Tools can be expensive up front, but investing in quality will save you time and money in the long run by avoiding the frustration of replacing cheap versions over and over again.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, and some lead to trusted websites I personally recommend. This means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Rest assured, every tool listed here is one I personally own or a version I trust to make life in the shop better.

1. Mini Tape Measure

You can never have too many tape measures in the shop, and the small one is easily the most used since it’s always in my pocket. Most of the measurements I need are under the 6 foot mark, so a mini tape is perfect for quick checks around the shop without the bulk of a full size one. I personally use the Milwaukee version because when I started my carpentry apprenticeship, Milwaukee was the brand I chose, and like ski gear, once you pick a brand you tend to stick with it for life. That loyalty carried over into my furniture building as well. Any quality brand will do, but I use the split imperial and metric version since, for some reason, we still use both here in Canada.

2. Machinist Square

Accuracy is everything. A set of machinist or engineer’s squares in different sizes helps keep your projects and machines perfectly square. I like grabbing mine from Lee Valley, especially if you’re a Canadian woodworker. If not these squares are very close to the ones Lee valley sells. Machinist squares are precise, durable, and once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them. I like to have a few sizes on hand. I keep a 3 inch square in my pocket caddy for about 90% of my daily work, and I keep 4 and 6 inch ones at each of my machines for quick calibration and alignment

3. 45° miter square

A simple yet incredibly useful tool, this one is designed specifically for 45 degree miters, which, beside 90 degrees, is one of the most common cuts in the shop. I personally don’t like using digital angle finders when I’m trying to get a true 45 degree angle. This tool is perfect for setting the table saw blade and gives you a physical guide so you know exactly when you’ve hit the mark. A quick tip for setting any angle with a guide is to shine a flashlight behind it, when the light stops shining through, you know you’re perfectly set.

4. Pica Pencil

Who would I be if I didn’t include this? The Pica pencil is a staple in my shop and one of those tools that earns its spot in my work pants every day. The lead is thicker than a standard pencil, making it more durable for layout work on rough lumber or wood with uneven grain. Once you try one, you’ll never go back to a regular pencil. I also really like the colored leads you can get for them. I use white or yellow for marking walnut and other darker species, and red or regular graphite for lighter woods.

5. Multi-Tool

My Leatherman gets pulled out close to 50 times a day. It’s always on my hip and ready to go. It’s reliable, well built, and has saved me more times than I can count. Whether it’s tightening a screw, cutting a zip tie, or doing an emergency fix on the job site, it’s a tool that earns its place on my belt every single day. I never leave the house without it, and I often catch myself reaching for it even when I’m dressed up for a special event. Leatherman are also great as you can customize and engrave it adding a special message or saying for someone special.

6. 6” Steel Rule

Simple but essential, I use a 6 inch steel rule that’s both imperial and metric because, well, Canada. It’s perfect for fine layout work, quick checks, or measuring small parts when a tape measure just isn’t accurate enough. The laser engraving gives it a nice tactile feel, letting it click into place against other layout tools for precise work, and it ensures the markings won’t fade or rub off over time.

7. Marking Knife

When precision matters, a marking knife beats a pencil every time. It gives a crisp, exact line that your saw or chisel can register perfectly. If you’re working on tight joinery or detailed layouts, this is a must-have tool. I like Japanese one from Lee valley they are relatively inexpensive and sharp right out of the box, no handle to get into the way so I can make very accurate cuts in deep or hard to reach areas. Another option is the Damascus marking knife from Blacktail studio a very well constructed and beautiful knife.

Japanese marking knife from Lee valley

Blacktail Studios Damascus marking knife

8. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These are an absolute must when I’m working in the shop. Loud equipment and high pitched CNC bits are a quick way to lose your hearing, and I can’t work without some music or a podcast playing in the background. I love having the ability to block out the harsh noise without losing awareness of what’s happening around me. If you don’t get anything else from this list, invest in good hearing protection. Your ears and your future self will thank you.

protect your hearing!

9. Truewerk Pants (or Shorts)

These are without a doubt the best work pants I’ve ever owned. They’re stretchy, comfortable, and loaded with pockets, and they come in a range of colors and weights suited for both indoor and outdoor work. Once I found Truewerk, I never put Carhartt. on a again. They’re functional, durable, and incredibly comfortable. I recommend the T2 Werkpant or short, which is their midweight option. It’s the perfect balance for staying comfortable in both hot and cold conditions. Truewerk also offers a great line of women’s workwear that doesn’t compromise on pockets, comfort, or durability.

10. Digital Calipers

These are a game changer if you care about precision. I use digital calipers for checking material thicknesses, hole depths, and calibrating machines. Since a lot of my products have to fit together perfectly, calipers help me stay consistent and within my tolerances. But they make it really easy to chase down microscopic tolerances. Still, they’ll make you (or someone you know) a sharper, more detail focused woodworker.

Bonus: Setup Blocks

These little guys are the unsung heroes of tool setup. Setup blocks come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, making machine adjustments quick, repeatable, and accurate. Whether you’re setting router bit heights or fine tuning a table saw fence, you’ll find yourself reaching for them constantly. Once you have a set, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them. Finding a kit that includes a 1-2-3 block is a bonus since it’s great for setting up dados and makes an excellent stop block.

Thank you for tuning in and checking out the list. I truly believe any of these would make an amazing gift or stocking stuffer for the woodworker in your life. Every shop is different, and it’s always great to hear what tools others can’t live without. If you have a favorite tool or think I missed one that deserves a spot on the list, leave a comment below. I love hearing about what people use daily in their own shops and discovering new tools that make the work just a little easier.

I appreciate you taking the time to read through and support what I do. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, I hope this list helps you find a few new favorites.

Catch you on the next one.

Cheers,
Harley
Chief Sawdust Maker at Stone Mountain Projects