Woodworking Tools Accessories

Woodworking tool accessories are vital components that help woodworkers cut, shape, drill, sand, and finish their projects. This guide will teach you about the different types of accessories, how to choose the right ones, and how to use them effectively and safely.

Key Takeaways

Type	Key Points
Saw Blades	Many types for specialized cuts (rip, crosscut, dado, etc.). Carbide-tipped have longevity. Match blade to task.
Drill Bits	Types for different materials and hole types (twist, Forstner, spade, etc.). Match bit to job.
Router Bits	Specialized profiles for edges, joinery, and decoration. Carbide cutters stay sharp.
Sanding Discs	Match grit size to sanding needs. Look for long life materials.
Using Safely	Follow all manufacturer directions. Use guards. Wear protective gear. Stay focused.
For Beginners	Start with small projects. Learn skills progressively. Let accessories help.

What Are Woodworking Tool Accessories?

Woodworking tool accessories are add-ons or attachments used with power tools and hand tools to enhance their functionality and allow you to complete specialized woodworking tasks.

Accessories can range from simple items like drill bits and sandpaper to more complex tools like router tables and band saw fences. They attach to primary woodworking tools like circular saws, routers, drill presses, sanders and more to expand what you can do with them.

Some common examples of popular woodworking tool accessories include:

• Saw blades
• Drill bits
• Router bits
• Sanding discs
• Table saw accessories like featherboards, inserts and fences
• Band saw accessories like guides, blocks and fences
• Lathe accessories like chisels, chucks and faceplates
• Sander accessories like dust collection hoses and abrasives
• Clamps, vises and workbenches

Accessories increase the versatility of your core tools and allow you to undertake specialty woodworking tasks from joinery to carving, turning to finishing. They are indispensable items for any woodshop.

Why Are Woodworking Tool Accessories Important?

There are several key reasons why accessories are vital for woodworking:

Perform Specialized Tasks – Accessories equip your tools to perform specialized cuts, joints and operations that they otherwise couldn’t handle alone. For example, a simple circular saw with a specialized blade can cut dado grooves. A drill press with a mortising attachment can cut square holes. Accessories expand your capabilities.

Enhanced Safety – Many accessories contribute to safer woodworking. Featherboards hold boards securely against the table saw fence to prevent kickback. Push sticks keep your hands farther from the spinning blade. Router bit guards minimize exposed cutting edges. Accessories help improve safety.

Increased Accuracy – Accessories can also improve the accuracy of your woodworking. A crosscut sled ensures perfectly square cuts every time. A circle cutting jig guarantees precise circular cuts with a router. Precision machine accessories lead to precision results.

Better Results – The right accessories help you achieve better end results on your projects. Clean sanding from quality sanding discs, tear-out free routing from sharp router bits, smooth turning from well-balanced lathe chisels. Accessories directly contribute to better woodworking.

Accessories are critical enablers that allow you to get the most out of your tools and make high quality woodworking projects. They are well worth the investment for any woodworker.

Different Types of Woodworking Tool Accessories

There is a vast range of accessories available for common woodworking tools. Here are some of the most popular categories:

Saw Blades

Table saws, miter saws, circular saws and jigsaws all require blades designed for specialized cutting tasks:

• Rip blades – for cutting with the grain; have fewer teeth spaced farther apart
• Crosscut blades – for cutting across the grain; have more teeth closely spaced
• Combination blades – for both rip and cross cuts; moderate tooth count and spacing
• Dado blades – for cutting grooves and dados; stacked two blade configuration
• Hollow ground blades – for creating smooth plywood cuts; unique tooth hollow design

Choosing the right blade type prevents tear out and ensures clean cuts. Look for carbide-tipped blades for longevity.

Drill Bits

Drill bits penetrate and bore holes into wood, metal and other materials. Common types include:

• Twist drill bits – for general purpose drilling into wood and metal; spiral fluted design
• Auger bits – for drilling larger diameter holes in wood; threaded bit draws itself into the material
• Forstner bits – for drilling clean, flat-bottomed holes for joinery; carbide cutters excel at clean holes
• Spade bits – for rough boring holes in wood; inexpensive but higher tear out
• Masonry bits – for drilling into concrete and stone; carbide tipped and water cooled

Match your drill bit to the job and material for best performance.

Router Bits

Router bits shape and decorate wood using a spinning cutter in a handheld or table-mounted router:

• Straight bits – for edge treatments like chamfers; single straight cutting blade
• Edge forming bits – for complex edges like roundovers and bead details; wheeled cutters
• Joinery bits – for joints like dovetails; precisely ground shafts and bearings
• Decorative bits – for ornamental effects like fluting; designed for freehand artistry
• Panel raising bits – for 3D effects on large surfaces; two-bit cutter and panel pilot bearing

Specialized router bits open up creative options well beyond just straight slots.

Sanding Discs

Sanding discs provide the abrasive grit needed to smooth and finish wood surfaces:

• Orbital sanding discs – for use in random orbit sanders; pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backed discs
• Sheet stock discs – for bench sanders and hand sanding; hole-punched paper or cloth sheets
• Drum sanding sleeves – for drill-mounted spindle sanding; slip onto a mandrel barrel drum
• Detail sanding discs – for finer sanding like auto bodywork; smaller 2-3 inch PSA discs

Look for aluminum oxide or silicon carbide grits. Higher grits provide finer sanding. Discs come in standard abrasives as well as non-marring options for finer finishes.

Other Accessories

Beyond blades, bits and discs, some other accessories include:

• Workbenches – for sturdy, vibration-free surfaces for optimal tool operation
• Clamps – for securely holding workpieces during operations like gluing and assembly
• Vises – for firmly holding material to resist cutting and shaping forces
• Dust collection – for safely capturing fine dust at the tool source for cleaner air

Don’t overlook key accessories like these for expanding woodworking capabilities.

How To Choose The Right Woodworking Tool Accessories

With the huge variety of accessories available, it can be tricky to determine which options are right for your tools and projects. Follow these tips:

Consider The Type of Work

Think about what types of cuts and operations you will need to perform and choose accessories suited to them. For example, rip blades excel at ripping lumber lengthwise but struggle at crosscutting boards to width – a crosscut blade would be better for that task. Match accessories to the work.

Ensure Compatibility

Not all accessories fit every tool model. For example, you need an adapter to mount some scroll saw blades. Make sure an accessory will properly fit your tool before buying it. Check diameters, arbor sizes, blade mandrel types and other specs.

Buy Quality Accessories

Research brands and materials to select top quality accessories. High-end carbide-tipped router bits stay sharp longer than cheap steel bits. Name brand sandpaper lasts longer than generic. Paying a little more for quality accessories is worth it.

Read Reviews

Check out reviews and recommendations to narrow down options. Experienced woodworkers will often share thoughts on an accessory’s performance and value. Let reviews guide you to smart purchases.

Consider Multi-packs

For consumables like sandpaper and saw blades, multipacks can provide cost savings. A 25 pack of sanding discs is often half the per-unit cost of a 5 pack. Stock up on the accessories you use frequently.

By factoring in your work, tools, quality and value, you can zero in on the ideal accessories for your woodworking.

How To Use Woodworking Tool Accessories Safely

Accessories expand what you can do with woodworking tools, but many involve sharp edges and dangerous moving parts. Follow these tips to use them safely:

Follow Manufacturer Safety Instructions

Every accessory comes with instructions for proper handling, use and precautions – read them thoroughly! Manufacturer guidelines help you use accessories correctly and avoid injuring yourself.

Use Guards and Shields

Guards and shields minimize exposure to moving parts. Never remove them from an accessory or tool. Ensure guards are functioning properly before starting work.

Wear Protective Gear

Eye protection guards against flying debris. Ear protection dulls loud machinery. Respirators limit dust inhalation. Use appropriate protective gear when running accessories.

Avoid Loose Clothing and Long Hair

Loose clothing and long hair can catch in spinning accessory parts. Tie back long hair. Remove jewelry. Do not wear dangling items near moving machinery.

Pay Attention

Distraction is dangerous around spinning saw blades, cutters and abrasives. Stay focused on the task at hand. Never rush or force an operation with accessories.

Let the Tool Do the Work

Avoid awkward hand positions and forcing tools during accessory use. Let the powered tool perform the cutting or grinding work safely. Don’t overextend yourself.

The right accessories coupled with safe practices will have you woodworking efficiently, expanding your capabilities and producing great results.

Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Here are some beginner-friendly woodworking projects that can be completed using basic tools and accessories:

Simple Birdhouse

A basic birdhouse is a great first project to practice measuring, cutting, drilling and nailing skills with wood. Use a miter or circular saw, drill, hammer and nails.

Cutting Board

Make a beautiful and useful cutting board from wood strips glued and clamped together. Use a miter saw, glue, clamps and sandpaper.

Planter Box

Construct a wood planter box for a garden using simple boards, a drill, circular saw, sandpaper and exterior wood stain.

Picture Frame

Design a custom picture frame with trim pieces, mitered corners, routing and drilling for hanging. Use a miter saw, router, drill and wood glue.

Shelves

Build DIY shelves for display space in your home. Practice measuring, cutting, drilling, sanding and finishing skills.

Coasters

Use thin boards, a scroll saw, drill press and sandpaper to make round custom coasters. Apply polyurethane for protection.

Start small, work safely and let the right accessories transform your raw wood into beautiful, functional projects.

Conclusion

Woodworking tool accessories empower you to complete an incredible range of specialized operations with your core tools. The right accessories can enhance safety, precision, versatility and creativity.

From essentials like quality blades and bits to benches, clamps and jigs, stock your shop with accessories suited to the types of woodworking tasks you want to undertake. Use accessories safely by always following manufacturer guidelines and wearing protective gear.

Accessories open new project possibilities, especially for beginner woodworkers just starting out. With this guide’s tips for choosing and using woodworking tool accessories, you can get the most out of your tools and build your woodworking skills and know-how.

Additional Resources

For more on woodworking accessories:

• Rockler Woodworking Tool Accessories – Huge selection of accessories
• Woodcraft Tool Accessories – Accessories available from top brand Woodcraft
• Wood Magazine Accessory Reviews – Trusted tool accessory reviews
• Woodworking Forums at Sawmillcreek – Discussions on accessories
• The Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking by Andy Rae – Great book covering woodworking accessories