All woodworkers, whether it's their trade or hobby or for general DIY around the home, know that specific equipment is needed to carry out the task successfully. Of course, the bigger tools come to mind first; the saw, routers, sanders, drills etc, but what about the little things? It's those other accessories that every woodworker needs to begin and complete the job.

Following, are but a sample of the accessories needed in the woodworking shop.

Vernier

A vernier or caliper allows for greater accuracy and precision when measuring thicknesses and diameters than using a ruler or tape measure.

Chisels

A variety of chisels are always handy. Beveled-edged chisels allow the user to work closely to corners and edges. The butt chisel is used for mortising door hinges and the mortise chisel is used for making mortise and tenon joints, for example, in window sashes.

Gimlet/Bradawl

A gimlet is a screw-tipped tool that is useful for starting off screw and nails holes, particularly if they are in awkward areas. A bradawl can also be used for starting off nail and screw holes but can also be used as a pencil by scratching marking lines in the wood surface.

Nail punch

A nail or pin punch allows you to set or recess the heads of nails or brads by tapping it with a hammer. You are then able to stop up the opening with filler to hide the nailed surface.

Clamps

Clamps are a versatile accessory that can't be neglected. They are used to secure tools or work pieces to benchtops in readiness for work. They are used to hold firm, pieces that are being glued together, such as a right-angle clamp that is designed to keep corners at 90 degrees while be glued, and are also used as temporary fasteners. Clamps come in a variety of shapes and styles that can be used for many applications.

Hammers

Every woodworker must have a hammer or two. A claw hammer drives nails in easily and has the capability of pulling them out if needed also. A smaller tack hammer is useful for delicate work with small pins, upholstery and hammering in difficult spaces.

Sanding block

A sanding block is usually made from tough rubber or is rubber faced. The block then is wrapped in sandpaper to hand-sand flat surfaces. Sanding blocks also come in a softer foam type which makes it easier for hand-sanding curves.

Spirit levels

Spirit levels come in an assortment of sizes and are vital for checking the accuracy of vertical and horizontal

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