Follow our Facebook page for free woodworking goodness! - Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal is a multi-media publication designed for weekend woodworkers of all skill levels. Each issue contains a selection of articles and videos about woodworking techniques (hand and power tools), jigs and shop improvements, unique projects, skill building tutorials, tool reviews and quick tips.
The shops are always changing, so come back and visit frequently. This is a great place to “sit back and have a cold one, because you’ve earned it, my friend!”
And for more tool reviews and recommendations, check out our “Cool Tools” series!
Now, let’s take a tour of…
Our main workshop is where we build our advanced projects and film our complex tutorials. This well equipped space is divided into sections including a wood milling/machining area, a large assembly space, a hand tool area, and a “creative corner” for turning, carving and other artistic forms of woodworking. There is also a lumber storage room and a finishing room in the back.
Keep in mind that this main workshop includes many of the premium tools advanced woodworkers prefer. We chose these tools through hard-earned experience and believe them to be essential for our shop. However, new woodworkers may prefer other options. In our “Budget Workshop” you will find a selection of good quality, less expensive tools that are more suited to the hobbyist.
As in any power-tool workshop, the first place the wood goes (after leaving the lumber rack) is the milling and cutting area. Ours is filled with semi-professional machines, a real luxury that makes it possible to build projects of almost any size. Click on any of the links below if you wish to add one of the tools we use to your shop. Some of these products are from our sponsors. Others are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using them.
Table saw and accessories- We are not sponsored by SawStop, but I am a long-time user of their saws. Not only do I believe they are of the highest quality, but I wouldn’t be without the built-in safety feature that prevents amputations.
Table saw sleds and misc.-
Table saw safety gear-
Table saw blades- Ridge Carbide’s premium blades are top of the line. The quality of cut is exceptional, and they may be sharpened many times, making these lifetime blades for many woodworkers. They are comparable in quality to Forrest for about 30% less money. Plus, you may save another 10% if you use coupon code SNWJ10.
Lumber milling machines- I bought my Grizzly jointer and planer a while back and I think they are an excellent value. I purchased them both with standard heads, then I upgraded to LuxCut III carbide helical heads because I prefer them over the heads Grizzly was putting in their machines.
Miter saw station- I use my miter saw station for boards that are too long for the table saw. It is a modular station that may be adapted to your shop space, it includes excellent dust collection and room for lots of storage. Plans for the workstation will be available soon!
Band Saws and accessories- I have owned many different band saws over the years and I think Harvey’s new saws are the best I have used. Their guides are cleverly designed to be easy and fast to adjust, and the dual-port dust collection is excellent. They perform well above their price-range.
Router tables and machines- We have several router tables and router based “machines” in the shop, a real luxury when you are working on several projects at once.
Handheld routers and accessories- We have several handheld routers in the shop, some better than others. I am listing my favorites here. It’s a real luxury to have multiple routers because you can install various jigs, fences, bases and bits without swapping them around during a project.
Router bits- I buy Whiteside router bits whenever possible because it’s a great small business that makes high quality bits. I also buy specialty bits from MLCS. They have a great selection of clever bits. It makes no sense for me to list every bit I have, but here are a few specialty bits I wouldn’t want to be without…
Drill press, bits and accessories- I buy Fisch drill and forstner bits whenever possible because they are the best out there. I learned to buy once and cry once a long time ago!
Dust collection-
Tools for tuning and setting up machinery- Good machines have to be well maintained. These are my go-to tools for checking the alignment and position of fences, blades, bits, arbors, trunions and everything else.
I always wanted a big assembly table, so when I moved into the new shop I insisted on a full 4 X 8 -foot bench with lots of built-in storage. The assembly workstation is a masterpiece of versatility, if I do say so myself (plans coming soon). But this part of the shop also includes many of the tools we want quick access to as you work on a project, such as joinery jigs and machines, marking and measuring tools, portable power tools and lots of clamps. Click on any of the links below if you wish to add one of the tools we use to your shop. Some of these products are from our sponsors. Others are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using them.
Clamps- We use a wide variety of woodworking clamps, each with their own indispensable purpose. They say you can never have too many clamps. I think you can never have to many of the right type of clamps!
Glue & bench accessories-
Sanding stuff-
Portable power tools and accessories- Lately I’ve switched to Makita cordless tools because they are not only high in quality, but they have the largest range of tools that use the same battery. So my collection is sure to grow quickly.
Air tools-
Joinery tools-
Marking and measuring tools-
Mechanical tools-
Miscellaneous jigs and tools-
I call this the creative corner because it’s where the more creative forms of woodworking happen, including wood carving, scroll sawing, wood turning, marquetry, etc. It’s also the power-sharpening area (all the hand-sharpening tools are in the hand tool area.) I spend the little free time I have in this corner. Click on any of the links below if you wish to add one of the tools we use to your shop. Some of these products are from our sponsors. Others are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using them.
Wood lathe and accessories-
Turning tools- I favor Carter & Son turning tools and use them for most of my work. They hold an edge forever and are made by a great family company. I have other turning tools as well (Sorby, Thompson and Rockler), but they don’t get much use these days.
Misc. turning accessories-
Scroll saw accessories-
Grinding and power sharpening-
Power carving tools-
Hand carving tools-
The shops are always changing, so come back and visit frequently. This is a great place to “sit back and have a cold one, because you’ve earned it, my friend!”
And for more tool reviews and recommendations, check out our “Cool Tools” series!
A truly unique digital publication for the everyday woodworker
support@stumpynubs.com
