Low-cost gift ideas for the woodworker (me!)

[tfischer]

Hi all... it's that time of year again, where family and friends are going to ask me for gift ideas. Any thoughts on some lower cost ideas for my list?

One thing I was considering is a drill press laser guide.

[phrog]

1. Marking Gauge This is a great little tool that I use a lot when wood working. It is from Incra. (Available from Woodcraft for $24.99 - there is a smaller version for $17.99)
http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCR...p/t-rule06.htm


2. Saddle Here is another tool that I just recently acquired and I am using a lot. It is from Veritas. (Available from Woodcraft for $18.99)
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...36,50298,48041


3. Multitool I've had one of these for several years and use it, not so much for woodworking as for household projects - and I use it a lot. I use it so much that I bought a second for backup in case the first goes bad. (Available from HF for $15 -$20 depending on what day it is and the phase of the moon. It is from HF but mine is still working well.)
http://www.harborfreight.com/oscilla...8861-8493.html

[LCHIEN]

best thing marking gauge! This can be way better than a combo square for marking layouts.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/pag...98&cat=1,42936

irwin quick grip mini 6's 4 for $18 here good price; never have enough, I love these one-handed minis.
http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Quick-Gr...n+quick+grip+6

Wixey angle gauge
http://www.amazon.com/Wixey-WR300-Di.../dp/B001PTGBRQ

saddle square, a real time saver
http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/pag...936,50298&ap=1

Harbor freight 6" digital calipers metal version (not plastic) either in/mm/fractions or in/mm versions are good for under $20 use 20% off coupon, too

lee valley free shipping thru nov 13 $40 and over

[LarryG]

The drill press laser guide could be a good choice. My Porter-Cable DP has one, and while it wasn't a shopping point, I've found it to be both accurate and useful. (I was actually a bit skeptical, despite having found the twin laser guide on my CMS to be a terrific feature.) I have no experience with the add-on units but since they can presumably be adjusted, I would expect them to work equally well.

+2 on the saddle square. I have the small one; I use it as much as any marking and measuring tool I own other than my 6" square.

[jking]

You're lucky you can put these types of things on your list. When I've done that in the past, I usually was told that I was hard to buy for. (Because family doesn't know where to buy stuff like this even when told where)

[tfischer]

You're lucky you can put these types of things on your list. When I've done that in the past, I usually was told that I was hard to buy for. (Because family doesn't know where to buy stuff like this even when told where)

LOL yeah that is an issue... But usually if I can point them to a website or Rockler, than it's cool. My wife helps some of the more computer-illiterate (older generation) of the family lol.

And yes, I'm sure I'm "hard to buy for", if that means that most of the stuff on my list can't be obtained at Target or JC Penny's lol

[jdon]

Can't testify (yet) to it's worthwhileness, 'cause it's on my list:

Zircon metal detector: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VKJ1MM/...I1VDPZL18BBDJ3

[leehljp]

best thing marking gauge! This can be way better than a combo square for marking layouts.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/pag...98&cat=1,42936

The absolutely my most used (non-battery/electric) tool, and most missed when I can't find one.

I have two of those. Got my first one when it was about $10/$12 - back in the '90s. My second one cost about $20.00 so I could have one on both sides of the Pacific!

Man, they are getting pricey.

[trungdok]

For me it would be a decent apron/vest. It allows you to keep your basic tools at hand at all time instead of wasting time searching for them.

Something like this is not too expensive.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/159...del-80200.aspx

[durango dude]

I face this topic every year -----

I provided a list of low-priced (below $50) items last year, and my family appreciated it.

a) Lie Nielsen Scraper Set (the leather wallet would be icing on the cake)
b) Rockler Bench Cookie Set
c) Odd Job Tool (Garret Wade)
d) Wooden Hand Screw Clamps (can never have too many clamps)
e) 3/8" dowel jig (Rockler)
f) Snappy 5 piece essential set (Woodcraft)
g) High Point Screw Sampler (Woodcraft)
i) Veritas Stainless Marking Gauge (Lee Valley)

Thread from last year:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=58811

[jking]

The wood hand screw clamps I find to be very useful. I had a friend of mine that chuckled when I mentioned having a couple of those. He asked me how often I used them, implying they were seldom used. I find that I use them in maybe half of my projects.

[dbhost]

It all depends on how you are outfitted, and the budget they are asking about. for me, the wish list is...

1. Leather Shop Apron with backpack type straps (not hung off the neck).
2. Individual turning tools. Bowl scrapers would be nice.
3. Safety Items. Second set of earmuffs for a guest worker would be nice.
4. Glue spreaders
5. Card scrapers
6. Hand Screw Clamps
7. Veritas iron & blade set to upgrade my Groz planes.
8. Marking Guage
9. Self centering drill bits
10. Various jigs, and guides.
11. Star knobs and star bolts in 1/4 and 5/16

[tfischer]

Some great ideas, keep 'em coming. Some I have already, but many I do not and look like great things to have.

[LarryG]

Another gem from the Lee Valley catalog is the Veritas Cabinetmaker's Mallet. At $39.50 it might stretch your definition of "low cost" but it's a joy to hold and use if you do much hand work.

[pelligrini]

If it's is verbal be sure to enunciate properly. I ask for clamps and I seem to always get pants.

Another vote for the Veritas saddle squares, love 'em.