Dustpan Bench Brush
Perfect Gift to Keep the Bench Clean
TOP PICK: DUST BRUSH
IN THIS GUIDE:
› INNOVATIVE TAPE MEASURE: FASTCAP
› SAFETY GLASSES: NOCRY GLASSES
› POCKET HOLE JIG: KREG 520-PRO
› FUNNY SHIRT: I’LL BE IN MY OFFICE
› LEATHER APRON: BRITTLE WOODWORKER
Finding the best woodworking gifts for dads takes a little bit of planning, a trip or two through their workshop and understanding what types of projects your dad likes to build.
How do I know? Well, as a woodworker of almost thirty years I’ve used hundreds of tools. And know all of the latest and greatest tools most dads don’t know about.
In this guide you’ll learn how to pick gifts based on:
- Types of projects they build (or want to)
- Ability from novice to professional
- Gifts that can be used regardless of what they own
- And non-traditional dad gifts like woodworking aprons or safety equipment they may otherwise not buy
Lastly, woodworkers like unique tools from brand names and something they may not generally buy themselves.
Page Contents
Woodworking Gifts For Dad
Choosing a woodworking gift is always a bit risky. Our recommendation? Before buying any gift, head out to their workshop and take a look around:
- Do you see safety equipment like eye protection, push sticks, and dust masks?
- Are their tools “benchtop” and used for small projects?
- Or, is the shop glistening with expensive tools, and they likely have one of everything (the hardest to buy for)
Armed with some information, the following tools are generally safe for any woodworker. But we’ll point out tools a professional may not need.
#1. Unique Tape Measure
See on Amazon: FastCap Tape Measure
From professional woodworking dads to novices, a tape measure that features the following is hard to find:
- Left or right-hand lines (most are right)
- Writing pad on side of the tape measure
- Fractions that take the guesswork out of understanding the “little lines.”
#2. Woodworking Apron For Dad
See on Amazon: Britree Woodworking Apron
Nothing is worse than spilling woodworking glue on a pair of good jeans.
Why?
Because wood glue (and stain, finishes, and more) doesn’t come out of clothes, a high-quality leather apron will provide protection and storage for tools.
#3. Pull Saw For The Dad Who Has Everything
See on Amazon: SUIZAN Japanese Saw
While the traditional “Western” saw cuts while pushing away from you, the much older Japanese pull saw cuts towards you. And, with a unique tooth design can also be used on flush cuts, as the teeth are not hooked outwards.
There are plenty of uses for a Japanese saw!
One of the most common is for precise and intricate woodworking. The saw’s thin blade allows for tight cuts and easy maneuvering, making it the perfect tool for dovetailing and cutting joints. Additionally, the pull stroke of the Japanese saw reduces the risk of the blade wandering, which can be problematic with Western-style saws.
Beyond woodworking, Japanese saws can also be used for cutting plastic, bone, and even metal. Their sharp teeth and efficient design make them a versatile tool that can be a valuable addition to any workshop.
#4. Miter Saw Protractor
See on Amazon: Saker Miter Gauge
A miter saw is a tool in almost every woodworker’s garage.
And most woodworkers have a compound saw that cuts angles. However, most saws need to be more accurate with their angle markings. This means precise tips are hard to lock in without trial and error cuts. This protractor allows for instant setup and reduced waste.
#5. Woodworking Ear Protection
See on Amazon: Bluetooth Hearing Protector
The simple fact is woodworking tools make noise.
A lot of noise.
And to counteract that, woodworkers use high-quality hearing protection that reduces the decibels their ears are subjected to. However, like most, having an FM/AM radio and Bluetooth is a must to make the hours spent cutting and sanding more enjoyable.
#6. High Quality Marking Pencils
See on Amazon: Swanson Wood Pencils
Keeping pencils sharp is a chore. And with woodworking, a fine-grained pencil tip is constantly breaking.
The solution? A pencil system I’ve added to my shop that keeps an edge lasts forever and replaces many of the random pens and pencils I’ve collected in the drawers of my benches.
#7. Top Brand in Woodworkers Glue
See on Amazon: Titebond Wood Glue
There are a few varieties to consider when it comes to woodworking glue.
While. a fancy specialty bottle might seem like a good idea, the fact that a Titebond glue joint is stronger than the wood around it makes this an easy gift pick.
Of note, Titebond III is meant for outdoor projects but could be more runny and easier to work with. Titebond I is a classic indoor wood, but most woodworkers have used Titebond II for cabinets, furniture, breadboards, and more.
#8. Pipe Clamps Are a Sure Bet Dad Gift
See on Amazon: Bessey Pipe Clamps
Over decades, my dozens of pipe clamps have glued thousands of wood panels. And, yes, I said dozens of clamps.
Why give a high-quality pipe clamp? Simple. Most woodworking projects require gluing panels; the bar clamp is the most economical and fast glue method. Making this dad gift sure to please (they’ll know to buy black pipe to finish the clamp).
#9. Woodworking Dad Gift They Won’t Own
See on Amazon: Wood Marking Gauge
Now and then, a woodworker will find the need to make precise layouts, and this Incra-branded marking rule makes for a great edge guide.
By allowing for precise layout lines with 1/32″ increments, anything from center marking to cutting guides is possible.
#10. Woodworkers T-Shirt
See on Amazon: Cut, Cut, Sweat T-Shirt
What’s said in the garage is often best told with saws going.
While most woodworkers can keep their mistakes to a low volume, others shout out their mistakes. This shirt is a funny reminder of the trials and errors most dads face in the workshop.
#11. Popular Wood Joinery Jig
See on Amazon: Kreg 520-Pro Pocket Hole Jig
At the very basics, woodworking is all about joining wood together. And the most popular way for new woodworkers to do this is with a pocket hole jig.
Kreg, the leader in these styles of jigs, recently released this unique all-in-one hand clamp jig that offers quick clamping and replaces any basic clamp-on versions your dad has.
#12. Give the Gift of Miter Saw Safety
See on Amazon: FastCap Ten Million Dollar Stick
From safety brands like SawStop to push sticks for jointers, most power tools have ways to keep fingers away from the blade.
But, all too often, woodworkers will try their luck with cutting short pieces of wood next to a 12-inch diameter spinning miter saw blade.
And the results can be horrific. This is why the innovative FastCap company released this unique miter saw hold-down stick to keep your dad’s fingers well away from the blade. Making this a sure bet woodworking gift for dads that have everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best woodworking gift for a dad?
One of the best gifts for a dad is safety equipment, woodworking clamps, or small measuring tools, as they are always needed.
How do I know if a woodworker has a gift I want to buy?
Using this guide, you can quickly look through their workshop, toolboxes, and storage areas to see if they have the gifts you are thinking of giving.
Would my dad like a woodworking apron?
Most woodworkers like woodworking aprons as they allow storage and protect clothes from damage.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
