Top Ten Gift Ideas for Wood Workers

Wood working is becoming more popular and is currently one of the fastest growing hobby categories. If there is someone on your holiday shopping list who is interested in getting started in wood working or even a seasoned carpenter, here are a few gift ideas for them.

1) The 7 Piece Forstner Bit Set is priced at only $15.41 from most wood working supply sellers. It has bits ranging in size from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, in increments of 1/8 inch with a 3/8 inch shank. These handy bits fit virtually any drill and make perfect circle cutouts in the above mentioned sizes. They come in a reusable case.

2) The 7 Piece Countersink Drill Bit Set for Wood Screws costs only $17.64 and is available from the Sherwood company. This set is perfect for most projects and contains a stop collar, wrench, and reusable case. You can countersink screw sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12.

3) Electric or Flame Heated Brands are a fun way to personalize all wood projects. Each iron is personalized with the message "Handcrafted By_______", and you fill in the blank up to 20 characters. The lettering is 3/16 inch tall. The Electric model costs around $65.95 and the wood heated model is around $45.95. Any wood worker will enjoy putting his or her own stamp on a project. It is great advertising as well if you are selling what you make.

4) A Non Skid Router Mat is a huge asset when you are using a router free hand. Most mats are made from high density urethane and measure about 3 feet by 2 feet in size. They keep your wood in place while you are routing or even come in handy when you are sanding a piece and could really use some stability. The Cherry Tree store sells one for only $9.95.

5) A Router Compass is a fantastic tool for making perfectly round cuts with your router. You can cut circles, arcs, and round corners for table tops or wheels. Most will fit with any router and cut pieces 8 inches to 48 inches in diameter. They cost around $32.95 in most wood working supply stores.

6) The Backyard Playground is a book published by Black & Decker. It contains plans and instructions for 15 outdoor projects including a log fort, tree house, swing and slide tower, playhouse and many more fun ideas. It has 126 pages of complete details, material lists, and color pictures. It is priced at $16.95 in most book stores and is a great gift for the wood worker with children.

Pricing Your Work is the title of a book that gives great advice on how to price your finished products if you decide to sell them or go into business for yourself. It has 148 pages and is priced at around $22.95.

7) A Small Palm Plane is a great tool for smoothing out little rough spots that are too tight to reach with larger power tools. The Woodworker's Supply Store sells one that has a 1 inch blade and cast iron body that is only 3 and 1/4 inches long in total. The blade is removable for sharpening if needed. This palm plane only costs about $24.99.

8) Stanley's Rabbet Plane is good for larger planning projects. It is 10 inches long and has a 1 and 1/2 inch cutter blade that can be set in either forward or back positions and depth adjustment. It is priced at about $84.99 in most stores.

9) A Shop Apron is the best way to protect your clothing while wood working. The basic full length carpenter's apron is made of cotton or blue jean denim, ties at the waist, has 2 front pockets (upper and lower), and a neck strap. The are machine washable, one size fits all type of style, and price range is around $15.00 to $17.00.

10) Safety Glasses are a must when wood working and don't have to look nerdy. Willson Retrospec protective eyewear has a line of really nice looking safety glasses. They have lighter weight, less bulky frames, wraparound side shields, adjustable nose pads, and cost only $14.99 per pair.

Pick any of these gift ideas for the wood worker on your list and they will be sure to love receiving them. Who knows? Maybe you'll even inspire them to build something for you.