Cool Tools: Workshop Essentials Worth Adding to Your Bench

Introduction

Some tools quietly earn their place in a workshop by solving problems you did not realize you had. This roundup covers eight picks that range from a revived pocket hole jig to a heavy-duty workbench, each with a clear job and a few trade-offs worth knowing before you buy.

Bora Armor Jig: A Self-Adjusting Pocket Hole System

The Bora Armor Jig is a pocket hole jig that self-adjusts to reduce the number of steps and lower the chance of error. It is as close to automatic as a jig can get without being fully automatic. The company behind the original design had gone out of business, but Bora Tools has since obtained the rights to bring it back.

The smaller version is noticeably more substantial than a typical pocket hole jig. A movable caliper on the end measures the thickness of the workpiece and simultaneously adjusts all the other settings, including the position of the stop collar so you drill to the correct depth. It also adjusts the hook that sits on the end of the board, so the jig is positioned correctly when clamped down. A scale on the side tells you the screw length you will need. All of this happens at once through a system of gears and sliders that work together.

The metal orange half pops off and clamps directly onto the workpiece. The orange body is a zinc alloy with hardened steel inserts, while the gray parts are glass-filled nylon rather than cheap plastic. Everything stores right on the jig, so you do not have to search for parts when you need them.

The larger version adds a few useful features. The clamp auto-adjusts to your material, whether thick or thin, and it also auto-sets the drill block at the proper distance from the edge of the workpiece. At the same time, it sets the depth collar on the drill bit. You simply clamp the wood in place, tighten the collar where the jig puts it, and you are ready to drill. It is set up for two holes, but you can adjust the right guide for narrower workpieces like face frames. The jig also tells you which screw length to use for your joint.

This larger version includes dust collection, which keeps the area clean and clears dust from the jig so you can work joint after joint without clogging. It is a strong option if you switch between material thicknesses often and want to avoid the mistakes that come from changing settings manually.

Titan Protract: A Double Protractor for Layout Work

The Titan Protract comes from independent woodworker Izzy Swan and is described as the world’s first double protractor. It is made from anodized aluminum with no plastic parts, and it operates smoothly thanks to a clever trunnion design.

It can measure and lay out angles up to 140 degrees. When set to 90 degrees, it becomes a guide for marking lines parallel to an edge. The holes are designed to work with Pica pencils and are laid out every half inch, giving you half, one, one and a half, two, and so on. Adjust the angle to another set mark and you get quarter-inch scales. You are not locked into fixed points either; you can place a mark anywhere and rotate one of the holes over it.

If you move the dial to 90 degrees, it also works as a center finder for round and square stock. It is a practical tool for cabinet doors, face frames, box making, and wood turning projects. The price is surprisingly low compared to what other brands charge for tools of this quality.

Pica Pencil: A Workshop Pencil That Solves Real Problems

The Pica Pencil is a mechanical pencil designed for workshop use. It snaps into a holster, which prevents the tip from breaking when kept in an apron pocket or tool bag. The lead is thick and durable but still capable of precise lines. It marks cleanly on surfaces where a regular pencil struggles, does not smudge as easily, and is water resistant. A sharpener is built into the holster for quick touch-ups.

Other leads are available, including different colors for plastics, masonry, and welding materials. The design also gets into tight spaces that challenge markers and other marking tools. More tool makers are adopting the Pica standard and designing tools specifically to work with these pencils.

Famag Forstner Bits: Engineered to Run Cool

Famag is a German company that makes Forstner bits with a focus on heat reduction. The cutting end has a lower profile to reduce friction, and grooves around the perimeter serve the same purpose. Less friction means less heat, which helps the bit last longer. The toothed rim cuts cleanly, even in fragile veneer plywood, despite past skepticism about toothed rims producing rougher cuts.

The chippers have a staggered edge designed to break up chips into smaller pieces that eject more easily from the hole, reducing heat build-up. A baked-on black oxide finish helps resist resin build-up, which also keeps the bit cooler. The hex shaft does not slip in the collet, a common frustration with larger bits.

These bits are carefully engineered to reduce heat, allowing you to increase cutting speed while keeping the bit sharp longer. A full set is a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of drilling, but a single 3/4-inch or 1-inch bit is a good way to test whether they live up to the claims.

Trend Cleaner: A Non-Toxic Solution for Gummed-Up Blades

Trend Cleaner is a cleaning solution for saw blades, router bits, Forstner bits, and band saw blades that get gummed up in the shop. It is non-toxic and safe on skin, produces no harmful fumes, and can be rinsed down the sink when you are done. Unlike some environmentally friendly products, it actually works without requiring extensive soaking and scrubbing.

It comes in an 18 oz size and a larger 32 oz size. If your bits and blades have not been cleaned in a while, the difference is noticeable. It is a simple product that does one job well.

Bridge City Tools Squares: Precise Pocket-Sized Setup Tools

Bridge City Tools squares are small precision squares that fit in an apron pocket. They are useful for checking machine setups, verifying assemblies for square or 45 degrees, and setting bit and blade heights. Two squares come together in a gift set, giving you absolute 60, 90, 45, and 30 degree angles.

You can stand them up, lay them flat, or spin the little foot around to hook onto an edge. They are made from 6061 aerospace grade aluminum alloy with a hard anodized finish, making them durable but light. They come in three color options.

Pinya Workbench: A Massive Heirloom-Grade Bench

The Pinya workbench is made by a Central European company that has been building benches for over 100 years. It is solid European beech and weighs over 500 lb empty, with an estimated 700 to 800 lb once a full tool cabinet is attached. The legs are over 3 inches thick, and the stretchers are wider and twice as thick as typical 1-by material found on many benches. The bench does not rack or wobble.

The top is about 5 inches thick throughout, not thinner in the center than at the edges. Apart from some cutouts underneath for hardware mounting, it is a massive slab of hardwood that absorbs blows like striking a tree.

It also has features that older benches often lack. The dog holes are 3/4 of an inch instead of 1 inch, making them compatible with more accessories. A traditional tail vise is excellent for work holding on top of the bench and on the face, and it can also be used for leg stock and other common furniture parts.

A workbench is not just a surface; it is a work holding machine designed for the sort of things woodworkers do, whether with hand tools or power tools. This is one of the best benches available, built to outlast its owner.

ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection: Protect Your Ears Every Day

ISOtunes Bluetooth hearing protection is designed for use in the workshop, yard, or anywhere noisy. It blocks out unwanted sound while allowing you to listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, or even ocean sounds. Wearing them regularly means you are automatically protected if you need to make a quick cut.

The company is a small family business in Indiana. For anyone who spends time around loud tools, hearing protection is not optional. ISOtunes has been a reliable choice for a decade.

Overall Buying Advice

The Bora Armor Jig is the standout if you do a lot of pocket hole joinery and want to speed up the process without sacrificing accuracy. The Titan Protract is a low-cost layout tool that earns its place for anyone doing cabinet work or wood turning. The Pica Pencil is a simple upgrade that solves a real annoyance, and the Famag Forstner bits are worth trying if you drill often and want longer-lasting bits.

Trend Cleaner is a no-fuss maintenance product that works, and the Bridge City Tools squares are a nice pocket-sized addition for setup checks. The Pinya workbench is a serious investment for someone who wants a bench that will last for generations. ISOtunes hearing protection is the easiest decision on this list; protecting your hearing is non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Each of these tools has a clear purpose and a genuine strength. Whether you are upgrading your joinery workflow, improving your layout accuracy, or simply protecting your ears, there is something here that will make your time in the workshop more productive and more comfortable.