Useful Tools You May Not Have Known About
Build Skills with the Best Tools for the Classroom – Trusted by a Veteran Educator
For over 20 years and nearly 4,000 students taught, my philosophy has remained simple: students learn best when they build. The products featured on this page are classroom-tested and chosen to help students fabricate real parts using tools that are safer than table saws or band saws—perfect for educational settings. I’ve developed strong brand preferences based on performance and durability under heavy student use. WEN tools offer the best value for the money and are ideal for schools. For longer-lasting performance, Milwaukee and Makita tools consistently outperform competitors. And for precision scroll work, the Wegner scroll saw is truly the Rolls Royce of the shop. Browse below to equip your makerspace or classroom with tools that are reliable, safe, and designed to help students succeed.
Many schools across the country still have traditional woodworking shops equipped with jointers, planers, and table saws—tools that make it possible to process rough lumber. Because of this, I strongly advocate for teaching students how to mill their own wood rather than relying on pre-surfaced lumber. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the materials but also reinforces critical skills such as measurement, grain direction, and safety. Processing rough stock fosters a sense of craftsmanship and gives students ownership over the entire build process—from raw material to finished product.
Stuff breaks when students are learning to use tools. More stuff breaks when you have a knucklehead or two in class. Here are my recommendations that have passed the "teenage smash test".
If you work for the WEN, Milwaukee, or Makita companies, contact me, I would love to be sponsored:)
For over 20 years and nearly 4,000 students taught, my philosophy has remained simple: students learn best when they build. The products featured on this page are classroom-tested and chosen to help students fabricate real parts using tools that are safer than table saws or band saws—perfect for educational settings. I’ve developed strong brand preferences based on performance and durability under heavy student use. WEN tools offer the best value for the money and are ideal for schools. For longer-lasting performance, Milwaukee and Makita tools consistently outperform competitors. And for precision scroll work, the Wegner scroll saw is truly the Rolls Royce of the shop. Browse below to equip your makerspace or classroom with tools that are reliable, safe, and designed to help students succeed.
Many schools across the country still have traditional woodworking shops equipped with jointers, planers, and table saws—tools that make it possible to process rough lumber. Because of this, I strongly advocate for teaching students how to mill their own wood rather than relying on pre-surfaced lumber. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the materials but also reinforces critical skills such as measurement, grain direction, and safety. Processing rough stock fosters a sense of craftsmanship and gives students ownership over the entire build process—from raw material to finished product.
Stuff breaks when students are learning to use tools. More stuff breaks when you have a knucklehead or two in class. Here are my recommendations that have passed the "teenage smash test".
If you work for the WEN, Milwaukee, or Makita companies, contact me, I would love to be sponsored:)
154 Metal Wood Oscillating Tool Blade, Titanium Oscillating Saw Blades with Sandpaper, Quick Release Multi Tool Blades
Buy on Amazon
KAKURI Japanese Woodworking Hand Tools Set for Beginner 7 Pcs (Japanese Plane, Chisels, Saw, Hammer, Marking Gauge, Bag)
Buy on Amazon
TRUArt (Stage 2) Professional Dual Pen Woodburning Detailer 60W Tool with Digital Temperature Control and 63 Tips/p> Buy on Amazon
Fulton Cabinet Scraper Burnisher with 6 Piece Multi-Shaped Card Scraper Woodworking Set
Buy on Amazon