Introduction: 20 Unusual Uses for Shop Tools

By tomatoskins
About: My name is Troy. I'm a Mechatronics and Aerospace Engineer. I make things out of wood and electronics and spend time outdoors (especially SCUBA diving).

All shop tools were designed with a specific purpose, the table saw for cutting, the Shop-Vac for cleaning up. No matter what the tool is used for, whether it be cutting, shaping, grinding, or marking, every tool may have undiscovered abilities. These 20 unusual uses for your shop tools will help you unlock the unknown potential ready to be discovered in your shop. They should get the ball rolling and help you find your own unusual uses.

Step 1: Scribe a Circle With a Square

Every woodworker needs to draw a circle from time to time. Using a compass is usually the simplest and most accurate option, but what do you do when you don't have one? A nail in the center of a circle with a pencil works, but to get a more accurate circle you can hammer in two nails the diameter of your desired circle. Using a large framing square, keep both legs in contact with the nails while scribing the circle with the pencil in the corner of the square.

Step 2: Glue Deep Cracks With Shop-Vac

When you have a thin deep crack, it's almost impossible to cover the internal surface with glue. The best way to ensure a strong glue joint is to draw the glue in with a standard Shop-Vac. Turn the Shop-Vac on and slowly apply glue to the uncovered portion of the crack. Check the opposite side of the crack periodically. Once you start to see the glue seeping through the crack, clamp the crack shut.

Step 3: Driver Bit Scratch Awl

Misplaced your scratch awl? No problem. Take a old driver bit that you no longer user and insert it in your drill. Using a bench grinder, shape the bit to a point. Use your new awl in any standard driver holder.

Step 4: Miter Gauge Protractor

Need a large protractor or angle guide? If you are like most shops you probably have a few miter gauges sitting around from your table saw or band saw. Put those to good use by using them to mark out your angles.

Step 5: Quickly Sharpen Pencil With Sander

Why mess with a standard pencil sharpener when you have many tools that can take care of the same task. Turn on your disc or belt sander and slowly rotate your pencil until it's sharp.

Step 6: Lathe Drum Sander

A stationary drum sander is a helpful tool for smoothing and producing wood of uniform thickness. Drum sanders are also very expensive. Give this instructable a try to turn your lathe into a drum sander.

Step 7: Table Saw Disc Sander

Some workshops are tight on space. If you don't have the space necessary for a stand alone disc sander, this disc sander for your table saw can give you the same versatility at a fraction of the space.

Step 8: Drill Press Drum Sander

The drill press doesn't only need to be used for making holes. That same machine can function as a simple drum sander to help out with those tight interior curves. Check out this Drill Press Drum Sander by mikeasaurus to turn any drill press into a sander.

Step 9: Table Saw Jointer

If you don't have a jointer but like working with rough sawn lumber, you can make a simple sled to get straight line cuts every time. This instructable will take you through the steps to make a simple sled that will save you space and be built in no time.

Step 10: Use Bolt As a Tap

Every now and then a threaded hole is just the thing to finish that project. Don't have a tap? No problem. You can make a simple tap from a bolt by following this instructable.

Step 11: Router Planer

No room for a planer or need something bigger than 12 inches wide? Your router can easily be used to flatten rough or warped stock. Mikeasaurus wrote a simple instructable on how to use your Router as a Planer.

Step 12: Homemade Lathe for Drill Press

When looking at a drill press, functionally it operates the same as a lathe. If you have a small last minute project to turn, look no further than your drill press. Homemade Lathe for Drill Press written by Mikhandmaker. is a great space and money saver.

Step 13: Cut Circles on a Table Saw

When we think of table saws, we think of the central shop tool used to cut straight parallel lines. Counterintuitively this same tool can make easy work of circles. Take a look at How to Cut Perfect Circles with a Table Saw by KurtH3 for a quick and easy jig for cutting circles on the table saw.

Step 14: Leg Tip Rubber Mallet

Need a rubber mallet but don't have time to go to the store? No worries, you can use a spare table leg tip to prevent dents in your work. Leave it on a spare hammer for more concentrated force than a standard rubber mallet.

Step 15: Use Nails As Painters Tripod

Almost every project requires a finish. Painters tripods are helpful, but you can use simple nails or screws to achieve the same effect. Larger head nails or screws (such as roofing nails will elevate your work the most.

Step 16: Extra Torque Screwdriver

Have a stubborn screw that just won't budge? Most screwdrivers feature a hex or square shaped shank for added torque. Use a box end or crescent wrench to keep from stripping those stuck screws.

Step 17: Threaded Inserts - Drill Press

The best way to insert threaded inserts into wood is not by following the directions on the packaging. If you have a drill press available, this process will give you guaranteed straight inserts every time.

Use a threaded rod or bolt with the head cut off that has the same threads as your insert. Attach your insert to the threaded rod and lock it in place with a nut. After you drill the pilot hole for your threaded insert, chuck it in your drill press. Apply light pressure on the drill press while rotating the chuck by hand. The exterior threads of the insert will grab hold in your wood. Continue to rotate until the insert is flush with the wood surface. Loosen the nut and rotate the chuck until the threaded rod is removed.

Step 18: Simple PVC Pipe Clamps

These simple clamps can save you in a pinch. If you don't have any spring clamps or are running short, you can take almost any larger size PVC pipe you have lying around to make clamps. Simply cut 1/2 to 1 inch rings off the end of the pipe and cut a slit in the ring. Use as many as needed to apply adequate pressure to your project.

Step 19: Remove Dent in Wood With Clothing Iron

Missing a nail while assembling your project doesn't need to spell disaster. Simply apply a few drops of water on the dent and apply a damp cloth to the surface. Apply medium heat using a standard home iron for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple minutes. If the dent is still visible, repeat the process over again. Lightly sand the surface to your desired finish.

Step 20: Cut Spiral on Table Saw

Cutting or carving a spiral is helpful for many projects. From a marble machine to crating flutes for gluing dowels, you can easily cut these complex shapes on your table saw by following Spiral Cut a Wooden Dowel Using a Table Saw by bradk3. This project will further expand the functions of your table saw.