Father's Day Gift Buying

It's that time of the year, Mother's Day has come & gone and now we are starting to think about the father figures in our lives. Fathers are awesome in their own way. They teach us a unique set of skills that mothers usually don't (unless they absolutely have too). I can remember working with my dad growing up building deer blinds, deer feeders, sheds, fences, and so much more. I loved going to visit my Pampaw out in his massive woodworking shop. I remember really enjoying  the smell of his wood shop. 

So for this Father's Day (yes it is coming up rather quickly, June 18th) I decided I would do a gift buying guide of 10 things I believe most fathers would enjoy.

With the summer approaching very soon I will start looking for things to do indoors during the heat of the day (No I don't have AC in the shop). I love Lego and it helps me with the creative funk when I can't get motived to get out and build something. Plus, who doesn't love a little superhero action!

You have too many clamps said no woodworker. These Bessey F Style clamps are 1 of my 2 most used clamps. I reach for them all the time. Granted I have numerous of a variety of sizes, but I think the 24" is one of the most versatile clamps sizes. It is large enough for most medium size projects but it isn't so big and heavy that you can't use it on smaller projects as well. And at that price you can afford to buy him several.

A small circular saw is just what the dr. ordered. No really, it is . Using a small circular saw and a piece of rigid foam insulation to knock down large sheets of plywood on the ground is generally safer than trying to muscle it up to the table saw. It can prevent kickback, missed cuts, and heck it will even save your back as well. I would prefer an 18v circular saw with a 6"-7 ¼" blade. But this little thing is super powerful and I would love one in my arsenal.

I have used several blades on my table saw. Most of those were cheap "disposable" blades. After several years of buying blades after blades I decided to invest in a good blade that I would resharpen every 6 months - 1 year. I bought a Freud General Purpose blade and it is great but I wanted a blade that has a flat tooth on it for when I do non-thru cuts. My good friend Todd Clippinger from American Craftsman Workshop suggested I try out this CMT blade. The quality of the carbide is so strong that it will last a long time.

Yes I know another clamp, but wait... This clamp from Microjig is so versatile. With it's unique dovetail clamp arm it makes it a breeze to use this in so many shop jigs and clamp tables. I personally want about 8 of these (4 sets) to pair with my modified Ron Paulk outfeed table I am designing. Because I can use it in the dog holes or create a few dovetail tracks that run down the sides that I can use it on.

Bench Cookies (Mmmm cookies, s'more cookies) is probably one of the coolest accessories I have wanted for my shop for the longest time and have yet to ever get them. You can buy them as just the cookies or you can buy the kit that comes with riser blocks, finishing pyramids, & t-track connectors. You can use these to elevate your work for routing operations, sanding tasks, or even finishing tasks.

Because some people feel like I have mild forms of OCD (Yes Babe I am talking about you), I like to have the look of my shop some what consistent. I could build all the stands I need for my tools, but why do that when Kreg has awesome bench legs and rails. They would match my router table perfectly. This is probably my favorite item and most wanted item on this list. Those fathers in your life could use this for almost anything.

I have used a Black & Decker Workmate for years (my grandfather handed it down to me when he passed away). It is supers solid and in fact has been my lathe stand for the last couple years. Mine is probably about 20-25 years old. I cannot voice to the stability and sturdiness of the newer models but I can say that Kreg has made their own version that I hope to own someday soon. It is solid and has just as many or more options than my workmate does. I can see it getting a lot of use in many shops or job sites (even if that job site is just inside the house doing those honey-do tasks).

Plus, as of writing this, Kreg offers a 20% Military discount with FREE SHIPPING if you buy via phone through Kreg.

When it comes to cutting down sheet goods I would love to have a Festool Track Saw (wink wink babe), but reality is there are super expensive. I needed a cheaper alternative and Kreg had just that. This connects to your exsisting circular saw, so that one I recommended earlier would work perfect. I bought the Kreg Rip Cut couple years ago and have used it multiple times. The only down fall to this is the cut capacity. It only has a 24" cut capacity and I would like to see it have a 48" cut capacity so I can cut the plywood in half length ways. They are coming out with another version that will act more like a track and it would have made this list if it was already out.

Every father needs a new shirt (because you likely spilled BBQ on it, yes you dad). You could support the podcast and have a super comfy shirt at the same time. Heck, while you are at it why don't buy a couple and sport one for yourself while you are at it. These shirts are printed from an awesome company, Jupmode, they are a 50/50 blend that doesn't shrink and breathes really well.

I hope all of those special father figures in your life have a wonderful day. And just remember no gift is better than just spending time with him but if you just have to purchase something then anything on this list is a must have.

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