Workshop Gifts

This article is from issue 116 of Woodcraft Magazine.

Tool bundles for the adventurous woodworker

To ring in the new year, we’ve rounded up four sets of tools, books, and inspiration to get you, or a loved one, started in a new discipline. Simon Easton’s Learn to Burn, will teach you pyrography fundamentals. Or get out into nature with Emmet Van Driesche’s beautiful Greenwood Spoon Carving. For the epoxy-curious, Jess Crow’s new book, Epoxy Resin, provides straight-forward instruction and fun, introductory projects. And if you’re enamored with airbrushing, but have no idea where to start, Airbrushing 101 by Maryellen Vettori and Bob Keeling demystifies this versatile tool. For each niche, we’ve gathered some starter tools for you, plus an artist to follow on social media for inspiration.

Pyrography

Learn to embellish wood surfaces with hot irons and fire! We have two tool-package options for you here: The economical Wall Lenk 10-in-1 Tool Kit will get you started, but the variable-temperature Razertip gear, when purchased together, will take you farther in the long run.

Greenwood Spoon Carving

To start carving spoons this winter, all you’ll need is a tree, a saw, a hatchet, and a couple of knives. With the right techniques, handholds, and safety practices (described in Greenwood Spoon Carving) you’ll soon be creating beautiful utensils of your own.

Epoxy Resin

We’ve listed a handful of essentials to get you started with epoxy resin, and you’ll also need mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves, and other shop staples listed in Epoxy Resin. Don’t miss our safety section here or Crow’s safety chapters in her book. Then start pouring magic projects!

Safety Gear

Protect your lungs, skin, and brain! When working with epoxy resin or airbrushing paints, you’ll need a good vapor mask like this one, plus goggles and an apron. Be sure to read each book’s safety sections for more safety basics, like wearing gloves and covering your skin.

Elipse
Respirator OV/P100
$59.99, #164241

Texas Canvas Wares
16 oz Waxed Canvas Apron
$44.99, #181310

Pyramex
Capstone 500 Safety Goggle
$20.99, #174677 (Med/Lg)

Airbrushing

For illustrative surface decoration, small-scale spray finishing or finish repair, this Grex airbrush might be your new best friend in the woodshop. You’ll need a compressor with a pressure regulator to power the tool, and the instructions in Airbrushing 101 to get you started.