Shine Light Precisely Where You Want It

Even in a shop with plenty of bright ceiling lights, there are always a few places where you can use a light targeted on a small area. In my shop, which has great lighting, those areas are the bandsaw and drill press. Shadows make it hard to see the bandsaw blade and cut line, and to align bits with layout marks on the drill press.

Thankfully, Lee Valley sells an LED worklight with a magnetic base and a flexible gooseneck. The rareearth magnet in the base (there’s one in the included mounting bracket, too) is very strong. The base simply doesn’t move after you’ve mounted it to a ferromagnetic surface like a bandsaw’s metal housing.

The LED light is bright, and can be adjusted for a wider or narrower beam. The long, flexible neck stays put no matter how you position it. Both these attributes make it very easy to put light exactly where you need it.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon