10 Essential Woodworking Workbench Accessories

10 Workbench Accessories Every Woodworker Should Consider

A good woodworking workbench is more than just a sturdy surface. With the right accessories, it can become a versatile workspace for cutting, sanding, assembly, measuring, and a wide range of other projects.

Whether you're setting up your first workshop or improving a workbench you've used for years, choosing practical accessories can help you get more out of your existing space.

You don't need every tool or accessory available. Start with the items that solve the most common problems in your shop and build your setup around the projects you enjoy.

Here are 10 woodworking workbench accessories worth considering.

1. Bench Dogs

Bench dogs are among the most useful accessories for a workbench with dog holes. They provide adjustable contact points that help hold workpieces in place during different woodworking operations.

When used with a compatible vise or clamping system, bench dogs can help secure boards for planing, sanding, cutting, and assembly.

If your workbench has dog holes, a set of compatible bench dogs can make your setup more versatile and give you additional workholding options.

2. Bench Dog Hole Plugs

Bench dogs are useful when you need them, but what about all the holes you're not using?

Unused dog holes can collect sawdust, wood chips, and small hardware. They can also interrupt your work surface when you're assembling projects or using your bench for general tasks.

Magnetic stainless steel bench dog plugs are a simple way to cover those openings.

Wilbur’s Finest 3/4-inch Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs are made from solid 416 stainless steel and CNC-machined in our Indiana shop. Their precision-machined design allows them to sit flush with your workbench, helping create a smoother surface when the holes aren't being used.

The solid steel construction also makes them easy to retrieve with a common shop magnet.

If your workbench uses compatible 3/4-inch dog holes, these plugs are a practical way to help keep your bench clean, protect unused openings from debris, and make your workspace easier to maintain.

3. Workbench Clamps

Clamps are essential for holding materials securely while you work. From gluing boards together to securing pieces during assembly, having the right clamps available can make many woodworking tasks easier.

Depending on your projects, you may want a selection of F-style clamps, quick-grip clamps, parallel clamps, or clamps designed specifically for your workbench.

Choose clamps that accommodate the sizes of materials you work with most often and are compatible with your workholding setup.

4. A Workbench Vise

A workbench vise provides a stable way to hold materials while you work. It's especially useful for hand-planing, carving, sanding, and other tasks that require the workpiece to remain secure.

There are several types of woodworking vises, including front vises, end vises, and tail vises. The right option depends on your workbench design and the kind of work you regularly do.

If you're building a new bench, consider how a vise will work alongside your dog holes and other accessories.

5. Magnetic Tool Holders

Keeping frequently used tools within reach can make your workspace more efficient.

Magnetic tool holders are useful for organizing compatible metal tools such as screwdrivers, small wrenches, and certain other hand tools. Mounting them on a nearby wall or suitable storage surface can free up valuable bench space.

They can also help you see which tools are available and quickly return them to their designated places after a project.

6. Measuring and Layout Tools

Accurate measurements are important in almost every woodworking project.

A combination square, steel ruler, measuring tape, marking gauge, and reliable pencils are useful tools to keep nearby.

Having a dedicated place for these tools can help prevent them from getting buried under materials or misplaced during a project.

For woodworkers who frequently work on detailed projects, keeping layout tools accessible can save time and make it easier to work consistently.

7. Workbench Storage Trays

Small hardware can quickly create clutter on a workbench. Screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and other components are easy to misplace when they're spread across your workspace.

Storage trays and small parts organizers give these items a designated place.

Choose organizers that are easy to move around if you regularly switch between projects. Some woodworkers prefer removable trays that can be brought directly to the work area and stored away when the job is finished.

8. A Shop Vacuum and Cleaning Brushes

Sawdust and wood chips are an unavoidable part of woodworking. A shop vacuum and a few suitable cleaning brushes can help you keep your workbench and surrounding area clean.

Regular cleanup also makes it easier to prepare the work surface for assembly, finishing, and other tasks where dust can become a problem.

Pay attention to areas where debris can accumulate, including corners, seams, and unused dog holes.

9. Bench Hooks and Cutting Boards

Bench hooks and sacrificial cutting boards can provide additional support for certain hand-tool and cutting operations.

A bench hook helps position a workpiece while sawing by hand, while a sacrificial board can protect your main workbench surface during suitable cutting tasks.

These accessories can be especially helpful for smaller projects, detailed work, and situations where you want to avoid damaging the primary bench surface.

Always choose a setup that securely supports the material and is appropriate for the cutting operation.

10. A Reliable Workbench Light

Good lighting is often overlooked when setting up a woodworking workbench.

An adjustable task light can help illuminate detailed work, make measurements easier to read, and reduce shadows across your work surface.

Consider the type of projects you complete and whether your current workshop lighting is sufficient for close-up tasks.

A well-positioned light can make your workspace more comfortable and give you better visibility throughout the day.

Build a Workbench That Fits Your Workflow

The best workbench setup is one that supports the way you actually work. You may need more workholding accessories for furniture building, additional storage for small projects, or better lighting for detailed tasks.

Start with the basics and add accessories as you discover what your workshop is missing.

If your workbench has 3/4-inch dog holes, don't overlook the benefit of keeping unused openings covered. Wilbur’s Finest Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs offer a simple way to help prevent debris from collecting in those holes while maintaining a flush work surface.

Made from domestic steel and CNC-machined in our Indiana shop, they're a practical addition to a woodworking workbench built for everyday use.

Upgrade Your Workbench With Wilbur’s Finest!