When most folks think of woodworking tools, the big names come to mind — DeWALT, Milwaukee, Festool, Makita. And don’t get me wrong, those companies make solid tools. But some of the most game-changing upgradesfor your shop aren’t coming from the big brands at all. They’re being built by small makers in their garages, basements, and workshops — people just like you and me.

In this post, I’m sharing some of the most genius woodworking tools and shop upgrades you’ve probably never heard of, but once you see them, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them.

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Watch The Full Youtube Video Here: This Tiny Upgrade FIXES a HUGE Woodworking Problem!

Why Small Maker Tools Matter

These tools aren’t mass-produced in giant factories. They’re built by people who saw a problem in their own shop and decided to solve it. That means:

Smarter designs built by woodworkers for woodworkers
Unique solutions you won’t find in big box stores
Support for small businesses chasing their dreams

Now, let’s dive into the ones that really stood out.

1. Inspire Woodcraft Miter Saw Dust Collection Upgrade

One of the biggest headaches in any woodworking shop is miter saw dust collection. Even high-end saws like the Festool Kapex or DeWALT DWS779 can leave you breathing in dust or sweeping piles off the floor.

That’s where this miter saw dust collection upgrade from Inspire Woodcraft comes in. It replaces your throat plate with a channel system that pulls dust directly from the blade into a hose port.

✅ Fits most miter saws (I tested it on both Festool and DeWALT)
✅ Easy to install with model-specific instructions
✅ Works alongside your saw’s existing dust port for double collection power
✅ Huge improvement over stock setups

👉 Check out Inspire Woodcraft’s Miter Saw Dust Collection System

Pro Tip: Dust collection will never be 100% perfect on a miter saw, but the more you catch, the less cleanup and the less you breathe in. That’s a win for your lungs and your shop.

2. G Sharp Chisel Sharpening Jig

If you’re a beginner, one of the most intimidating things is learning how to sharpen chisels. A dull chisel is dangerous, but sharpening by hand can feel impossible.

The G Sharp sharpening jig makes it almost foolproof.

✅ Comes with diamond stones that will last for decades
✅ Adjustable angles (30° is standard for most chisels)
✅ Gets your chisels razor sharp in minutes
✅ So easy you’ll actually keep your tools sharp

👉 Get the G Sharp Chisel Sharpening Jig

3. Narex Chisel Sets

Speaking of chisels — if you’re just getting started, you can’t go wrong with Narex chisels. They’re budget-friendly, hold a great edge, and paired with the G Sharp, you’ll be carving clean mortises and dovetails in no time.

👉 Shop Narex Chisel Sets

4. Sander Mount from A Glimpse Inside

Chris from A Glimpse Inside built a simple but brilliant contraption: a mount that turns your handheld palm sander into a bench-top disc sander.

✅ Works with multiple sander brands
✅ Lets you sand square edges without rounding over
✅ Affordable and shop-friendly

👉 Get the Sander Mount

5. Temple Tools Hand Saws

These saws are handmade by the folks behind Third Coast Craftsman on YouTube. They’re high-quality Japanese-style saws designed in the USA and crafted in Japan.

Flush Trim Saw – flexible blade trims dowels in a couple of swipes
Dovetail and Crosscut Saws – sharp, precise, and durable

👉 Browse Temple Tools Hand Saws

6. Xact 90 Sanding Jig from McFarland Customs

Need perfect 90° sanding? This jig attaches to your sander and keeps your workpiece square while sanding. No more accidental rounding over.

👉 Check Out the Xact 90

7. Mini Router Table by BLD Bills

For small projects or tight shops, this mini router table is a lifesaver. It works with most trim routers and gives you a portable, solid surface for edge profiles and roundovers.

👉 Shop the Mini Router Table

8. BossDog Wood Glue

Made by Nick’s Custom Woodworking, BossDog Glue started in a garage. Today it’s one of my go-to adhesives.

✅ Available in clear-dry, tinted, and CA glues
✅ Strong, reliable bond for woodworking projects
✅ Bottled and labeled by hand — support a maker chasing his dream

👉 Grab BossDog Glue at Faith Valley Tools

9. Outlaw’s Board Butter

This one’s close to home — we make it right here at 731 Woodworks. Outlaw’s Board Butter is a food-safe, all-natural finish perfect for:

Cutting boards
Charcuterie trays
Wooden utensils
Even shop furniture

👉 Get Outlaw’s Board Butter

10. T Fence MicroMag Adjuster from Canyon Fire Tools

Here’s one of my favorites because it solves a problem every table saw owner knows: micro-adjusting your fence.

Instead of bumping your fence back and forth trying to get it just right, the T Fence MicroMag Adjuster lets you dial in precision adjustments with ease.

✅ Works on T-style fences and even aluminum fences with included adapters
✅ Uses a heavy-duty MagJig magnet to lock in place
✅ Lets you fine-tune cuts to the exact thousandth

👉 Check Out the T Fence MicroMag Adjuster

This little tool feels like something straight out of a high-end Harvey fence system, but built for the rest of us. Absolutely genius.

Final Thoughts

Big brands may dominate the tool aisles, but some of the best upgrades for your woodworking shop are coming from small makers with big ideas. Whether it’s dust collection, sharpening, gluing, or dialing in precision, these tools prove that innovation doesn’t always come from a factory — sometimes it comes from a garage.

If you’re serious about safe woodworking and building your skills, I highly recommend trying out some of these tools. Not only will they improve your shop, but you’ll also be supporting other makers chasing their dreams.

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