A power strip that slides around the bench can be frustrating, and clamping an angled workpiece to a flat surface isn't always straightforward. Fortunately, both problems have simple solutions using items you may already have.
In this collection of Woodsmith Quick Tips, two readers share ideas for keeping power accessible at the bench and applying clamping pressure to an angled glue joint.
1. Make a Removable Workbench Power Station
Having electrical outlets close to your work is convenient, especially when you're using portable power tools. But a loose power strip can get knocked around or slide off the bench.
Willie Elizardo of Zeeland, Michigan, found a clever solution while putting up his Christmas lights.
He had an outdoor power bank with a ground stake that happened to fit the dog holes in his workbench. By inserting the stake into a dog hole, Willie could keep the outlet in one spot instead of having it move around the bench.
The setup is removable, too. He can relocate the power bank to another dog hole or put it away when he needs the bench space.
Woodsmith Tip: Make sure the stake fits securely without damaging the bench. Keep the outlet and cord clear of cutting tools, clamps, and areas where glue or other liquids could spill. Use the power bank only as permitted by its manufacturer, and don't exceed its electrical rating.
Shop tip submitted by Willie Elizardo, Zeeland, Michigan.
2. Use an Angled Cutoff as a Custom Clamping Block
Gluing an angled part to a flat surface presents a clamping challenge. A conventional clamp works best when its jaws bear against parallel surfaces, but an angled workpiece doesn't provide that kind of contact.
Bill Wells of Olympia, Washington, uses the angled cutoff from the workpiece to solve the problem.
He places the cutoff against the angled part, using double-sided tape between the pieces to keep the cutoff in position. The cutoff provides a surface for the bar clamp to bear against, allowing him to apply pressure to the glue joint without adding screws or other fasteners.
Because the cutoff matches the angle of the workpiece, it makes a convenient custom clamping block.
Woodsmith Tip: Check that the cutoff is oriented to provide stable clamping pressure across the glue joint. Keep the double-sided tape away from the glue surface, and use only enough clamping force to hold the parts securely without shifting them.
Shop tip submitted by Bill Wells, Olympia, Washington.
Simple Solutions for a More Useful Workbench
These two reader-submitted tips show how everyday accessories can solve specific shop problems. An outdoor power bank becomes a removable bench-mounted outlet, while an angled cutoff provides a custom clamping surface for an otherwise awkward glue-up.
Both ideas are easy to adapt to your own workbench and projects.
