5 Easy-to-Build Workbench Upgrades for Your Shop
A sturdy workbench is one of the most important tools in any woodworking shop. But even a well-designed bench can benefit from a few simple accessories.
These five DIY workbench upgrades make everyday woodworking tasks easier, from supporting long boards and improving task lighting to protecting your benchtop during messy glue-ups.
Best of all, each accessory is easy to build or install using basic materials and hardware. You don't need to replace your workbench to make it more useful.
1. Adjustable Bench Jack for Supporting Long Boards
When you clamp a long board vertically in a bench vise, the unsupported end can sag or shift as you work. A bench jack solves this problem by providing an adjustable support at the opposite end.
This shop-made bench jack accommodates boards and panels up to three feet wide. Its movable workpiece rest slides up or down to match the width of the board, keeping the workpiece level while you plane, sand, or work along its edge.
It's particularly useful when working with long furniture parts or wide panels that extend beyond your bench vise.
2. Removable Workbench Task Light
Good lighting makes a difference when laying out joinery, checking surfaces, and working on detailed projects.
Instead of permanently mounting a lamp to your bench, this simple accessory uses an existing bench dog hole.
A small mounting block holds the stem of an adjustable task lamp. A dowel glued into the bottom of the block fits into a dog hole, allowing you to position the light wherever it's needed.
The lamp can be moved to another hole or removed entirely when you need more room on the benchtop.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Workshop Lighting Ideas for Better Woodworking
3. Adjustable Bench Stop for Planing and Sanding
Holding a board steady while planing or sanding doesn't always require a bench vise.
This clever workbench stop uses a stepped-slot design that allows you to position the stop with one hand.
The stop provides a firm surface for the end of a workpiece to bear against, helping keep boards from sliding across the benchtop.
It's a convenient accessory for quick planing and sanding tasks, especially when you're working with several pieces and don't want to repeatedly tighten and loosen a vise.
4. Under-Bench Paper Holder for Glue-Ups and Finishing
Glue-ups and finishing projects can leave drips, spills, and stains on your workbench. A simple roll of kraft paper provides an inexpensive way to protect the surface.
This under-bench paper holder uses two large utility hooks and a few dowels to support a roll of paper beneath the benchtop.
The paper rolls freely, so you can pull out enough to cover your work area before starting a messy task.
When you're finished, simply remove the used paper and pull out a fresh section for the next project.
It's an easy workbench upgrade that keeps protective paper close at hand without taking up valuable storage space.
5. Bench Hook for Accurate Hand-Saw Cuts
A bench hook is one of the simplest and most useful hand-tool accessories you can make.
This shop-made version features a pair of cleats that allow it to hook over the edge of your workbench.
The upper cleat acts as a stop for the workpiece, while the lower cleat keeps the bench hook from sliding as you saw.
It provides a convenient support for crosscutting small boards, trimming parts to length, and cleaning up tenon shoulders with a hand saw.
Because the workpiece rests on the bench hook rather than directly on the benchtop, the accessory also helps protect your work surface from accidental saw cuts.
RELATED ARTICLE: DIY Bench Hooks for Sawing, Drilling & Routing
Make Your Woodworking Bench Work Harder
You don't need an elaborate workbench to enjoy accurate, efficient woodworking. Often, a few thoughtfully designed accessories can make just as much difference.
An adjustable bench jack supports long stock, a removable task light improves visibility, and a bench stop and bench hook simplify hand-tool work. Add an under-bench paper holder, and you'll also spend less time cleaning up after glue-ups and finishing.
These five shop-made workbench accessories are practical upgrades that can help you get more from the bench you already own.
Workbench Plans
Ready to upgrade your workbench or build a new one from scratch? Explore our collection of step-by-step woodworking plans, featuring everything from heirloom-quality traditional workbenches to simple DIY designs you can build in a weekend.
EXPLORE WORKBENCH PLANS → Build the Perfect Workbench for Your Shop
You'll also find clever workbench storage solutions to help organize your tools, maximize workspace, and make your shop more efficient.
