9 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed on Your CNC Workbench

Every shop, whether you’re a veteran machinist or a newbie to CNC, should have some basic tools – from wrenches and a socket set to proper tool holders and vises. But, there are several tools and utensils that you never knew you needed on your workbench. Some are more obvious than others, but here are nine tools every CNC workbench should contain.

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Silly Putty

Surprisingly, Silly Putty is one of the most underrated tools that should be on your workbench. If you’re doing any sort of engraving or small precision work, Silly Putty allows you to check and double check your depths and finishes. Also because it is so adaptable, this putty can even be used as additional workholding when working with clamps or vises. As any old-school toolmaker, they’ll swear by this stuff.

CNC workbench tools paint marker

Paint Pen

Marking metal can be a tricky process. Metal doesn’t absorb ink well, and permanent marker and coolant don’t get along well. While marks from a paint marker won’t last forever, they will outlast (and remain legible) much longer than your standard permanent pen.

CNC workbench tools abrasive scotch brite

Scotch Brite

Few words are more synonymous with finishing that Scotch Brite. This material (often sold in wheels) will help you get your finished work looking like it is finished or help knock fine debris from saw-cut parts and rough edges.

CNC workbench tools 123 block

1-2-3 Blocks

These blocks can be used for everything from taking quick measurements to workholding. 1-2-3 blocks are solid and uniform, which makes them great for on-the-fly adaptations to your work, and they are fairly inexpensive, which makes them expendable for testing and measuring in tricky situations.

CNC workbench tools mirror

Mirror on a Stick

Machines and equipment are big and hard to move. You’re going to lose stuff behind them and in them. A mirror on a stick is incredibly valuable to help you find your lost items. What is arguably more important, you can use a mirror on a stick to check out odd spots of parts, like the finish or alignment on the backside of a vise or check out featuring on the far side of your lathe spindle.

CNC workbench tools brass shims

Brass/Aluminum Shim Stock

Much like woodworkers use shop rags to soften the impact of vises on wood, brass or aluminum shims can help soften the grip of vise jaws on materials that you don’t want to mar. Wedge these guys between your finished part and an abrasive vise to keep things held tight without destroying a beautiful part.

CNC workbench tools whirly gig

Whirly Gig – Deburring Tools

Deburring tools are essential in any shop, and a whirly gig is fantastic at helping to clear burrs and chips out of holes and threaded surfaces.

CNC workbench tools dead blow hammer

Dead Blow – Non-Marring Hammer

Those orange hammers are a priceless commodity in your toolbox. Whether you’re trying to seat your workpiece in a vise or trying to get stuck components free, a non-marring hammer will do the job without destroying the finish.

CNC workbench tools machinist stone

Machinist Stone

A machinist stone can be used for deburring and knocking off sharp edges. Often used on the table of your machine, these stones can make quick work of a rough surface.