Independent reviews, comparisons, and buying guides for cutting accessories and workshop add-ons used in American home shops.

The Bench Review

Woodworking Supplies: Inside the Historic Highland Store

Woodworking supplies answer old Highland store questions with 1978 origins, 2006 renaming, and buying guidance as of 2026.

What woodworking supplies did the Highland store carry?

Woodworking supplies at the Highland store spanned 6 groups from hand tools to workshop gear, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. The shop opened in 1978 as Highland Hardware in midtown Atlanta, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. It became Highland Woodworking in 2006 to reflect exclusive woodworking focus, according to Highland Woodworking Wood News in August 2006. The website and catalog currently account for 80 percent of sales, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Shoppers see the same broad grouping today.

Group Examples
Hand tools Chisels, hand planes, saws, carving tools, marking tools
Power tools Bandsaws, routers, sanders, jointers, dust extractors
Blades and bits Bandsaw blades, router bits, saw blades, drill bits
Finishing Spray finishing goods, veneer goods, wood finishing goods
Workshop Adhesives, clamps, dust collection, safety gear, sharpening tools, workbenches
Learn Books, plans, video lessons, classes, project guides

The workshop assortment centers on reorder goods, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Buyers comparing woodworking supplies find adhesives, clamps, dust collection and sharpening tools beside safety gear and bench hardware.

Why did woodworking supplies seller Highland Hardware change names?

Highland Hardware became Highland Woodworking in 2006 to reflect exclusive woodworking focus, according to Highland Woodworking Wood News in August 2006. Founders Chris and Sharon Bagby had worked for King Hardware before opening on North Highland Avenue, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12.

The early catalog was a 48-page book mailed to about 5000 customers in 1981, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. The shop first rented 2200 square feet on North Highland Avenue, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12.

The shop renovated a building across the street in 1984, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. It added 8000 square feet with classroom space in 1995, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Online selling began in 1996, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Dedicated woodworking tools pages now carry that specialty mix.

How to choose woodworking supplies for a small shop?

Woodworking supplies for a small shop start with measuring, cutting, joinery and finishing groups, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Buy layout and holding goods before large machines. Our how we test method favors plain bench checks over label claims.

Match glue, clamp capacity and blade type to the timber used, according to Highland Woodworking, accessed 2026-11-12. Dust collection, eye protection and sharpening goods keep tools cutting. Bench hardware and storage decide how a garage setup runs.

Woodworking Supplies FAQ

What woodworking supplies did the Highland store sell?

Woodworking supplies at the Highland store covered hand tools, power tools, blades, finishing materials and workshop gear for furniture work. The groups suit cabinetmakers, turners and basement-shop woodworkers buying for general furniture projects.

Why did woodworking supplies seller Highland Hardware change its name?

Highland Hardware became Highland Woodworking in 2006 to match its exclusive woodworking focus, according to Highland Woodworking Wood News in August 2006. The old hardware lines were dropped and classes, catalogs and online sales centered on woodworking tools.

How should beginners buy woodworking supplies for a small shop?

Woodworking supplies for a small shop should start with marking, cutting, joinery, dust control and finishing goods. Buyers can compare adhesives, clamps, blades and sharpening gear first, then add benches and safety gear as project volume grows.