5 Must-Have Bench Tools for Small Theater Shops

5 Must-Have Bench Tools for Small Theater Shops

Every shop is different, and every shop has different tools available. Some theaters don’t even have shops, they just build right on stage. Here are the basics that I’ve used for years. You may have more, you may have less. More doesn’t always mean better. The key is using what you have well.

I once worked for a theater whose entire tool inventory fit into two milk crates. We had a jig saw, a circular saw, two drills, and a set of home tools like you’d keep under the kitchen sink. They operated for over 20 years that way and were perfectly happy. So, don’t stress if your shop isn’t fully stocked. Start with these five power tools, and you’ll cover 80% of your needs.

Panel Saw: The Safest Saw for Beginners

If you’ve never used or heard of a panel saw, I highly recommend looking into one. The nice thing about them is it’s damn near impossible to hurt yourself on a panel saw. As long as it’s properly set up, a panel saw has a skinny footprint in your shop, can do rip and cross cuts on anything from lauan to ¾ plywood, and is used in such a way that your fingers never come anywhere near the very well-protected blade.

Refer to the product information for setup instructions, as all brands have slight variants. Even if your saw is used, you can find information and instructions online from the manufacturers.

It’s safer for inexperienced crews, and it saves space, and makes straight cuts every time.

Miter Saw: For Every Angle

Specifically, a compound cross cut miter saw. This allows you to cut almost every conceivable compound angle you will need. If possible, spring for a saw that will do 15” deep cuts. Angles can get surprisingly long and the extra few inches will make your life easier. Made for cutting linear lumber, the guard is automatic, so it retracts as you cut, and the angle finders help students line cuts up correctly without struggling with a protractor every time. Even better if it has a light above the blade.

Table Saw: Versatile but Demanding

Not all the shops I’ve worked in have a panel saw, but most have table saws. A table saw is just that, a circular blade set into a tabletop. The blade adjusts up and down so you can cut a variety of thicknesses safely and with ease. They also adjust to a 45-degree angle, so you can cut kerfs and edges.

If your school or theater is a small operation that does only one or two productions a year, you’d probably do just fine with a home hobby saw. If you run a constant shop or want your program to go in that direction, spend the money and get a heavy-duty table saw.

We actually opted for using only the panel saw in our shop, strictly for space reasons. It is, in my opinion, a safer saw for inexperienced crews.

Drill Press: Precision Without the Hassle

A drill press is very handy, especially if you take the time to make jigs. A jig is a simple pattern that allows you to replicate a cut, hole pattern, or shape easily and quickly without having to re-measure every time. Jigs save time and reduce errors—perfect for student crews. Bolt holes in platform legs are full justification for having a drill press in your shop.

Drilling straight holes for bolts is extremely important if you are building stock scenery. It ensured that each piece can be used interchangeably. Your drill press will make that so much easier.

Band Saw: The Prop Builder’s Best Friend

We use our band saw mostly for prop work. We cut everything from 1/8” hardboard to 2” pink foam. You can do just about everything a band saw would do with a jig saw, but the band saw is faster, more precise, and safer for repetitive cuts. Also easier on the hands. It allows the operator greater control than a jig saw when cutting curves and intricate shapes.

Final Thought: You Don’t Need Everything

If you’re a small operation looking at this list thinking, “I can’t possibly afford all of that!” relax. Start with what you have. Look at secondhand tools, but do check them thoroughly or take them to a professional to have them inspected. Donations, Goodwill, Craigslist, and ReStore are all great places to start with very small outlays of cash.

Question for You:
What’s the one bench tool you couldn’t live without? Visit Backstage AIC's Facebook page and share your thoughts.