A woodworker is only as good as his tools. In a world with enough woodworking tools to fill entire big-box stores, it’s important to know what you should buy (and what to avoid) so you can produce the best pieces possible and save money. Our tool reviews are different. Rather than use pseudo-science, we use the tools in the shop (we’re all experienced woodworkers), and report back how they perform. So whether you are in the market for a new set of chisels or a powerful table saw, we’ve got the best tools covered.
Tool: 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless Barrel Grip Jig Saw (PSBJS01B) Buy Now Manufacturer: Ryobi MSRP: $139 A jigsaw is a great tool for all sorts of quick cuts in the shop. With that in mind, [...]
Tool:Mini-LIGNO DX/C Shop Now Manufacturer: Lignomat MSRP: $199 (standard meter without add-ons) One of the hardest things for me to explain as a woodworking instructor is the importance of [...]
Routers — love them or hate them, there are an overwhelming amount of options available. Here’s the breakdown on how this midsized lot performs. A router is a fundamental woodworking tool [...]
Tool:18V Brushless Planer GH018V-26N Shop Now Manufacturer: Bosch MSRP: $229 (Bare Tool) Every once in a while I’m fortunate to be struck by serendipitous situations in this job. After [...]
Tool:No 1 Penetrating Oil Shop Now Manufacturer: Glancy’s Alchemy MSRP: $15 (8oz) I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The thing I love most about woodworking is the community [...]
Tool: 15-Amp 10-In. Job site Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand GTS15-10Shop Now Manufacturer: Bosch MSRP: $649 While many woodworkers dream of the largest cabinet saw they can get their [...]
Tool: Stainless Steel Precision Rulers Shop Now Manufacturer: JessEm MSRP: $24.99+ The Canadian company JessEm, known for their high-quality router lifts, recently released a new line of [...]
Tool:M18 FUEL 61/2″ Circular Saw 2833-20 Shop Now Manufacturer: Milwaukee MSRP: $229 (Bare Tool) Milwaukee recently announced their next generation of tools and batteries at their [...]
Tool:Rip Resistant GlovesShop Now Manufacturer: Venom Steel MSRP: $14.99 Just like a good pair of socks, a good set of disposable gloves is a luxury that I will not go without. My problem [...]
Tool: Magnetic Straightedge Shop Now Manufacturer: Lee Valley MSRP: $7.50 Don’t have a drafting table? Can’t draw freehand to save your life? Here’s a tool from Lee Valley that lets you [...]
Tool: Flat Sole Spokeshave Shop Now and Round Sole Spokeshave Shop Now Manufacturer: Melbourne Tool Company MSRP: $89 (Also available as a set for $159) If you know a woodworker that uses [...]
Tool: QUICK-LIFT Construction Jack IRHT83100 Shop Now Manufacturer: Irwin MSRP: $99 It’s on a regular basis that we need a helping hand in the shop. Often time, it’s something simple, like [...]