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: M18 FUEL 5″ Random Orbital Sander 2837-20 Shop Now Manufacturer: Milwaukee MSRP: $229 (bare tool) Of all of the power tools to leap cordless, sanders are one of the [...]
Once upon a time, the go-to rasps for woodworkers seeking quality were the Nicholson #49 and #50. These were hand-cut rasps, where each tooth was individually raised by a skilled...
Tool: Woodpecker™ CT Band Saw Blades Shop Now Manufacturer: Starrett MSRP: $189+ (Coil stock also available) Over the last year or so, I’ve transitioned almost all of my bandsaw [...]
Tool: Easy-Squeeze Silicone Glue Bottle Shop Now Manufacturer: Rockler MSRP: $8.99 Over the years, I’ve used many types of glue bottles in both my shop and classroom. Most of them...
Tool: Spider Mobile Base Shop Now Manufacturer: Harvey Woodworking MSRP: $369-$569 Having the ability to move stuff around in a shop is key. This is especially true when it comes...
Tool: Tooley Park Big Compass Kit Shop Now Manufacturer: Tooley Park MSRP: £150.00 ($201.50) A few issues ago, Popular Woodworking shared a set of scribers from a company in the UK...
Tool:Drill Press Protractor Shop Now Manufacturer: Woodpeckers MSRP: $69.99 Over the last several years, I’ve started to become interested in machinist tools and practices. One of the [...]
Tool: Veritas Hacking Knife Shop Now Manufacturer: Lee Valley MSRP: $95.00 Of all the tools in my shop, I probably use a knife the most. Oftentimes, it’s something as simple...
Tool: Versa-Fence Face Upgrade Shop Now Manufacturer: Woodpeckers MSRP: $169.99 I think it’s a safe bet that the table saw is at the heart of most shops. Today, Sawstop saws...
Tool: OSHA-Compliant Dust Extractor Shop Now Manufacturer: Hercules MSRP: $349.99 I continue to be impressed with the leaps and bounds that Harbor Freight has made in the power tool [...]
Portable router tables are a great way to save space in your shop. We’re taking a look at the different options available and laying out the differences between them. Router...
There’s new player in the loose tenon market. I’ve talked a couple times now about inexpensive jigs that turn a small router into a Festool Domino type tool. Available in a couple variations...