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.
Diamond stones are the bedrock of my sharpening routine. I use them as my main abrader throughout my sharpening/honing sessions because they preserve their flatness and keep their hard particles [...]
Tool: Whiteside Plus by Dimar Industrial Saw Blades Shop Now Manufacturer: Whiteside MSRP: $76+ I had the opportunity to spin the newest blades from Whiteside Plus by Dimar. I thoroughly [...]
Tool: BladeClean Shop Now Manufacturer: Microjig MSRP: $99 Sharp bits and blades are the keys to getting clean cuts and crisp routed profiles. More often than not, what appears to be a [...]
Tool: 9 1/4″ 36V Track Saw XSH10 Shop Now Manufacturer: Makita MSRP: $542 As the owner of a sawmill, I have a variety of sizes of lumber that I work with regularly. Recently, as I’ve [...]
Tool: Card Scraper and Dual-Handle Burnishers Shop Now Manufacturer: Blue Spruce Toolworks MSRP: $21.99 The very first hand tool that I ever purchased was a set of Lie-Nielsen card [...]
I think my eyes are the most valuable tool in my bodily toolbox, so I’m trying to take care of them the best I can. I am not just talking about the importance of reducing screen time, [...]
Tool: Tool Organizers Shop Now Manufacturer: Tool Hangerz MSRP: $6.99+ Pegboard and slat wall organization have been a staple in shops for years. In my shop, I utilize a slat-wall system [...]
Tool: FitFinder 1/2 Gauge Shop Now Manufacturer: MicroJig MSRP: $34.99 Dialing in a saw blade, router bit, or other cutting tool to make a cut exactly half the depth of stock seems like a [...]
Tool: The Original OmniSquare Shop Now Manufacturer: Omni Tool Works MSRP: $29.95 This clever and inexpensive milled aluminum square functions as a try square, miter square, bevel square, [...]
Tool: 8240 Cordless Rotary Tool Shop Now Manufacturer: Dremel MSRP: $99 (includes 2.0Ah battery, charger, storage case, and several accessories) Dremel has been a whirlwind recently, [...]