MORE TOOLS...
Smaller in size and much easier on the budget, these tools are just as necessary in my workshop as the larger machinery. Like everyone, I often wish my tool budget was unlimited but I have done my research and found tools that were both affordable and perform well for the use I put them through.
The Routers:
DeWalt DW618 (2.25hp)
Hitachi M12VC (2.25 hp)
Ryobi R175 (1.75 hp)
These three machines have taken me through every routing need I have had so far. The DeWalt is a dream to use, especially in the router table. I paid $159 on Amazon for it. The Hitachi is also very powerful and the quietest router I have ever used. I got a great deal from Amazon at $120 (with a coupon). The Ryobi was my first router ($100 at Sears Hardware) and though it served me well, I never use it anymore unless I need to plunge route. Someday I want a big plunge router such as the Hitachi M12 (or a Triton).
Delta 17-924 Mortising Kit:
This kit is a great bargain. I have used this mortising attachment on my Delta drill press to build seven tables of varying size (some in the arts and crafts design with many spindles). I bought mine from Amazon/Tool Crib for $69 back in 2000.
Delta 34-183 Tenoning Jig:
This jig does a very fine job of holding the work secure while forming tenons on the tablesaw. I bought mine from Amazon/Tool Crib for $89 back in 2000.
Milwaukee 6390-21 7.25" Circular Saw:
I received this saw as a birthday present in 2005 for $129, allowing me to retire my old underpowered and inaccurate Black & Decker "Sawforce" saw. This saw purrs like a kitten and cuts wet framing lumber and quarter sawn white oak with equal ease.
Bosch b4300 Jigsaw:
I bought this saw at a woodworking show in Indianapolis in 1998 for $89. This saw is a dream to use. I prefer the barrel grip because I find it has very little vibration and is quite easy to control.
Freud JS102 Biscuit Joiner:
I picked this joiner up at a local lumber yard in 1998 for around $130. The fence is decent and the motor has plenty of power. I have used this to construct many tabletops.
Ridgid R250SFA - 2.5"Finish Nailer:
I bought this brad nailer online from Home Depot together with my Ridgid miter saw for just $200 (these were being sold together as a "finish carpenters" kit). This is one sweet nailer with a load of features.
Campbell Hausfeld CHN10299:
I bought this brad nailer over the phone from Campbell Hausfeld for $50 and have been very pleased with it. The non-marring tip and the directional exhaust make it easy and effective to use. It accepts up to 2” brads.
Ryobi BE321 3”X21” Belt Sander:
Early on in the pursuit of my woodworking hobby, I bought this sander for its relatively good power, variable speed, price, and ability to be laid on its back and used like a stationary belt sander. I still use it on many projects and see no reason to replace it yet.
Random Orbit Sanders:
Black & Decker RO100, Black & Decker RO410K, and the Bosch 1295DVSK
I know that “serious” woodworkers don’t use Black & Decker tools, but these first two sanders didn’t cost me much and they have done a great job on many projects. I paid about $40 for the RO100 back in 1995 and about the same for the RO410K in 2004. The Bosch is a Cadillac of sanders and worth every penny of the $75 I paid for it back in 2007.
¼ Sheet Finish Sanders:
B&D FS600G & Hitachi SV12SG
In 2004 I bought this B&D sander to replace an old, noisy, hand-me-down sander that I used for 10 years. This one is much quieter and the gel grip is great. The Hitachi sander is more powerful and much more aggressive. I got it free from Amazon when I ordered my Hitachi router.
Hitachi D10VF 3/8” Drill:
I got sick of my old, underpowered Skil brand drill and decided to get something with a little more oomph. I bought this drill at Lowe’s for the amazing price of $49.99. I don’t know if it was mis-marked or what, but nearly everywhere else sells it for almost twice that. It sports a powerful 9 amp motor.
DeWalt DW928 14.4v Drill/Driver:
I replaced my worn out DeWalt 9.6v drill with this one. I bought it at Lowe’s on the day after Thanksgiving 2004 for $99. I still cannot believe that price… Its a hell of a performer.
DeWalt DW054 - 14.4v Impact Driver:
I waffled for a long time over buying one of these. I knew it would be handy for construction, but wasn't sure about using it for woodworking. It has proven to be a blessing when it comes to sinking screws without stripping the heads. Since I already had batteries and 2 chargers, I just bought the stripped down driver with no accessories for $125.
DeWalt Lights:
Though these are not strictly woodworking tools (ok, not at all) they are really useful. I picked up the flashlight shortly after I bought my 14.4v drill/driver and I bought the hanging area light later. I have used both of them everywhere, from home projects to camping in the woods. Both were in the $25 range when I bought them.
Black & Decker SC500 Navigator:
In 2004, at a time when these saws were selling for $40+, I picked this one up at Menard’s on the day after Thanksgiving for $19.99. It was an incredible deal on a mediocre saw. Unfortunately this saw is relatively underpowered and this fact coupled with the poor blades makes it pretty wimpy when cutting wood. The one bright spot is that it does a great job cutting metal with the hacksaw-like blade. Overall it sees little use by me though.
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