The best of ... power tools

The best of ... power tools · 04-20-2009, 07:27 PM

This is the third of a couple "the best of..." posts I've started. The idea behind it was to get people talking about tools and accessories and whatnot that they've used and really find to be of much use. Sometimes this is the unexpected satisfaction you get from a purchase, sometimes you knew it was coming ... but in every case, share it with us!

I'll get us started in this best of power tools thread. If you've purchased something as it relates to power woodworking tools and it is something you would highly recommend to a fellow woodworker ... tell us about it!

Bandsaw Powerfeeder
When I got it, I barely knew what it was or why anyone would really need one. I now find myself lost without it. Obviously a good bandsaw is critical, but the powerfeeder is what really sets it apart. It makes for consistent work, takes the "work" out of cutting the stock, and saves time. These are all things a power tool should do.
Palm Router
So simple, but so convenient. I put this purchase off for a long time, then finally went for the Bosch Colt. It's a decent machine ... but I didn't call it by name for this bullet because my $15 Harbor Freight one does a near similar job. They are loud little machines, but you'll get over that if you use them for the little tasks.
Edge/Spindle Sander
Though I recently parted ways with the Ridgid, that was the best little sander. It's an oscillating spindle sander and edge sander. Works like a champ and was very reliable. Make hard tasks pretty easy.

Sealeveler · 04-20-2009, 07:40 PM

When I was working a Makita 8" sander/polisher was the best because of the controllable aspects and a Dewalt Paddle minigrinder because of the toughness.Tony

Shamrock · 04-20-2009, 09:18 PM

Ok here it goes:

1) router lift- no more under the table adjustments-heck I've never even taken my router out of the table

2) spiral upcut bits -- wow-wow-wow

3) Tormek-repeatability-it is slow though so you really still ned a slow speed grinder

4)a good work bench - I know it's not a power tool but it makes um easier to use

all I can think of now

jmauldin · 04-20-2009, 09:40 PM

I recently purchased the Rigid osc. spindle sander you mentioned. Don't know how I got along without it. I had wanted one for some time, but the cost of Jet, etc. was just beyond my limited budget. I truly love the maching, and for about $120 it can't be beat.
Jim in Mayberry

PeteM · 04-20-2009, 10:04 PM

Another vote for the Rigid Osc. Sander.
. . . and a big thumbs up for the Incra 5000
http://www.incra.com/product_miter_5000.htm

pete

Sully · 04-20-2009, 10:10 PM

Drum/thickness sander: Picked one up for a steal last summer. Now I don't know how I lived without it. It gets used on just about every project. Even shop jigs

Bosch 10.8V Impact Driver: Awesome power and super light.

ScottM · 04-20-2009, 10:29 PM

My Jet OSS. I have not used it a ton but great when I have

My Hawk 226 scroll saw (bought used)

My Dewalt 735 planner

TracyP · 04-20-2009, 10:41 PM

Shop Fox Drill Press and Lathe from The Woodworking Source!!!

Canuck · 04-20-2009, 10:43 PM

Dowelmax doweling Jig This jig has never failed me. I use it for most all joinery using 3/8" x 1.5" dowels as well as 1/4" x 1.5". Yes it is a little pricey now, but it certainly does the job for me!

Makita LCT300W 18-Volt 3-Piece Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit A really great drill and impacter. Light and well balanced as well as powerful.

Dewalt 735 Planer Super planer BUT I think it is getting pretty expensive, especially not including infeed/outfeed tables! Last price I saw was $649 w/o tables!

Craftsman 22124 tablesaw This has been a workhorse and continues to be a great saw for me.

Bessey K-Body Clamps Probably the understated tool of a lot of shops but are great.

Milwaukee 5625-20 Great router in the table. Lots of power and never skips a beat!

Wayne

dino drosas · 04-20-2009, 10:48 PM

Felder combination machines in my estimation are at the top of the list.

For the smaller machines, I'll have to say Festool Domino.

cpowell · 04-20-2009, 11:06 PM

MM16 bandsaw...not so much the MM part or the 16 inch. I'll bet I'd be tickled with the MM20 or larger. A solid (heavy) bandsaw with flat tires and a fence. The frame is strong, no need to do the adjust for drift thing, will resaw pretty doggone wide stock allows quick blade swap out.

I do all of my dimensional cutting and resawing on the bandsaw now. The tablesaw is great for dimensioned stock but the bandsaw hasn't kicked back on me yet. I set the fence, resaw, flatten with jointer/planer (hand planes starting to creep in BTW), and get to work.

I don't have space for 2 bandsaws and the MM says, "who cares"? IMHO I would feel the same way if I'd gone Laguna LT16HD, or went with an older machine. I can't scroll on it yet but who knows what the future holds?

Chuck

Joe Scharle · 04-21-2009, 09:31 AM

Woodrat
Right end up router table, box joint and dove tail cutter. Uses ~~CNC~~ , HAC (Human Assisted Control) technology. Cuts mortises and tenons clean and fast.

Festool Rotex 6" sander
Real workhorse sander, from 60 grit in Rotex mode to 600 grit finish sanding.

Shop Fox Radial drillpress
Head & table move all over the place for ease of setup.

JimmyC · 04-21-2009, 09:41 AM

Hands Dowd is my:

Jet Exacta tablesaw left tilt. I bought it 12 years ago for $1300, it's one large tool that I bought new and paid over $300 for, It's done everything that I ever asked of it,and did it well.

The other two power tools that have exceeded all expectations (surprisingly) are...

Drill doctor

Worksharp 3000

Glennbear · 04-21-2009, 11:14 AM

A majority of my power tools/machines are used/recycled/rebuilt etc. so for me to recommend their purchase to another woodworker is kind of pointless since they are no longer sold. I would however strongly recommend the DW735 planer as others have. It is still available at the BORG for $549 and has readily accepted everything I have thrown at it

McRabbet · 04-21-2009, 02:58 PM

I'd say that my best power tools are:

Grizzly G1023SLX 10" cabinet saw -- I bought it new in 2004 and it has been a rock solid workhorse. Best tool in my shop.

Woodmaster 26" drum sander -- I bought it used and it has greatly improved the final finish on panels and doors.

Worksharp 3000 Sharpening System - I won this gem at the 2008 Spring Picnic and it has greatly simplified keeping razor sharp edges on my chisels and plane blades.