Benchtop power tools |
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The tools and products found here are those that I use and recommend. Most of these have been purchased for use in my shop. Usually, extensive research has occurred before a purchase. Quality, value, as well as my intended use on current projects come into consideration before purchase. Each picture here is a link to an Amazon.com detail page for that particular tool.
 
Hmm... Got a few of these for Shigshop. These are really handheld power tools, but I almost never use them like that. With one in the pantorouter, slot mortiser, and router table, they have become part of a benchtop or stationary tool for me. I've tried a few other routers, but ended up returning them. I suppose maybe it's just that these have become so familiar to me. The brushes are replaceable, but I've never had to do it. There was one that I purchased that had a bad bearing, which surprised me. It resulted in a bad vibration and loud squeal whenever I turned it on. That one was exchanged and I haven't had any issues since. I haven't seen too many bad reviews on these routers. They make so many of these that it's inevitable that a bad one goes out once in awhile - they stand behind them though.
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This saw does most of my miter or non right angle cross cutting. I prefer to do 90 degree crosscuts on my old radial arm saw, but these nice miter saws are up to that task as well. With the big 12" blade and the availability of my radial arm saw, I didn't see the need for a sliding miter saw.
Replacement 12" miter saw blades. |
 
I don't use it much, but it is sure nice when I do. This saw always gets great reviews and it's a good choice for interior cuts like a big circles for speaker cabinet cutouts, or intricate scroll work such as done on intarsia projects.
Blades are fragile and inexpensive, so keep some extras. |
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8" bench grinder
  This 8" machine has a grinding wheel, wire brush, and built in work light. I use it often for general grinding, or to shorten screws or threaded rod - the wire brush is very handy to do the last bit of clean up on the threads. This is the grinder I used on my custom bench grinder table.
I have a Craftsman model, but most are very similar. Various 8" wheels for these grinders. |
 
This is a new model of the portable bandsaw used in my shop. It's actually a handheld power tool, but the way I most often use it is in my homemade stand, which sits on a benchtop. After this purchase, the hacksaw has rarely been used.
Spare blades for this saw. |
 
An older version of this planer hasn't seen much use since I bought my 16" Jet planer. It's a keeper though because of the portable nature of the tool. In the past, regrets have been had for getting rid of similar portable tools, such as my original oscillating sander, so I'm keeping this for now. It was my main planer for many years. With it's limited power, you can't take too deep of a cut, but as long as you're careful, it's a fine machine. Folks complain about snipe on these, and even with the head lock, that will still occasionally happen. But, these machines aren't for a final surface before finish. For quality work, you'll still need to get out your hand planes, scrapers, and/or sandpaper.
13" planer knives. |
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Festool Domino jointer
 Major upgrade, this one. But, a complete game changer.
Almost all of my mortise/tenon joinery is now done with this tool. It's faster, just as accurate, almost dustless, and produces beautiful, strong joints. These also allow you to use a bit less wood because the length of pieces with tenons now can be cut without having to compensate for the tenon depths. Game changer. Expensive? Totally! Worth it? You decide. Extra dominos. |
Festool CT48 Dust Extractor
 For that Domino jointer to be "almost dustless", you need one of these. This is a buy once, cry once purchase, but everytime you use it, it'll be a pleasure. Had to get the sander too. This system will not disappoint.
CT48 accessories. |
Festool Palm Sander
 Ok, along with those other Festools, a sander is a must have. Want dustless sanding? I know of no better way...
Festool ETS125 sandpaper. |
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