Power Tool Recommendations

I use a second hand 30-year old Delta contractor saw. It works fine, especially after I had it rewired to run on 220 volt. So there’s nothing wrong with watching Facebook Marketplace for a good deal. A well-build table saw can last several decades if it’s maintained. That said, if I had $4k-$5k that I had to spend by tomorrow, I’d probably snag a 12” 7-1/2 HP beast from Grizzly. LINK HERE I’m okay with being that one outlier not jumping on the Sawstop bandwagon.

I use a Bosch 12 Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw and have zero complaints. I’d buy it again. LINK HERE

I’m a fan of Dewalt’s 20V battery family of tools. I own and love my Dewalt 20V MAX Circular Saw. LINK HERE

In my opinion a track saw is the easiest way to break down 4’x8’ plywood sheets. I use a Dewalt track saw that rides on Festool tracks. LINK HERE

I’ll be honest, I reach for my jigsaw surprisingly little. But there are certainly times it’s the best tool for the job. This is the one I use. LINK HERE

The only job I detest more than emptying the dust collectors is changing my band saw’s blade. But that hassle isn’t specific to my machine. I use a 14” Grizzly band saw. For general cutting I use a 3/8” blade and for resawing I use a 3/4” carbide-tipped blade from Highlandwoodworking.com. Grizzly discontinued my bandsaw, this one is comparable. Unless you’re resawing very thick material this machine will serve you fine.

I like by Dewalt palm router so much I have two. LINK HERE

For my full-size router I have a Bosch 2.3 HP that has both a fixed and plunge base. I mean, it’s okay. I don’t love it. If I was in the market for a new full-size router I’d buy a Festool OF 2200. So that’s the one I will recommend to you. LINK HERE

Don’t buy a router table. Build one. But do buy a good router fence. I have an over engineered one from Woodpeckers that I absolutely love. It’s expensive. Probably too expensive. LINK HERE

I can’t believe this jointer doesn’t have more people singing its praises. It’s not a huge brand name and it’s a Taiwan company, called Cutech. I know, doesn’t sound promising. Here me out. I love mine. Check out these specs: 12-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Jointer with Cast Iron Tables, 24 Inserts, Extra Large 24" x 6" Cast Iron Fence. You read that right. It’s a benchtop jointer with a 12” spiral cutterhead. And it’s under $900. LINK HERE

It’s not a tool you’ll use on every project, but it’s nice to have when you need to sand curved pieces. LINK HERE

This is the one I use. LINK HERE

The Festool ETS EC 150/5 EQ-Plus isn’t just “another random-orbital sander.” It brings power, efficiency, ergonomics, dust-control, and build quality — features that make sanding smoother, faster, cleaner, and less fatiguing. For serious woodworkers, furniture makers, or anyone doing frequent sanding, it’s a solid investment. LINK HERE

Every workshop needs a proper drill press. Here’s the one I use. LINK HERE

I own them all. If you’re trying to decide which system is best, just bite the bullet and get yourself a Festool Domino. LINK HERE