Tools I use

I love tools. Always have. I believe there is the right tool for every job, and it’s essential to have the absolute best when possible. So I spend a lot of time on-line researching, and talking with others about what works and doesn’t. Some of the tools I use are sponsored by companies, and others are items I’ve found on my own. Where possible I link to the exact item on the manufacturer’s website, or through Amazon.com so you can find out more for yourself.

Table Saw – I have an old Jet 10″ Contractor’s saw mounted on a rolling base – I’ve written about the Jet here before. It was a great find on Craigslist, for only $150.
Tape Measure - I like to use a 25″ tape, and although I have several, I try to use the same one for a project, start to finish, just in case there is any variability between tapes. If you want to know the exact one, here is a link on Amazon to my favorite Stanley 25″ Tape Measure.
Pencils – you can never have too many. My favorite are the old #2 Dixon Ticonderoga yellow pencils that are used for standardized tests. Every time I place an order with Amazon, I toss a 10-pack into my cart, just so I have some extras. To keep them sharp, I use an old Swiss Army Knife and just whittling a bit off the tip.

Router – My main router is a Porter-Cable that I got from Home Depot for about $150. This is a smaller model, only 1 3/4 HP. It doesn’t have a lot of other features either – but what it does, it does well, and that is spin a little router bit at very high speeds. It’s also pretty small – but that small size packs a bunch of power.

Dovetail Jig – My dovetail jig was a present for my birthday. For the first 39 years of my life I made dovetails by hand (and it took that long to get them right). For those of you who don’t know – the dovetail joint is the holy grail of woodworking. It’s not easy to make. But once I did, and since I proved I could do it, I decided that I had earned the respect to use a jig. The Leigh Super 12” Dovetail Jig isn’t cheap – About $250, and I got the smallest one – the 12 inch model. But I use it all the time. And it does a great job.

Seed Pot Maker – I found this incredible little garden tool over on Etsy at Wood Elements. It was a bit pricey at $25, but it is completely handmade, and has paid for itself in one season (when I made over 100 paper pots).