Best Tool You Ever Owned

[Rich Riddle]

Being a Toolaholic, one is always on the prowl for a great tool. So folks tell us the best tool or two you ever owned?

Mine is most likely the Powermatic 143.

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[Keith Bohn]

For me, a 1939 Unisaw and a 60's vintage Acme 2C edge sander.

[Rich Riddle]

For me, a 1939 Unisaw and a 60's vintage Acme 2C edge sander.
Keith, didn't you post pictures of that Unisaw on OWWM?

[Frederick Skelly]

JET 12" bandsaw. Small as it is, Ive still done a lot of work using her and I just love that baby. Also have to include my ancient Delta contractor saw with a 52" Biesemeyer and a Forrest blade. What a great tool.

As I get into the swing of using hand tools, I expect to see a hand plane or two make my list, so ask us again next New Years, Rich!

Happy New Year, everyone.
Fred

[Robert Chapman]

That's easy - my 1.75 hp Professional grade SawStop tablesaw.

[Keith Bohn]

Keith, didn't you post pictures of that Unisaw on OWWM?

Yes. It's my avatar on that forum.

[Robert Carruthers]

Plain old hickory handled hammer my dad gave me fifty years ago. The hammer has built a many a project and smashed my fingers several times also.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Based on return on investment, it would be my Hf multitool. That thing has made me a ton of money in my business, for less than $30 investment. In the shop, it's my shop made Biesemeyer fence clone, followed closely by my "Wood" cyclone, with automatic control in the panel box.

[Dick Brown]

Can't say it is the best tool but it is definitely one of the most useful. That is my Shop Fox 10", 6x48 belt-disc sander. I do about as much metal working as wood working and it gets used a lot for both. Shorten a piece of wood or metal, straighten a cut, smooth a board or weld, remove mill slag, sharpen twist drill bits, chisels, pencils, soapstone, punches, the list goes on and on. Would hate to be without it.
Best tool is probably my Clausing cabinet saw. Had Unisaws and they were great but still have the Clausing. Guess that says what I think of it!

[Mike Heidrick]

CNC machine I built.

[paul cottingham]

Easily my low angle jack from Lee Valley. Followed by my Bad Axe sash saw.

[Peter Keen]

A 90 year old Stanley No. 4....along with a few classes in learning how to sharpen and use it! Thanks Mike Siemsen.

[Justin Ahrens]

I absolutely love my used Lie-Nielsen Skew Block plane. It is a very versitle plane and has saved my butt many times.
http://www.lie-nielsen.com/block-planes/skew-block-plane/

[peter Joseph]

Stanley 60 1/2. There is no project this tool hasn't seen.

Peter

[Neal Clayton]

A 1948 Unipoint RAS.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=14622

...except mine is way better than that guy's because I have the factory base to go with it ;) (complete with a 90 pound bag of Portland cement to stop it from tipping over).

It's the baby brother of the current Northfield models, Northfield bought the company out that invented the design in the early 50s.

Its cast parts are a magnesium alloy, so it doesn't really rust, just kinda works up its own lubricant dust like lead would do. I looked forever for one before finding it from a guy in Memphis, I use it for general crosscut use and more importantly, making mortises for door frames. Pretty good for miters, too, it'd be fantastic for a picture frame shop.

[Loren DeShon]

Powermatic 66.

[Brian W Smith]

Lincoln Tig,with the same co's Mig bringing up the rear.The Tig process 15 or so years ago,is what took our fixturing(cabinet/mill shop) to a whole 'nuther level.

[Rod Sheridan]

Shaper, it does so many things so well.............Rod.

[jack forsberg]

i got one or 2 that i would call my best tools

the Wadkin Bobbin sander

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/rockwell40c009.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/rockwell40c009.jpg.html)


the Wadkin RS pattern lathe

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0081.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0081.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0404.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0404.jpg.html)
bursgreen MZF band saw
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0319.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0319.jpg.html)
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0328-1.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0328-1.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0325-1.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0325-1.jpg.html)

the wadkin PK slider
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0505.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0505.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/IMG_0497.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/IMG_0497.jpg.html)

Bursgreen bench parallelogram pattern makers bench planer

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/017-4.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/017-4.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/029-1.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/029-1.jpg.html)

Stenner BL chain chisel mortiser
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/stenner3002.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/stenner3002.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/stennerchisel002.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/stennerchisel002.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/stennerfinish006.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/stennerfinish006.jpg.html)


I can't pick the best or have not yet.:p

[Larry Fox]

If I could pick just 1 it would have to be my Wenzloff sash saw.

[Harold Burrell]

.357 Magnum.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I can't pick one, but I have to say, I WANT TO SEE MORE OF JACK'S SHOP!!!!! WOW!

[Steve Rozmiarek]

.357 Magnum.

Harold, you may want to consider a different shop if the varmits are that bad in yours....

[Bill White]

If longevity counts for anything, my 1978 Craftsman air compressor is a winner. Yes, there USED to be good Craftsman stuff. Leeson motor, oiled pump. Its been a good one.
Bill

[Harvey Melvin Richards]

i got one or 2 that i would call my best tools

the Wadkin Bobbin sander

the Wadkin RS pattern lathe

bursgreen MZF band saw

the wadkin PK slider

Bursgreen bench parallelogram pattern makers bench planer


Stenner BL chain chisel mortiser

I can't pick the best or have not yet.:p

Wow, beautiful machines.

[Mike Shields]

Incra TS-LS fence (on my 3hp Sawstop PCS).

[David Weaver]

A well rested brain and a phone number of a sawyer who has good quality lumber cheap.

[Mike Shields]

i got one or 2 that i would call my best tools

the Wadkin Bobbin sander

the Wadkin RS pattern lathe

bursgreen MZF band saw

the wadkin PK slider

Bursgreen bench parallelogram pattern makers bench planer

Stenner BL chain chisel mortiser

I can't pick the best or have not yet.:p

Showoff! (lol)

Those are beautiful machines, congrats.

[Andrew Joiner]

For me the definition of a good tool is one that's reliable,accurate,fast and durable. If it's also economical to buy and run with low maintenance, it's the best tool!

A Safety Speed Cut panel saw I bought in 1971 was my favorite tool. I worked in a small woodshop for a friend at the time. I had some side jobs in my home shop I did at night. I lived in Minnesota at the time. They had a SSC panel saw at my day job. I was amazed with the accuracy and efficiency one person could cut up sheet goods.

I knew that a panel saw would be profitable in my own shop. I drove to SSC and paid $400 cash for a new deluxe model. The guy who helped load the saw in my truck was the guy who made the saw! That $400 saw helped me make a great living for many years. I sold the saw for more than I paid for after 30 years of hard use.

I got so spoiled by the ease and accuracy of a vertical panel saw that I built one for my hobby shop 12 years ago. Even if I don't get 30 years of use from this one, it's the best tool I've ever owned.

[Dennis Ford]

Mine is a home-made wood lathe and a rebuilt Laidlaw band-saw.

[Vince Shriver]

Incredible collection of wonderful machines. I enjoyed the tour - thanks for sharing.

[Erik Christensen]

my festool domino - it does things that I lack the skill to do as well without it

runner up - 5 HP powermatic reversible shaper with digital readout & power feeder -

[Gordon Eyre]

Mine would be my PM 66 cabinet saw but if I were wishing I would move into Jack's shop. Wow!

[Bryan Cramer]

Longevity: my Makita 10" sliding miter saw (older model) it got me started in woodworking and has cut thousands of boards. I just purchased some Lie-Nielsen and Veritas planes and they have quickly became my favorite tools to use. I have never owned or used hand tools extensively before and after the first cut with a sharp plane I was hooked!

[Rich Riddle]

Next time the wife complains about the tools taking too much room in the garage, I will start showing pictures of Jack's tools. Either that will calm her or she will let me build a shop.

[jack forsberg]

Incredible collection of wonderful machines. I enjoyed the tour - thanks for sharing.


Is no one going to help me pick the best tool i am haveing a real hard time:D

and to make it harder for me there are these ones too:cool:

1935 SpeedAx wood metal band saw

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/001-28_zps08d69e38.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/001-28_zps08d69e38.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/005-37_zpse8887560.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/005-37_zpse8887560.jpg.html)

the Maka fully auto swing chisel mortiser the fast cleanest mortiser every made

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/002-42_zps745bb106.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/002-42_zps745bb106.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/maka002_zps239850ad.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/maka002_zps239850ad.jpg.html)

Engelberg 5 hp 10" wide water fall sander
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/003_zps03a886d2.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/003_zps03a886d2.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/008_zps3cb073d1.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/008_zps3cb073d1.jpg.html)

26" Wadkin RM over under pattern makers planer



http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/015-6.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/015-6.jpg.html)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/005-36.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/005-36.jpg.html)

oh i could go on but that would be showing off:rolleyes:

please some help me pick the best:p

[Rich Engelhardt]

Hands down.....

snowblower....

:(

[Jeff Duncan]

Best tool I ever owned is easy….
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx268/JDWoodworking/IMG_2267.jpg (http://s762.photobucket.com/user/JDWoodworking/media/IMG_2267.jpg.html)

Also one of my most often used tools that I get pleasure just using;)

JeffD

[Garth Almgren]

A little out of the norm, but my favorite is a tool that I almost always have on my belt - a Leatherman Wave.

[Peter Quinn]

Mac Powerbook Pro. It's the first tool I use on every project, its how I work, its how I'm viewing this presently. Sketchup comes in a close second. I could imagine working on just about any saw, machines come and go, methods vary depending on the job and tools available. But w/o the computer…I'm sunk. Ok, I started off drawing longhand, and could probably still do so again, though it would take a very strange twist of events to make me do so. If they ever try to get me to work on a Wintel box……that .357 may come in handy. Its gotta be a mac.

[John TenEyck]

My favorite based on ease of use, accuracy, and definitely the most bang for the buck is my shop built horizontal router mortiser. 30 years of woodworking and I finally have found a mortising machine that meets all of my needs, costs almost nothing and is easy to build, and is small and portable.

John

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[Jim Matthews]

My circular saw edge guide combo.
It fits in a corner, requires zero adjustment
and aligns, every time.

It's a tool I never think about when I'm using it - that's my ideal, it's transparent to the process.

[Rich Riddle]

I could go on but that would be showing off.
My thoughts exactly. I want to know where you live in order to purchase stock in your local electrical company.

[Sam Beatty]

A 1948 Unipoint RAS.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=14622

...except mine is way better than that guy's because I have the factory base to go with it ;) (complete with a 90 pound bag of Portland cement to stop it from tipping over).

It's the baby brother of the current Northfield models, Northfield bought the company out that invented the design in the early 50s.

Its cast parts are a magnesium alloy, so it doesn't really rust, just kinda works up its own lubricant dust like lead would do. I looked forever for one before finding it from a guy in Memphis, I use it for general crosscut use and more importantly, making mortises for door frames. Pretty good for miters, too, it'd be fantastic for a picture frame shop.That thing looks like it has eaten more than a few fingers in the past and is still hungry.

[jack forsberg]

My thoughts exactly. I want to know where you live in order to purchase stock in your local electrical company.


perhaps your money would be better spent on tools:p

[Joe Calhoon]

My favorite is the T26 shaper because it is a joy to set up and the most versatile tool I own.
Second favorite is the T 90 because it paid for all the other tools.
Joe

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[Neal Clayton]

That thing looks like it has eaten more than a few fingers in the past and is still hungry.

Nah, doesn't have enough power to bite you too badly, unlike the bigger Northfields, this one is just a ~2hp 110v single phase motor. If you bind it up it'll trip the breaker before overpowering you.

Here's the original sales brochure cover, it was advertised as "lightweight and portable!" (only 200 pounds).

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And better pics of mine.

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[Dave Zellers]

PQ sez: Mac Powerbook Pro. It's the first tool I use on every project, its how I work, its how I'm viewing this presently. Sketchup comes in a close second.

Oh- you beat me to it. I do use SketchUp but my favorite tool by far is my copy of PowerCADD.

It's a 2D CAD program unbelievably intuitive and easy to use, and insanely capable. I can sit down and work out every detail of my project on my iMac very quickly and then head off to the shop with a detailed plan with dimensions. Potential problems show up on the computer, not in the shop.

[Paul McGaha]

I guess my favorite tool would be my Unisaw. Bought it new around 2003. 3 HP w a 52" Biesmeyer Fence. Right Tilt.

There's nothing special about it but I just really like it.

PHM

[William C Rogers]

Long hard thought. Defining best tool to me is one that is very reliable and maintenance/adjustment minimal. With that in mind it comes down to my Milwaukee 12 inch sliding miter saw. This was one of the few or only too that was perfectly set right out of the box. Still after 4 years of use it is still cutting perfectly. I don't think Milwaukee still makes this saw.

Bill R

[david a graham]

Interesting question, mine is a Starrett 4" double square - I didn't know I needed it until I took a woodworking class and used the instructors all week. American made and spot on!

[David Kumm]

278839278840

One is restored ( not like Jack's ) and one is not but both are as good as bandsaws can get. Jeff's Martin is top of the chain. I've worked on T130s and as good as they are, the Martin is from a different planet. Saw a Bauerle shaper that I should have pulled the trigger on. Dave

[Lee Reep]

My favorite is a 1976 Craftsman radial arm saw. Built back in the era of decent quality stuff carrying the Craftsman name. It is a sentimental attachment for me -- it was the first major power woodworking tool I bought. Lots of projects completed with it during its 35+ years of use. It still is my "go to" saw for crosscuts and "crosscut dadoes" (shelf recesses on the long sides of a cabinet or bookcase).

I have a table saw, a compound miter saw, and a Festool track saw as well, but the RAS still gets the most use. It can be easily aligned when needed, but holds alignment pretty well if not moved around. It would love to have an old classic from DeWalt, or one from one of the other RAS manufacturers from the past. But I'd never sell the Craftsman. It might just get relocated from the shop to the garage for outdoor projects.

[Stephen Cherry]

My favorite is the T26 shaper because it is a joy to set up and the most versatile tool I own.
Second favorite is the T 90 because it paid for all the other tools.
Joe

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OK, you know what they say, if you have to ask...

[Chris Parks]

My cordless drill, I can't imagine going back to build things with nails and straight slot screws. Only this week I threw out every nail that did not fit my nail guns.

[Rich Riddle]

Dave's favorite tool is a band saw. I must have caught his illness.

[Bryan Cowing]

My Laguna table saw

278848

[Kirk Poore]

Greenlee 227 autofeed mortiser (1928):
278849

Or Oliver 399 18" planer (1950):
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Kirk

[john davey]

For me it is my Grandfathers Stanley #5 that I have tuned up and working perfectly....

[Jim Dunn]

Most used tool in my shop is my 16gal SST shop vac by Rigid. I'm overly anal about cleaning the shop and tool tops. It also helps that I'm in a basement shop. The wife would ban me to an unheated out building if the basement was a mess from my piddling with wood,

[Shawn Pixley]

My Sawstop Table Saw & my LN #7. Both excellent tools that I enjoy using.

[phil harold]

I smile every time I use my STANLEY No. 92

[Clay Fails]

Stanley 60 1/2. There is no project this tool hasn't seen.

Peter


Ditto, but it's a LN, not vintage. Hope that still qualifies!

[Rick Fisher]

I have some neat stuff but this tool is the one that when using it, I think " man was this ever well designed " ..

http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m455/jokerbird_photo/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020227.jpg (http://s335.photobucket.com/user/jokerbird_photo/media/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020227.jpg.html)

Felder (ACM) edge sander with spindle sander add-on.

http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m455/jokerbird_photo/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020239.jpg (http://s335.photobucket.com/user/jokerbird_photo/media/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020239.jpg.html)

The flip side is a jointer - platen style edge sander with power feed. It can be set to remove 1/1000th or 1/500th or whatever.. and won't remove anything extra. The feeder makes it quite simple.

http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m455/jokerbird_photo/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020329.jpg (http://s335.photobucket.com/user/jokerbird_photo/media/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020329.jpg.html)

The spindle sander is small, but uses drum sander paper, or regular sandpaper if heavy enough.. brilliant..

http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m455/jokerbird_photo/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020233.jpg (http://s335.photobucket.com/user/jokerbird_photo/media/Felder%20Edge%20Sander/P1020233.jpg.html)

With a 4hp x PH-3 Motor running the whole machine, power is a non issue. It would be dangerous to try to even slow this thing down ..

The most impressive part however is that the actual dust collection works. I have never seen an edge sander with effective dust collection ..

[Roger Pozzi]

Most certainly has to be my brain. Plus, it is housed in a very attractive case! :D:D:p

[Joe Calhoon]

Nice Rick! That or something similar has been on my wish list. Hard to justify a good edge sander for doors and windows though. We have been using a old Rodgers for years that throws dust everywhere but the extraction hose.
is the sanding drum purpose made for the machine or can other drums be used?
Joe

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Most certainly has to be my brain. Plus, it is housed in a very attractive case! :D:D:p

I have an older model. It doesn't always work, and the case is beat to heck.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Been thinking about this for a while, my best tool is this:

278965

It was my grandpa's, and he used it to make wonderful things. It is the ugliest plane I have, but it reminds me that the craftsman isn't in the tools. Helps keep it in perspective.

[Rick Fisher]

Nice Rick! That or something similar has been on my wish list. Hard to justify a good edge sander for doors and windows though. We have been using a old Rodgers for years that throws dust everywhere but the extraction hose.
is the sanding drum purpose made for the machine or can other drums be used?
Joe

There are 3 sanding drums that came with the machine, sort of a "small, medium, large" thing. They are pretty small, good for 90% of what you would do .. but takes up zero floor space and works exceptionally well. I love not having to stock sandpaper tubes .. 3 rolls of drum sander paper = 3 grits available.

[Rich Riddle]

I enjoy seeing that some hand tools made it into the thread. It would be good to learn more hand tool skills, but the task seems overwhelming. Slightly shaky hands don't bode well with sharp hand tools.

[Kent A Bathurst]

A 1948 Unipoint RAS.

Nice.

One great feature of a Unipoint style RAS is that you can set them up so the pivot point is on the fence line.

That means that you can set up a measuring/stop system that is accurate for any angles, inside or outside cut.

That feature is why you find them littering the landscape in the roof truss business - all those angles, including compound miters, work with a measuring system.

[Andrew Joiner]

There are 3 sanding drums that came with the machine, sort of a "small, medium, large" thing. They are pretty small, good for 90% of what you would do .. but takes up zero floor space and works exceptionally well. I love not having to stock sandpaper tubes .. 3 rolls of drum sander paper = 3 grits available.

I just broke one of the commandments" ​thou shalt not covet thy neighbors sander"

[Rick Markham]

Can't they all be my favorite? If I had to choose a favorite... I would have to say my imagination. Without it every tool is useless.

[Dave Zellers]

Can't they all be my favorite? If I had to choose a favorite... I would have to say my imagination. Without it every tool is useless.
Darn, Dude. Awesome.

Can't top that. :)

[Larry Edgerton]

Its either my Stanley 62, or this one hand forged Japanese chisel that falls just right in my hand.

Larry

[J.R. Rutter]

T130 Class shaper (the budget version of Joe's shaper) - I am now so spoiled with numerically controlled setup and ISO40 pneumatically chucked spindles.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sQ6VOZPjeg0/UssBMGwnDvI/AAAAAAAADQI/wTrZu3zVBFA/w458-h687-no/P1040391.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SoBJGOjoi34/UssBvRveXHI/AAAAAAAADQQ/8yP1LYKa6U4/w917-h688-no/IMG_1383.JPG

[Jim Matthews]

Can't they all be my favorite? If I had to choose a favorite... I would have to say my imagination. Without it every tool is useless.

If I had to consider my imagination as a tool, it would be rusty from infrequent use.
Pretty dull, too. If a sharp wit ever becomes a deadly weapon, I'll still be harmless.

[Bill McNiel]

Festool track saw. I don't do a lot of sheet goods work but when the occasion arises my wife is drafted into service. Even though she is an accomplised wood worker in her own right she really dislikes tailing me with full sheets of 3/4" on the table saw. No longer an issue. I have been surprised at the number of other things I've used it for (recently had to trim 0" to 1/16" off a face frame, (easy/quick setup, no splintering and dead on accurate).

[Lee Reep]

My cordless drill, I can't imagine going back to build things with nails and straight slot screws. Only this week I threw out every nail that did not fit my nail guns.

Funny, because I threw away a nail bucket full of all kinds of nails. That was about the time I bought a 23ga. pinner. I now have everything from a 15ga framing nailer to the pinner. The nail bucket really had gathered dust from, lack of use. And I threw out all my slotted screws about a year ago.

[Brian Ashton]

i got one or 2 that i would call my best tools

Snip

I can't pick the best or have not yet.:p

Where the hell did you get all that!!!

I had a Wadkin Bursgreen 12" table saw that I had to abandon in Canada when I moved to this far flung outpost… It was the best saw I've worked on, and it was nothing like yours.

If I were offered a brand new Veyron or your shop, hands down it would be your shop. I mean really, I have tool envy.

So what's the back story - how'd you acquire all that.

[Myk Rian]

I'm kinda partial to my '66 band saw.

279242

[Rick Fisher]

I like that shaper .. muchly ..

[Jason White]

I'd have to say my Festool TS55 track/plunge saw. After that, my left-tilt Unisaw. I use them on almost every project.



Being a Toolaholic, one is always on the prowl for a great tool. So folks tell us the best tool or two you ever owned?

Mine is most likely the Powermatic 143.

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[Neal Clayton]

Nice.

One great feature of a Unipoint style RAS is that you can set them up so the pivot point is on the fence line.

That means that you can set up a measuring/stop system that is accurate for any angles, inside or outside cut.

That feature is why you find them littering the landscape in the roof truss business - all those angles, including compound miters, work with a measuring system.

Indeed, I don't have a need to set up that sort of system for repeat-ability, but have pondered doing so, just 'because'.

I wanted it for door frame mortises primarily, and random bevel/miter cutting. No modern plastic/aluminum miter saw even comes close, the miters that come out of it are deadly accurate, you can make truly invisible corner lines.

[jack forsberg]

Where the hell did you get all that!!!

I had a Wadkin Bursgreen 12" table saw that I had to abandon in Canada when I moved to this far flung outpost… It was the best saw I've worked on, and it was nothing like yours.

If I were offered a brand new Veyron or your shop, hands down it would be your shop. I mean really, I have tool envy.

So what's the back story - how'd you acquire all that.

Hi brain. Lots of wadkin down under.

Bursgreen kit before wadkin it took over in 1956 was very nice stuff of the parent company Sagar. The band saw is the 1952 and very rare here in Canada and the UK the modle MZF ship saw if it ever came up would bee a dream. and yes that's a 50" planer behind the 24"

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/sc00018848.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/sc00018848.jpg.html)

i added a counter weight for the upper guilds and a VFD to the bursgreen and tossed the Agazzini.
you can see why Wadkin bought the comany.
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/007-23.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/007-23.jpg.html)


http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/004-29.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/004-29.jpg.html)
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/005-30.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/005-30.jpg.html)

for the real big stuff i use my Wadkin 30" DR
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad111/tool613/012-7.jpg (http://s927.photobucket.com/user/tool613/media/012-7.jpg.html)

[David Tiell]

First off, Jack, that collection of tools is AWESOME!

Well, my Shop Fox 10" left tilt TS would be the tool used most in my shop.

But I honestly think my favorite is my tiny little Bridge City Tools AS-3 3" square. That thing is SO handy. I can carry it in my pocket if need be, and its the perfect size for quick checks on tools, materials, setups, etc.

[Rich Riddle]

i tossed the Agazzini.

Many members here would like to have an Agazzani tossed their way.

[Larry Edgerton]

T130 Class shaper (the budget version of Joe's shaper) - I am now so spoiled with numerically controlled setup and ISO40 pneumatically chucked spindles.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sQ6VOZPjeg0/UssBMGwnDvI/AAAAAAAADQI/wTrZu3zVBFA/w458-h687-no/P1040391.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SoBJGOjoi34/UssBvRveXHI/AAAAAAAADQQ/8yP1LYKa6U4/w917-h688-no/IMG_1383.JPG

That would be my favorite too if the SCM fairy would just drop one off.

Larry

[Rich Riddle]

That would be my favorite too if the SCM fairy would just drop one off.

LarryThere's a SCM fairy? Those are generally out of my league, but most likely would be the favorite if they could be found at reasonable prices.

[John Piwaron]

It's really hard to limit this to only one!

I think I'd have to say my Festool OF2200 router. *This* is a router's router! It does it all and does it accurately. But it's not the only "best" by far - there's the L-N chisels made of A2 steel. The unisaw. The DJ-20. :)

For the most part, I don't have many bad tools. They all do what they're made for very well. In the case of my level, for a long time too. It was owned and used by the grandfather I never met. It's a treasure to me.

[John Piwaron]

I have an older model. It doesn't always work, and the case is beat to heck.

I wish there was a Facebook style like button. I'd press it for your post.

[Lee Mims]

I have 2, both for different uses:
1. Woodworking / Cabinetmaking = Festool track saw
2. Remodeling = Dremel Multi-tool. I honestly wans't sure of what I needed this for when I bought it...now it goes to every remodel site I go to, it's like a scalpel to a surgeon, it doesn't do it fast, but it does thing other tools can't.

[Prashun Patel]

Impossible to have a favorite, but I think my best 'secret weapon' is my coarse rasp. I use it on everything from contour shaping to tweaking joints like tenons and even dovetail pins. Like a saw, I think once you learn how to 'saw straight' with it, it's so versatile it feels like cheating.

[Michael Mayo]

I would have to say my Rigid TS3650 Tablesaw. It has been such an awesome little contractor saw and cuts every bit as good as any cabinet saw. The only thing it lacks is the power to really cut fast but that isn't a big deal for me it cuts fast enough for me frankly. I also love my Bosch 18V. Drill/Driver/Impact. That thing gets used a ton and never fails to amaze me. I just got the wife and I the Milwaukee 18V. M18 Drill/Driver/Impact set and it seems to be pretty good but it shuts down if it gets even a little hot and then you have to wait for it to cool down to get back to work which the Bosch doesn't do. I know when I need to back off or stop so I wish the Milwaukee would let me decide when enough is enough. Also the Milwaukee doesn't seem to last nearly as long as my Bosch on a single charge.

[Jim German]

I'd have to say my Festool ETS 150 Sander. No other tool takes a awful task and makes it somewhat bearable.

[Christopher Charles]

Pencil. That's were it always starts.

[Shawn Russell]

Pencil. That's were it always starts.

That is mine as well... 1987 5mm Koh-i-Noor mechanical pencil. I have bought a few since high school drafting and sadly they stopped making them about 13 years ago.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

That is mine as well... 1987 5mm Koh-i-Noor mechanical pencil. I have bought a few since high school drafting and sadly they stopped making them about 13 years ago.

I switched to the Staedtler Mars technical pencil a while back because my trusty Koh-i-noor went missing. Pretty good pencil.

[Justin Ludwig]

My 10" Fulton draw knife. I can take a limb, stick or stave and turn it into a meat harvesting tool. Nothing is more satisfying than taking down wild game with a homemade weapon (IMO). It's primal.

[Danny Hamsley]

My Weber kettle Grill....I guess you could call it a cooking tool.

[Rich Riddle]

My Weber kettle Grill....I guess you could call it a cooking tool.
Well if your favorite tool involves cooking, plenty of woodworkers would befriend you at club meetings.

[Mikhail Lermontov]

Impossible to have a favorite, but I think my best 'secret weapon' is my coarse rasp. I use it on everything from contour shaping to tweaking joints like tenons and even dovetail pins. Like a saw, I think once you learn how to 'saw straight' with it, it's so versatile it feels like cheating.

Would you please share which rasp do you use? Thank a lot in advance.

[Michael Dunn]

Any of my Festool. Perhaps my Kapex or OF-1400, or the Domino.

I think Domino has paid for itself the quickest. Super fast and efficient. Yes, my Domino is the best tool I've ever purchased.

[Prashun Patel]

I use the dragon rasps from stuart macdonald. But there are even better ones out there. There are also floats that im dying to try.

[Don Huffer]

My 28 year old workbench. Can't imagine being without it.

Don

[William Kent]

"..oh i could go on but that would be showing off:rolleyes:"


Oh, I just bet you could...

[JimT Thompson]

The workbench I built 20 years ago from a Lee Valley kit. It was my first major project. The floor tools I bought to make it were the start of my shop. A carpenter friend taught me the skills I needed to make it. We hauled it across Canada when we moved. It has tons of character now since its first ding, and I use it daily. It has become an old friend.

[John Bailey]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/JohnBailey_01/Oliver%20192/IMGP1664.jpg

Got to be the Oliver. Use it every day.

John

[Harvey Melvin Richards]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/JohnBailey_01/Oliver%20192/IMGP1664.jpg

Got to be the Oliver. Use it every day.

John
If you put a blade on it, you'd like it even better. Very nice bandsaw though.

[Rich Riddle]

John,

I thought you were selling your Oliver bandsaw last year. Did you decide to keep it?

[Gary Herrmann]

Miller Falls Langdon Acme nbr 74 miter box and the Disston that goes with it.

[marty shultz]

I like the felder cf-741http://lumberjocks.com/assets/pictures/workshops/332814.jpg

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I like the felder cf-741

Good choice Marty, I sure like mine too.

[Roy Turbett]

Toro electric leaf blower. Makes cleanup a breeze!

[Mikhail Lermontov]

I like the felder cf-741http://lumberjocks.com/assets/pictures/workshops/332814.jpg

It looks like a surgery room. Love it.

[Danny Thompson]

Best? It better be the Sawstop 3hp PCS 52" that just arrived. I wonder who will be its best owner?