"Good" tool purchases - 100% satisfied with,,

[glenn bradley]

I'll list some surprises; unlike my PC plate joiner or a DW735 or a PC690 where you know exactly what you're getting. Thanks to the folks on this forum I have been delighted with:

Bosch jigsaw and ROS (WOW, a jigsaw is a 'real' tool)
Veritas saddle square (so simple and so useful)
Glue-bot (again, cheap and great design)
Bessey clamps (Duh)
Milwaukee routers (Smooth and powerful)
Biesemeyer fence (Duh)
Whiteside bits (stay sharper longer, it seems)
Freud blades (Duh)

I'm sure there are more but these particular items, from a few dollars to hundreds, were a surprise. They were also an education as to how careful tool research and selection can yield a real pleasure in your hands.

[Bill Wyko]

Oh Yea, I almost forgot. All the Woodpecker billet aluminum clamps and squares. That stuff is so nice I hate to even use it.......until I use it. Then I realize I wouldn't want to use anything else.

P.S. tool makers better pay close attetnion to threads like this. These could make or break them.

[Mike Heidrick]

My most fun tool to use is the router table setup - 3hp router, lift, and Incra fence. Man I love that Incra fence. I love its precision and functionality and routing is just plain fun!

The Smoothest and most satisfying tool I use is my cabinet saw. I think anyone that uses a finely tuned table/contractor/cabinet saw knows exactly what I mean here. Cutting perfect burn free straight wood with zero effort is simply satisfying. Learning the techniques for using this saw has made it my favorite Good tool purchase.

[Don Taylor]

Ditto on the DowelMax! It's the first thing I think of when I plan a shop project.

Festool:
FastFix cordless drill TDK 15.6 Set, includes right angle and eccentric chucks.

Mobile dust extractor CT 33 E HEPA

Portable circular plunge-cut saw TS 55 EQ

Pendulum jigsaw TRION PS 300 EQ

Plunge router OF 1400 EQ

5 dual mode sander RO 125 FEQ

Orbital sander RS 400 EQ

Linear sander Duplex LS 130 EQ

Gear-driven detail sander Deltex DX 93 E

Guide rail, FS 1400/2, Length 55 (1400 mm)

Guide rail, FS 3000/2, Length 118 (3000 mm)

These tools are the staples of my shop. Without them I would have to close the doors for good. I have a respiratory disability that will not allow me to man handle large pieces of wood on the table saw. Saw dust is another problem for me.
I haven't run on to anything yet that I haven't been able to do with this system. They simply work.

No sawdust, light, powerful and dead on accurate.

One thing I learned very quickly, no matter what size the box, if you cut both sides (tops, bottoms etc.) out at the same time, it's difficult to make a mistake.

DT

[Gary Keedwell]

I have a few tools that have worked out great.
Bosch 1582 VS Jig Saw ....still going strong after 14 years.
Starrett Combo Sq.....use it every day.
Wixey gage....What a surprise.
TDK 15.6 cordless drill
ETS 150/3 EQ. ....Only had it couple of months and like it so far
CT 22 same as above.
Veritas Optical Center punch......I love this little thing.....Line up the X mark you make with scribe or pencil with the magnifying glass...replace with the punch and you just hit youe mark perfect.
I have more but these really stand out for me.

Gary K.

[Wes Bischel]

My favorite tool is my old Craftsman power hacksaw. It is a hoot to watch.

Wes

[Gary Keedwell]

My favorite tool is my old Craftsman power hacksaw. It is a hoot to watch.

Wes

Ok. Somebody has to ask: Who do you watch?

Gary K.

[Jason Boushard]

my new bosch jigsaw, and my dewalt impact driver had the driver for a bit it was a gift man this thing dosen't quit.

[Doug Mason]

The Fein turbo vac--use it everytime I'm in the shop.

[Dan Drager]

I have to say, my G444Z Grizzly Contractor Table Saw FAR exceeded my expectations. I have had it for 3 years now and still LOVE IT> I check it for accuracy before each project and I have NEVER had to adjust in from it's original set up. I run a WWII and can go right from the saw to glue up. I know it is not Saw stop or PM2000, but you couldn't tell the difference in the work at the end of the day.

For the price, it is most likely the best buy I have ever made.

[Wes Bischel]

Ok. Somebody has to ask: Who do you watch?

Gary K.

Just the machine - the stock is clamped in place, the blade arm lowered onto it, and turn it on. It turns itself off when the cut is done. Just imagine a mechanical hacksaw built by Rube Goldberg.

Wes

[Gary Keedwell]

Just the machine - the stock is clamped in place, the blade arm lowered onto it, and turn it on. It turns itself off when the cut is done. Just imagine a mechanical hacksaw built by Rube Goldberg.

Wes

OK. Now I get it. It's clamped and power fed.

Gary K.

[Steve Rowe]

Interesting thread. I have a number of tools that I am very happy with. I believe there is some distinction between a tool working 100% as expected versus one that I am 100% satisfied with. Several tools, I would classify in the 99%+ category and are not listed below. The ones that I would classify as 100% satisfied (meaning that I would change nothing about the tool) are:
1) Oneway 1640 lathe
2) Oneway Mastergauge
3) Festool ETS 150/3 sander with CT22 dust extractor
4) Veritas bevel gage

Steve

[Jim Becker]

Easy for me...my Stubby 750 lathe, my MiniMax slider, J/P and bandsaw, and every single piece of Festool I currently own.

[Glenn Clabo]

Ez Smart CSGS ...haven't used the TS for a long time.
Kreg pocket hole tool...use it everywhere.
WoodRat...still exploring...but it's amazing.