Tool Reviews for Download Now
• Side-by-side comparisons
• Advice based on objective testing by seasoned experts
• Measurable and repeatable performance characteristics determined through the use of various testing equipment
• Practical, hands-on advice gained through in-the-shop use
• Buying recommendations |
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Router-Lift Roundup
TR-005
This tool review includes the following products: Bench Dog ProLiftAl13, Bench Dog ProLiftNi28, JessEm Mast-R-Lift, JessEm Rout-R-Lift, Jet Xacta-Lift, Router Technologies RouterRaizer, Woodpecker PlungeLift, Woodpecker Precision Router Lift (PRL) |
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Pocket-Hole Jigs
TR-0014
We gathered 18 models selling for $10 to $800, put them to the test, and found what characteristics, besides price, separate them. Now, we’re prepared to name the Top Tools and Top Values in four price ranges. |
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Portable Planers
TR-012
If you haven’t yet taken the plunge, or if it’s time for you to upgrade, read on to find out which one machine stood proud as our Top Tool: Craftsman 21722 and 21743, Delta 22-580 and TP400LS, Grizzly G1017 and G8794, Jet JWP-12DX, Makita 2012NB, Ridgid TP1300LS, Ryobi AP1300 |
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3 Hot New Portable Planers
TR-022a
This tool review includes the following products: DeWalt DW735, Grizzly G0505, and Shop Fox W1675 |
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Precision Tune-Up Tools
TR-0018a
Get top-notch results from your power tools by keeping them properly aligned and running true. We’ll tell you how and show you which gauges do the job best. |
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Random Orbit Sanders
TR-009
13 models square off to see which delivers the finest and fastest finish. For this tool review, we chose a bevy of 5" random-orbit sanders, most of which are palm-grip models where the motor housing serves as a one-handed grip. |
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Mid-priced Tablesaws
TR-0038
For $500 to $700, you can choose from a lot of tablesaws (we tested 11 for this article). So how do you decide on one? To find out, we put them through a series of tests cutting hardwoods. |
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Tablesaw Rip Fences
TR-0023a
This tool review includes the following: Biesemeyer BHS52W, Craftsman Align-A-Rip XRC, Delta T250, Delta Unifence, Excalibur EXTT45/78, General F36T52, HTC 850, Incra LS32-TS, Jet 708957DK, Mule Accusquare, Shop Fox W2006, Shop Fox W1411/1413, Vega U50, Wazee WondeRip |
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6 x 48" Belt/Disc Sanders
TR-0032
These machines, priced from $400 to $800, tackle a range of sanding tasks with both power and finesse. And though they look similar, we found big performance differences among the tested models. |
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Multipurpose 10" Saw Blades
TR-0029a
Do you really need to change blades every time you turn around, or will a single multipurpose blade fill the bill for most tablesaw task? To find out, we examined nearly 40 different models of multipurpose blades, and here’s what we learned. |
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Benchtop Mortisers
TR-0028a
Few woodworking joints rival a mortise-and-tenon for strength and beauty. The only problem is the time and effort required to precisely cut all thosemortises. That's where these machines come to the rescue. Learn which of seven machines bore the test. |
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Tablesaw Splitters
TR-0024a
Safety made so simple, you actually want to use it. We tested these splitters seven ways from Sunday. This tool review includes the following products: Biesemeyer, Snap-In Spreader, Delta Disappearing Splitter, Excalibur Merlin, Grip-Tite Anti-Kickback Splitter |
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10" Sliding Mitersaw
TR-0027a
When it comes to crosscutting wood for projects, nothing bets a 10" sliding mitersaw, which can cut monster-size workpieces up to about 12" wide and 3" thick. See WOOD’s comments and ratings on seven popular models. |
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10" Compound Mitersaws
TR-006
For this review, we focused on 10" compound mitersaws because they strike the best balance between cost and capabilities for the home woodworker. |
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Air-Filtration Systems
TR-002
An air-filtration system not only adds quality to your time in the shop, it could add time to your life. We test six air-filtration systems that bite the dust so you don’t. |
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Dust Collectors
TR-003
For this article, we put nine dust collectors—all with 110-volt motors—through their paces. These single-stage models, rated at 1 or 1fi horsepower, have enough suction to effectively pull dust from any home woodworking machine. And, at a top price of only $300, you needn’t worry about sucking your bank account dry. |
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7-1/4" Circular Saws
TR-004
You won’t find many circular saw tasks more taxing than ripping pressure-treated lumber. We timed each saw’s performance to determine its power. Includes the following products: Bosch 1657, Craftsman 27108, DeWalt DW369, Hitachi C7BD, Makita 5007NHK, Milwaukee 6390-21, Porter-Cable 347K, Ryobi CBS130K |
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Cyclone Dust Collectors
TR-0015a
In this tool reivew, we tested single-stage collectors best suited to gathering dust from one tool at a time. This time, we focus on cyclone systems capable of pulling dust through a whole-shop duct system. Includes the following products: Bridgewood BW-CDC3, Grizzly G0525, Oneida CompSys 1.5EXT35, Oneida CompSys 2EXT35, Oneida 2 Commercial System, Penn State Temp142CX, Penn State Tempest,Woodsucker Woodsucker II |
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Dado Sets
TR-0019a
With dado sets ranging from $30 to $300, how do you know which one is right for the work you do? To find out, we put a pile of carbide-toothed sets, both stacked and adjustable, to the test. |
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12" Disc Sanders
TR-008
We tested five machines that deliver loads of sanding power at down-to-earth prices. To test power, we applied varying amounts of pressure to blocks of oak and pine placed against the sanding discs, then measured any change in disc speed. |
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Mid-Size Bandsaws
TR-007
How much machine can you buy for $500 to $900? Quite a bit, according to our tests. This tool review includes the following products: Delta 28-293, Grizzly G1073Z, Jet JWBS-14CS, Jet JWBS-16, Laguna LT14, Ridgid BS1400, Shop Fox W1673
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Mid-Size Lathes
TR-010
Professional woodturners may spend thousands of dollars on a lathe. But the rest of us, even those who turn fairly often, probably don’t need that much tool. So, we wondered: What kind of lathe can you get for less than $1,000? To find out, we brought in eight mid-size models from six manufacturers. |
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Mid-Size Plunge Routers
TR-013
We challenged seven tools to see which ones deserve Top Tool and Top Value honors. This tool review includes the following products: Black & Decker RP400K, Bosch 1613AEVS, DeWalt DW621, Makita RP1101, Porter-Cable 8529, Ryobi RE180PL, Skil 1845-02 |
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Mid-Size Routers
TR-001
There’s nothing fancy about the six routers in this test, and that’s why they’re so beautiful. For value, simplicity, and all-around usefulness, you just can’t top this group. |
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Sanding Disc Showdown
TR-0020a
Which brand of random-orbit sanding discs offers the best value? Our tests of 10 discs provide the answer. Featured in the November 2003 issue. |
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Cabinet-Style Tablesaws
TR-0021a
Thinking about upgrading from your contractor-style tablesaw to the king of the beasts, a 3-hp cabinet-style saw? To help you choose, we gathered seven 3-hp saws, each equipped with 49"-plus fences, and put them to the test. |
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Shop-tested 18-gauge Brad Nailers
TR-0037
Great news! Many of the 12 models we tested cost $100 or less, and we even got good performance from a $30 nailer. |
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Shop-tested 14.4-volt Drills
TR-0036
These tools finesse tiny brass screws in to place, muscle big lag screws into lumber, and churn drill bits through the hardest woods. |
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Block Planes
TR-0035
This 6-page article is part technique, part tool review. The first two pages show you three great uses for a block plane; the next two pages show you how to tune your block plane for the best results. Finally, we share the results of our testing of six popular low-angle block planes. |
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Blade and Bit Cleaners - Which ones work the best
TR-0033a
If cleaning your saw blades and router bits sits near the bottom of your to-do list, you may be shortening the life of your carbide cutters. We tested eight products and several home remedies to see which work fastest and safest. |
