Though this Porter-Cable tool is priced higher than comparable DeWalt and Makita models, the 557K is Amazon.com's top-selling plate joiner. Its success is perhaps due to its very powerful 7-1/2 amp motor--the largest in the industry--which turns the blade at 10,000 rpm and does an excellent job of making clean cuts in any kind of wood. As well as cutting slots for the standard no. 0, 10, and 20 biscuits, Porter-Cable's joiner features an exclusive, full-thickness, FF biscuit developed especially for cabinet face frames. Another unique feature of the Porter-Cable joiner is the 2-inch blade (included), which is small enough to make cuts in stock as narrow as 1-1/2 inches. We found the micro height adjustment works well, allowing for precise biscuit placement. The tool is well balanced and comfortable to use. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• Includes 1,000 biscuits (a $19.99 value)
• Most powerful motor in its class
• Tilting fence and precise micro-height adjustment
• Includes both 2- and 4-inch blades
• One year warranty/30 day performance certification

Asin: B0000222ZD
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Plate Joiners    4. (Jointers)    5. (Biscuit Joiners)    6. (Biscut)    7. (Cutters)   

When it comes to jointers, there aren't a lot of differences among the leaders in the market. Like other manufacturers, Jet uses heavy-duty cast iron in the fence, jointer base, and infeed/outfeed tables and offers a three-blade drum and built-in 4-inch dust port. Their design, however, features a couple of innovations that changed our "jointers are jointers" mindset. While the infeed tables in other models can only be raised or lowered with a rod or lever system, this machine's design allows you to adjust both of the feed tables by rotating smooth, industrial-style hand wheels. This feature lends itself to easier tapers and gives you more control when you need to take off precise measurements, like 1/64 of an inch, a setting that can frustrate woodworkers lifting the arms up or down on other machines. The fence glides extremely smoothly throughout its range of motion and tilts both ways, but, where other brands offer fixed stops only at 45 and 90 degrees, Jet's jointer adjusts to quickly reproduce multiple cuts at any angle you find necessary. Driven by a 4,850 rpm, 1-horsepower induction motor completely encased in a welded steel stand, this jointer comes prewired for 115-volt outlets and can be converted to run off 230-volt sources. As a final touch, Jet designed the industrial start switch with holes behind the button for locking with a readily available Master Lock to keep coworkers or family members safe from accidental injury. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Built-in ledge for cutting rabbets
• Easy-to-use handwheels accurately adjust the infeed and outfeed tables
• Fence tilt two ways and features 90- and 45-degree positive stops
• 1 horsepower, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor
• 46-inch cast-iron bed with precision-machined finish ensures accuracy

Asin: B00004WCG9
Subjects:  1. Jointers    2. Stationary Jointers   

Delta 22-58013" Two-Speed Finishing Planer
by Delta
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $788.00 -- our price: $349.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Delta calls its 22-580 a finishing planer, but it's really two planers in one. A dimensioning speed of 60 cpi allows you to shave rough wood to its desired thickness quickly and accurately, with virtually no snipe. Then, with a single pass at the quicker finishing speed of 90 cpi, your wood comes out ultrasmooth and ready to go. The razor-sharp, double-sided M2 steel knives are powered by a 15 amp, 120-volt, single-phase motor. Bells and whistles like a blade zero indicator (which lets you set the cutterhead to the exact thickness of your wood), patented cutterhead lock (which eliminates snipe), and easy blade-change system add to the value, as do the oversize infeed and outfeed tables, which make it easier to glide your wood through the machine. Overall, this is one solid piece of machinery. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Fastest and safest blade change system on the market
• 2-Speed feed rate system for rough and finishing stock removal
• Patented cutterhead lock virtually eliminates snipe
• Full range depth stop for any thickness from 1/8" to 6-12"
• Blade zero indicator to set the cutterhead the exact thickness of material

Reviews (76)

Not Real Happy with it or Delta
I purchased my Delta 2 speed finishing planer last Oct or Nov, I could check on which but it is not that important. At first I was thrilled. The unit made short work of rough lumber. The depth stop was outstanding. Snipe? I really didn't notice any. I have only done a couple of projects with it but those I've done entailed planing 4/4 cherry and oak to 3/4" and on some of the cherry 1/2".
I was working on the cherry project when I noticed the depth stop didn't. It set just fine but I could lower the head without so much as a slowdown. I also noticed sometimes boards would feed a few feet in (these are 4' lengths) then sieze up. I also started to notice the dreaded snipe.
I called Delta technical support and the woman I spoke to said open up the side with the stop and adjust the nut. She didn't say where to adjust it to so I tried up and down to no avail. She also said the siezing was caused by perhaps dirty feed rollers and if I put the speed control in the middle (neutral) the rollers would rotate freely. NOT SO, to clean the entire surface requires random runs to position the rollers to different stop points.
I finally took it in to the local Porter Cable/Delta repair facility. When I picked it up the repair guy was noticably condenscending. Perhaps I didn't bother to read the instructions? Did I even have the instructions? Could I read? He accused me of breaking it (causing the stop to not work). He came just shy of saying the snipe was due to the flimsy little feed tables on infeed and outfeed and to fix it I need to build a good perfectly level feed table for both sides.
Hmmm, ok but have you checked the price? This thing cost more than my Jet (or Delta) table saw. For that money I don't expect to be buying flimsy. At any rate, the Jet Planer is way beyond my budget so I am stuck with the Delta. If the two were close I'd give this puppy only one star, sell it and get the Jet.
By the way, I have yet to determine if the 2 speeds really do anything. The pitch sounds the same, the feed rate appears the same, and the finish looks the same. If anything, the slow speed finish might actually be smoother. It is close either way.

Feeding problems galore
Bought the planer mid-summer 2004.Before the end of the year the planer began requiring "help" to keep the boards moving.Periodically it would just hang, burning the board.A quick nudge was needed to continue feeding.

Normal maintenance includes cleaning the rollers.The manual says to use a scotch pad and soapy water.I also adjusted the outfeed roller per the manual.This would fix the problem for a while, but it would slowly go back to its old ways.Eventually it gets so bad it requires a constant pushing or pulling to get the boards to feed continuously.Dangerous, frustrating, and leads to poor results.The finish when it works is amazing, but I have found the machine to be a poor substitute for a heavier duty unit.I am only a hobbyist, building boxes and some small furniture.

great planer but ....
I have been making cabinets for the last five years and in that short amount of time I have used three different planers. This is the best one I've ever used. First off what really impressed me was that there was not that much assembly required (unlike most of delta's products). Second the finishing speed on the planer nearly eliminated the need for sanding (a big plus in my book). Lastly the blades seemed to hold up well. The first time out of the box I put it to work on a set of hard maple face frames and doors. Only at the end of my planing opporation did the boards start to show signs of planer marks (by that time I had put over 300 board foot of material through that planner). The planer marks were small and were easily taken care of with a cabinet scraper. Though out the entire process I only found one case of snip in a board and after that I have not detected any more cases of snip. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was the dust chute was not included rendering the planer usless with out it. Luckily I had read some of the reviews before I bought this planer so I knew I had to kick down the extra mony for the dust chute to start planing right out of the box. ... Read more

Asin: B0000648AS
Subjects:  1. Planers    2. Bench-Top Planers    3. (Planners)    4. (Plainers)    5. (Surface Planers)    6. (Portable)   

Delta 17-965 16-Speed 16-1/2" Floor Drill Press
by Delta
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $471.22 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 4-7/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 16 speeds (215 to 2,720 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth running operation
• 16 speeds from 215 to 2720 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• 5/8-inch chuck for use with a wide variety of drill bits
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (39)

Excellent machine
I recently purchased the Delta 17-965 based on comments and several reviews in magazines. I must say I'm very pleased. This machine runs smooth and fairly quietly. It appears well made with a fine fit and finish. The measured runout, to the best of my abilities, appears to be about .002" on the chucked drill bit's shaft. I found it on sale in the tool crib catalog cheaper than the JET, with which I bought a magnetic base lamp. This drill press will probably outlive me. Its always nice knowing you'll never have to replace a peice of equipment again.

I highly recommend this machine.

Nice tool
I've used this tool a lot since purchasing it last Nov. I've had no problem with it. Be sure and have help in lifting the head up onto the column, strong and tall help is best. My only complaint is the plastic belt cover tends to vibrate. If the resulting hum could be eliminated, it would be a very quiet machine. It's not real loud, just an annoyance which I should be able to fix in some way. Nicely finished and easily adjusted. The depth stop is a great improvement over what has been the "norm" in the past. Quick, tool less adjustment which stays put.

Think Twice Before Buying
I ordered the Delta 17-965 from Amazon which was suppose to come with a mail in offer for a mortising kit. Imagine my surprise when I did not receive the paperwork for the mail in offer and I learned from Amazon that the offer was a misprint which they would not honor. To make matter worse they want to charge me return shipping which is almost $400! Think twice and buy locally. ... Read more

Asin: B00002266L
Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Stationary Drill Presses    3. (Drils)   

Other advantages include a heavy-gauge metal housing and a powdercoating (rather than paint), meaning the saw will hold up to regularusage and still look good. Another user-friendly feature is thequick-connect electrical plug, so you don't have to follow long cordsto their outlets before each blade change. Band saws aren't thedustiest machines around, so the 2-inch dust port for the shop vacseems just right, but a 2- to 4-inch converter can be added for usewith a more serious shop-dust-collection system. This saw is best forshops doing smaller pieces or serious hobbyists who want to do finework. Owners will enjoy quick and easy setup by following a clear setof instructions. --Nancy Gleason ... Read more

Features

• Graphite-impregnated polymer blade guides deliver a cooler-running blade
• Table tilts 45 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the leftfor making angled cuts
• 1-horsepower, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor moves the blade at 3,000 sfpm
• 15-by-15-inch cast-iron tilting table provides extra support for work pieces
• Features a 6-by-13-1/2-inch cutting capacity

Asin: B00004YKCW

Porter-Cable 7116 Omnijig 24" Dovetail Machine includes Free How-To Video
by Porter-Cable
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $680.90
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Porter-Cable's Omnijig dovetail machine is a bells-and-whistles model that brings you the ultimate in precision dovetailing. The Omnijig is super sturdy, with true machined-tool construction and a 5/8-inch cast-aluminum base, and clamps on with solid cam-action 1-1/4-inch steel clamps. The versatile template allows for 1/2-inch half-blind dovetails and cuts both tails and pins in one pass. The action on the Omnijig is plenty smooth, creating joints without nicks or rough edges--exactly what the practicing professional demands in a dovetail. The machine handles stock up to 24 inches wide and 1/2 to 1 inch thick. You can't go wrong here. The Omnijig is an excellent dovetail machine, worth every penny. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Quick and easy setup
• Machined tool construction
• Handles a variety of projects
• Quick clamping of material

Reviews (10)

omnijig review
I bought a 7116 omnijig and a adjustable through dovetail templatefrom Tool Crib and the first one came to me with a grossly deformed aluminum casting. I don't know how it ever made it past quality control because I noticed the defect as soon as I opened the box. I called Tool Crib and they had UPS come and pick it up at no expence to me. Fed EX delivered the second one and a look at the box had me worried. It was badly damaged, and upon opening it I saw that the styrofoam packing was completly destroyed. Luckly there was no damage to the omnijig.
I watched the video (it seemed intimidating) but I started to play with it and get familiar with it. After about 4 hours of set up and making test cuts I made 8 drawers.They came out OK for my first attempt. I think if I buy some good measuring instruments to make set up more precise and easier and after getting more familiar with this jig it will become easy to use and will produce quality joinery.

Great Jig
This jig is great.It cuts perfect dovetails.However, it does take some time to set it up.Unlike others who say they were making perfect dovetails in 15 minutes, it took me about three hours.I consider myself an intermediate woodworker, but had never used (let alone, seen one up close)a dovetail jug before this.Definitely watch the complimentary video PC includes.The manual doesn't come close to the value of the VHS tape.In fact, I watched certain sections 5 or 6 times and kept going in and out of the shop between viewings !Everytime I had it about perfect, I'd screw it up by fine tuning it some more !My biggest problem was getting the left & right side the same (template & router depth adjustments).Backing in/out the 9/16" nut spacer is a little bit like a guessing game.However, after about 10 test cuts I got it just right. Simple tip: It's true that you might need several scrap pieces for test cuts, but it's easy to simply use 2 approx. 16" long stock and keep cutting off an inch of unwanted/non-fiting test cuts and repeat the process.

It is also important to remember that your stock must be in increments of 7/8ths to have a half pin on top and bottom of your joint.While others here have expressed regret over this restriction/requirement, I don't see any problem with it.You just have to remember this before you design your project.

The cam locks work great.They are easy to adjust.After spending a few "quality" hours with this jig I feel like I've been using it for years.It would be great for mass production jobs.

Porter Cable OmniJig vs Leigh D4 Jig
The Porter Cable OmniJig is simple in it's design, and is substantially made. The dovetail template is a fixed design. The spacing of the dovetails, are not adjustable. If you have a drawer that is 5 3/8" tall, you will have an odd spaced pin. The ideal are pins that are balanced on the top and bottom. Preferably a half pin top and bottom. With the Porter Cable jig, you could have a tail instead of a pin at one end, or odd balanced pins. The Leigh D4 dovetail jig on the other hand gives you infinite spacing capabilities. That kind of adjustability comes with a price for additional set up time. I want complete adjustability, so I can make the outside pins perfectly matched, and then balance the interior pins and tails to whatever spacing I choose. Additionally I have complete control over the size of the pins and tails themselves. It also accepts specific yet different degree angle dovetail bits.
I'm not a yeah this, and a boo that. I like the speed of the omnijig, and the adjustability of the D4. If I was building drawers in a production shop, and time is of the essence, then the PC is the choice. If I was building a custom order, with choice woods, and an even choosier customer, the Leigh would be my choice.
The Omnijig is a well made heavyweight piece, designed to do half blind joints. Through dovetails require a different optional, and expensive jig. Still not with adjustable capabilities. The Leigh D4 is lighter and also well made, comes with through, half blind, and sliding dovetail capabilties right out of the box, all at the price of the base Omnijig unit.
The PC dovetail machine was proudly pictured on the front page of the October 2002 Woodworkers Journal magazine announcing their ultimate guide. They reviewed the different jigs. With the Omnijig, they mentioned, that like, almost all half blind jigs, they are designed around a 14 degree dovetail. In order to get the depth of cut needed at that angle, the jig uses a 3/4" bit. The reviewer stated, "To me, the resulting dovetail looks rather coarse". On the other hand WJ magazine, states, " The jigs that go both ways, especially the super flexible Leigh jig, earn a space in my shop."
Myself, I bought the Leigh D4 with a complete 15 piece set of Leigh factory special router bits, that are custom designed for dovetailing (many different sizes and lengths, and shaft size) for less money than the cost of the PC Omni and optional PC Through Jig. I would also strongly advise you to get their 8mm and 1/2" collet set, instead of the 1/4" and 1/2" shaft size bits, because of the substantially increased strength, yet giving you the capabilities of the smaller pins. You will need an optional 8MM collet for your router to use them. Smaller tighter joints requires slimmer bits, and instead of 1/4" bits with more vibration, which is solved with 8mm bits that give you substantially more shaft size, while still maintaning a small enough size for the smaller template, yielding tighter spacing, and smoother cuts. That is why the international standard for the smaller shaft size is 8mm instead of 1/4". Back to the OmniJig.
If my needs grow to production standards, I will be adding the PC Omnijig to my arsenal. Quite simply the advantage to the OmniJig is that you can take your project and put it in the jig, and put out evenly spaced dovetails pre set to the restricted size of the template, without having to run sample cuts to set up the machine. If your running odd lots all day long, that is a major speed difference.
If you making large lots of the same size, the initial set up for the Leigh is no longer important, and will result in a balanced job, without the loss of time.
I really like my Porter Cable equipment, it is well made, I just think that something as relevant as the contained information should be explained, in addition to the well deserved 5 star reviews. ... Read more

Asin: B00002241G
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Jigs    4. Dovetail Jigs   

JET AFS-1000B / 708620B Air Filtration System
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $400.00 -- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

A good filtration system is as important as any tool in your shop, and the Jet AFS-1000 is a pretty inspired machine. Like other systems on the market, Jet's uses a two-filter process: an outer filter removes particles up to 5 microns in size and an inner, three-pocket filter traps particles as small as 1 micron. The electrostatic outer filter easily withstands three or four washings, and the inner filter can be blown clean easily with compressed air. On the power end, Jet's three-speed, 1/6-horsepower motor filters to 1044 cfm on high speed. The outer filter is well sealed and provides efficient intake. However, what really sets the AFS-1000 apart from most filtration systems is its remote control and timer features. Since these systems are most effective when placed high or hung from the ceiling, being able to control all of the unit's functions via remote control is a feature we quickly decided we wouldn't want to live without. The timer, which can also be set via remote, affords you the option to set it and forget it. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Comes with an electrostatic filter that is electronically charged to attract many more dust particles than other standard filters
• Filters 98% of all particles 5 microns in size and 85% of all particles 1 micron in size
• Runs quietly
• Includes a remote control for convenience
• Comes complete with eyebolts to either hang the machine from the ceiling or to sit on on a workbench

Reviews (77)

Good Machine, Horible Customer Service
Over the past three months, I have purchased 4 Jet woodworking machines including this one, to the tune of almost $2400.Until recently, I was planning to purchase a Jet Planer Molder and Performax Drumsander, but based on my recent experience with the WHM Tool Group, who makes this equipment, I am having second thoughts.Although I am for the most part happy with the machines I've purchased, when I was assembling my table saw, the fence that came with the saw did not match the one in the instructions, and I had to spend a considerable amount of time on hold with the WHM customer service department to find out how to mount it to the saw.I can live with that, but as I began to use the saw I discovered that although two arbor wrenches are required to change the saw blade, only one came with the saw. Although I don't think it is too much to ask that they throw in two $6 wrenches with a $1500 saw, I thought, I'd just order one from the WHM website.There I found that the Shipping for the $6 wrench would be $19.99.I sent a note to WHM regarding this requesting a reply, and did not receive one.When I called a week later, I was curtly told that the saw comes with only one wrench.When I asked why it would cost $20 to send a $6 wrench that would fit in a standard letter sized envelope, I was told that they do not ship via U.S Mail, and that was the end of the conversation.I ordered the wrench to the tune of $26.70, and was surprised again to find that it was back ordered with no expected date of delivery. I sent a copy of this rating to WHM tool group to give them a chance to respond, but again have received no response almost a week later.For what ever it's worth, if customer service is important to you and you don't want to have to purchase things that should come with the tool and then be charged three times the value of the item for shipping and handling you might want to consider another brand.

No way to review when new unit fuse blows
Just purchasd the unit based upon all of the favorable reviews. Maybe I'm in the minority but when connecting the power and hitting "ON"...poof, the fuse trips. I reset the fuse, try again, and...poof, the fuse blows. The third try was not a charm. Based upon a new unit doing this, I have to rate it 1 star. Perhaps I will spend a little more and by the USA-made JDS.

Good investment with many applications
Solid construction and performance all around; the unit is intended for ceiling mount but is just portable enough for my purposes. Considering the many favorable customer reviews here, I'm not alone in endorsing the AFS-1000B and have no regrets having purchased one. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R9LO
Subjects:  1. Vacuums    2. Dust Collectors    3. Air Cleaners    4. (Vacumes)    5. (Vaccuums)    6. (Vaccums)    7. (Vacums)   

The Basics of Craftsmanship: Key Advice on Every Aspect of Woodworking (Essentials of Woodworking)
by Taunton Press
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1999)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This is a superb and comprehensive guide for those new to woodworking, but it will also hold a few surprises and useful shortcuts for the seasoned pro. Included are chapters on setting up and maintaining a shop, the basic tools and materials needed in every shop, fundamental techniques for building all kinds of furniture, and thorough information on finishes and finishing methods. An added bonus is the inclusion of a number of first projects for the beginner. Generously illustrated with color photographs and helpful diagrams throughout, this is an excellent how-to book for the woodworker who wants to become a real artisan. --Mark A. Hetts ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great guide!
As a beginning woodworker, I can't recommend this book enough. It covers just about everything to get you going - laying out a shop, table saws, hand tools, ideal tools to own, dovetail joints, finishes, the list goes on and on. I'm constantly referring back to it as questions pop up.

Not for complete beginners!
This is not a good book for those without any woodworking experience.There is too much jargon that is unexplained, and no real starting projects.I'm certain that there is excellent info for beginners who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills, but for people with no background who are looking for the most basic advice, I would look elsewhere.

Good place to start
My desire to get back into woodworking after many, many years has led me to purchase about a dozen different books on setting up shop, buying tools, woodworking techniques, etc.Now I wish I had found this book much sooner.

The book itself is a collection of articles from "Fine Woodworking" magazine.For the most part, the editor's choice of articles is excellent.For example, the Setting Up Shop section has three articles: 1)outfitting a shop, 2) buying used hand tools, and 3)converting your garage into a workshop.Although I found little of interest in the 2nd article, I learned as much from the other two has entire books on the subject.I especially liked the fact that the article on outfitting a shop had the pull-no-punches opinions of 3 different woodworkers.This lets the reader see that no two experts agree on the subject, but there is enough agreement that it should help a beginner make wiser choices.

The 4 articles on buying wood, sheet goods, glue, and sandpaper were all full of practical information normally lacking in other books.

The Tools and Techniques sections have 13 well-chosen articles, although the collection is far from being a comprehensive survey of the subject.The only power tools covered in any depth are the table saw and router.You may want to supplement your education with other books on these topics.

I found the sections on "First Projects" and "Finishes" to be a little weaker than the other parts.These articles suffer from the fact that this type of book no flow of logic from one chapter to the next.The chapters on finishing suffer from considerable overlap and some conflicting information.Still, I found the individual articles interesting.

In summary, I think this book is an excellent place to start if you are new to woodworking.After buying this very inexpensive book, you can go straight to more definitive books on only the topics you have real interest in.From what I have seen, you can safely skip the other introductory books. ... Read more

Isbn: 1561582972
Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Tools    5. Woodwork    6. Woodwork - General    7. Woodworking    8. Woodworking tools   

JET 708663PK / JTAS-10XL50-W1 3 HP, 10" Xacta Saw, Left Tilt with 50" Xacta Fence
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $1,499.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

While this JET saw beats its closest competitor on price, italso offers some advantages in terms of design and construction.Placing the quick-connect electrical plug right at the saw so the userdoesn't have to search out the wall socket for every blade change isjust one small example of JET's attention to detail. The stand for thissaw is made of a heavy-gauge metal, and features a hinged motor cover and a 4- inch dust port for easy connection to a dust-collection system. Achange in the hole pattern on the fence rails means lefties can shiftthe set up to their preference. The left-tilting arbor is another markin this saw's favor. Tilting the blade away from the fence negates theneed for a sacrificial fence and reduces the risk of the piece bindingunder the blade. This saw's most impressive feature is the smoothaction of the blade height-adjustment mechanism. Not only will userssave their wrists and knuckles, but they'll also save time by being able tocrank the blade to the exact height necessary with vastly fewer testruns for every rabbet, dado, tongue, and groove. Finally, we reallyappreciate JET's use of totally enclosed fan-cooled motors on this andevery other saw the company makes. While this may add a little to the finalcost of the saw, the extra life and reliability this gives the motorsis well worth it. This saw is an excellent choice in its price range.--Nancy Gleason ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty
• 3 hp, single-phase, 230-volt motor
• Left-tilting blade
• Large 27-by-40-inch table
• 50-inch total rip capacity, 12-inch left-of-blade rip capacity

Reviews (34)

Poor Product Support
I'm afraid I have to agree with one of the other posts regarding poor warranty service. I purchased a the left tilt saw (along with an 18" bandsaw and dust collector) in November of 2004 and for almost 2 of the last 5 months it has been inoperable. Initially I phoned tech support to report that the motor stopped and they speculated that it was a problem with the start capacitor. They sent a new one and I installed it but the motor still did not work. At their instruction I did some diassembly anddetermined that the windings of the motor were charred black so they said they would send me a new motor, however it wouldn't be available for more then a month. I phoned back the following day and asked if they could send a motor from a display model, new or used. The fellow I spoke to said he would "see what he could do" and call me back that day. He never called. When the motor finally became available I was assured that it would be shipped by 3 day air since it had been so long. It wasn't shipped as promised. I called only to find it out that it went by standard ground transportation. When it arrived I opened the boxonly to find that the 60+ pound motor had about a 1/2 of an inch of packing underneath it and consequently the fan housing was smashed into the fan and the mounting plate was bent. Futhermore they sent the wrong motor. I have a left tilt saw; they sent a right tilt motor, even though I provided the model number and the original motor tag (along with a special form they required). I phoned again, spoke to the same person and was told she would overnight a new motor. It's been 5 days and I'm still waiting. Obviously I'm a bit frustrated at this point hence the reason for my first ever product review. It may well be that the product is as good as any other companies but in reality it is only as good as the company that stands behind it and right now they're not very impressive.If you're going to be relying on this saw for your business I would recommend looking into another brand.

a fine machine
I bought the Jet 10" saw and it is great. Plenty of power, I rip through 8/4 maple and cherry like butter. The finish is great, The assembly was a piece of cake. Just the slightest little bit of adjustment in the fence was needed. I didn't spend more than 5 minutes adjusting the saw, Delta should learn a little from them. As far as the fine adment on the fence, well it is just easier to tap the fince with your fist to move it 1/32 of an inch. Maybe I am just old school... I considered heavly between the Delta and the Jet but I am glad I got the Jet. There is nothing that irratates me more is than when you spend $1500 or more and nothing is in line.... I will buy other jet products.

Ain't no Powermatic
I'm a professional carpenter/cabinet builder working in the field for over 20 years.I've used every kind of table saw out there: Powermatics, Unisaws, Olivers, Grizzleys, Generals, saws without labels, European saws with unpronounceable names, way too many hours pushing wood through a saw.I needed a new saw for a small shop space I'm setting up and picked the 10" jet cabinet saw (JTAS-10XL50.)I figured it was pretty much the same as a Powermatic and would save me $500.I doesn't matter to me who's label is on the front, nor how shiny the top, just how it works.

The first saw I received (after having to bring it the final 300 yards to the shop door from were it was left in the street, so much for the $25 extra delivery fee) was broken.It had been dropped or hit on the bevel-adjusting shaft, which broke off the 90-degree stop portion of the front trunnion.It may have been a shipping problem, but it was caused by improper crating- the shaft had no protection.

Two weeks latter (returns aren't handled with any special urgency) I got another saw.This one has vibrations that come into the saw blade and leave a rough cut.Jet's remedy is to keep taking pieces off and getting replacements from Tool Crib till the problem is gone.

Four days after calling in the replacement of a motor, two pulleys, three belts and some odds and ends Toll Crib still can't tell me when the parts will even ship.When and if the parts ever do arrive I'll be surprised if they fit and even more surprised if there is any improvement in performance.

The saw has another major problem; the fence is junk.The support rails and guild rail all are bent.When bolted together (with the use of clamps) I got them straighter, but then the fence it self is twisted and curved too.It looks like one pass over the jointer would fix it- hard to do with steel.

If Tool Crib/Jet can get me the parts I need to make this thing work well, I will look at it as a mistake, but an old lesson re-learned.If they can't, they are getting it back and I'll buy a proper saw from someone, anyone, else.

Pay extra and buy quality, it will always save you money. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223L6
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Table Saws    3. Stationary Table Saws    4. (Tablesaws)   

Fein RT-18003-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $430.00 -- our price: $319.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

While there are plenty of solid and reliable plunge routers on the market, there are few that work as smoothly and quietly as this model from Fein. Featuring a soft-start motor that eliminates start-up torque and twisting, six speeds, and electronic feedback control, it's capable of producing great results in a wide variety of materials. The trigger is well placed in the grip, so turning the router on and off can be accomplished without trying to hold it with one hand, and the grips are nicely contoured to the hand and a little larger than those of most other routers. While it can be mounted to a table, this router is designed with plunge routing in mind, and the control it offers for freehand work is really unbeatable. Everything about this router is well thought out, from the easy-to-reach placement of the plunge lever and trigger to the precision of the height adjustment. For many people, the reduced noise level and added degree of control may not be worth the bigger price tag, but for more-discriminating tool buyers the Fein is worth the expense. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Wide base opening for all bits
• Powerful and strong motor for smooth cuts at any RPM
• Lightweight for easy of use
• 6 speeds to match any bit size with material being cut
• Quick change spindle

Reviews (14)

Best router so far...
I've owned several routers over the years. The Fein is probably at the top of the heap of 3-1/4 HP routers. It is quiet, well-balanced, and fairly light. I love it's on-off switch--by far the best, and considerably easier to turn on and off than that of DeWalt. So far, I've had no breakdowns (my DeWalt had a cord failure and an on-off switch screw-up). Don't get too carried away by "whisper-quiet"--once the bit hits the wood, all routers are about the same! It's not really 6 speeds; it has a continual speed adjustment, labelled 1-6. Height adjustment is easy and accurate. This router just has a great "feel" to it in terms of low vibration and balance that makes me think it's going to be humming along for a long, long time. My only regret is that I got this router last rather than first.

The BEST plunge router, hands down.
Turn it on, run it for hours on the router table and shut it down at the end of the day.This is a serious production-quality machine. Go ahead, just TRY to bog it down, nothing phases this brute.Depth djustments are simple and repeatable.The Fein is quiet and powerful, it doesn't scream at deafening pitch like most of the other 3+HP routers out there (a HUGE plus if you have to listen to it all day).Available accessories are pricey, I would have liked to see them included with the standard kit so I have to give this router 4 stars, otherwise it's a dream to use and holds up to the test of time.

Fein RT-1800 Router
The stator winding on my Hitachi M12V had opened (burned) after 12 years of service. I thought of buying another M12V having made my own fine adjustment knob and locking device years ago. But, after researching different brands I had decided to buy the Fein and I am very pleased with it. It is a very quiet, smooth, and precise machine. Changing router bits is so easy and quick. When I make an adjustment and lock it down, it stays there! I only item I did not like was the lock-on switch located in the handle. I use the Fein in a router table and very seldom do I use it hand held. So what I did was mount an On/Off switch/receptacle on my router table. I use the table mounted on/off switch to turn the router on & off. When I get ready to remove the router for any reason like bit changing I always unplug the router from the receptacle: Remember "SAFETY FIRST". ... Read more

Asin: B00004U5WX
Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Plunge Routers   

Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Portable Router Table
by Bench Dog
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $229.95 -- our price: $199.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Extruded aluminum fence
• Includes top, fence, pre-drilled router plate, and cabinet
• Fully adjustable miter track with 3/4-inch miter gauge t-slot and accessory t-slot
• 22-by-16-inch laminated work surface
• Accepts most routers

Reviews (45)

Excellent but assembly times vary
This table took me four hours to assemble.There are over 150 components that must be assembled.As with all projects this size, it's slow going at first as you search through all the hardware, and things get easier as the number of parts remaining dwindles.

The manual mentions that you should not be concerned if there are parts left at the end of the project because they often throw in "extra" parts.I view this as a negative.I really enjoy using the last part in the last step of the instructions.To me, that's a great feeling that both the manufacturer and I have done our jobs well.In spite of the inclusion of many unneeded parts, I was short one required nut which I bought at my hardware store for $.31.

Although there are some uber-assemblers out there who will throw this together in an hour, I think this is a substantial project for the average hobby woodworker; however, the steps are clear and the components fit together beatifully.

The end product is quite convincing and sturdy.The table is very solid with my Bosch 2.25 hp router mounted, and it is light enough to easily stow when not in use.

Overall this seems like a good product at a good price.I do wish Bench Dog would be as precise in putting together their hardware bags as they are in cutting the pieces though.

Supposed to be nice ...if they would ever ship it.
Don't expect this anytime soon if you order from Amazon.I've been waiting almost a month and they just keep moving my shipping date back.So if you actually need one sometime soon, head to Woodcrafters or another store with units in stock.If you just want it by the end of Summer Amazon might get the job done.

Weekend home remodeler and new router user.
I was going to build my own router table as many experienced carpenters recommend, but could not justify it when I spotted this table.I would spend almost as much on materials to build a nicely equipped table.Plus, since I am just develping my skills as a carpenter, I am not sure it would come out well

The fence and quality of materials of this table are usually found on much more expensive pieces.The cabnet is made from 7 (or more) layers of birch face ply finished very nicely.(No, it's not chip board as another writer mentioned.)The plate that came with it is of the quality sold for $40 alone.It was drilled perfectly for my PC router.

I am not sure why others had problems, because it went together perfectly.I just followed the directions, leaving everyhting lose until the end.I am very excited by this product. ... Read more

Asin: B00002242E
Sales Rank: 312
Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Tables    3. (Routertables)   

Forrest WW10407125 Woodworker II 10", 40-Tooth Blade for Table Saws (1/8" Kerf)
by Forrest
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $156.00 -- our price: $99.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• No more cutting 1/16-inch oversize to allow for resurfacing
• 10-inch by 40-tooth, 1/8-inch kerf
• One blade does rip, combo, and crosscut
• No more scratchy saw cuts
• No more second-step finishing

Reviews (71)

Your Own Shredder!
Very sharp and long living blade!
Cut woods, trees and heads(animals)!

There's a reason that this blade averages 5 stars
There's nothing out there like this blade.Don't get me wrong, Freud, Old Ham, etc., make good blades, it's just that this one is exceptional.I've also bought their chopsaw blade and just like the WoodWorker II, it's fantastic!Worth every penny.

Forrest saw blades
I have several Forrest blade products, including the Woodworker I and II, (10 inch) and the 12" chopmaster, along with their Dado set (8 inch), and their blade dampener.The blades ALL are the best I have ever owned, and have replaced such blades as the Freud 40 tooth combination and Freud 80 tooth Teflon coated blade I used to use for super smooth cuts. The Woodworker blades in the table saw and the radial arm saw both give cuts as good as the best Freud blades while being easier to use. The table saw blade allows for a faster feed rate with less burning, and the Radial arm saw blade is safer to use because it does not try to grab and walk through the wood.The 12 inch blade on my Dewalt sliding compound miter saw is a dream. I can cut slivers off of oak that you can almost read through and are glass smooth, and the saw is completely controllable. The quality of cut, longevity of the cutting edge (haven't sharpened any of the blades in 15 years of light to moderate use) and ease of machining make these blades well worth much more than they cost. The Dado head, while expensive, is unequalled for cutting absolutely smooth flat-bottomed dadoes and rabbets (adjustable wobble dados are quick and cheap, but the results are not nearly good enough for fine furniture work.) ... Read more

Asin: B0000223VQ
Sales Rank: 66
Subjects:  1. Blades    2. Table Saw Blades    3. 10-inch Blades    4. (Tablesaws)   

Shark 10-2204 Dowel/Dovetail/Detail Saw
by Shark Corp
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $12.34
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• One year warranty
• 26 Teeth per inch for exceptionally fine cuts
• Cuts dowel and plugs flush
• Very narrow kerf for minimal stock removal
• Ideal for dovetails and other joinery cuts

Reviews (10)

Really wonderful and inexpensive tool
This is a fabulous little saw.With a 0.020" kerf, I use it for cutting fret slots in guitar fingerboards.It cuts beautifully and stays much sharper than my gents saw from Crown.I think Japanese saws are inherently superior to Western saws, and this one is a real winner.For 13 bucks, just get it!You WILL love it.

Great for those tight spots...
I agree with most everyone else here...this is a great saw for the money. I have a dovetail saw, that I have used for years so I mostly use this little saw for trimming dowels and making wooden hinges. It is so easy to get an accurate cut and stop on the bottom cut line that I have quit using the bandsaw to make hinges. The blade, when sharp of course, cuts thru even the hardest hardwoods and leaves a very clean cut. Cleanup with chisel and file is almost totally eliminated. New blades are as cheap as paying to have it sharpened so there is no reason to have a dull saw. Recommend this one highly.

Super Slicer !
What a difference ... I'm a student, trying to come to grips with the different facets of woodworking.

I'm a rank beginner - so, i had nothing to "unlearn" - push vs
pull.it's very simple to use, the thin kerf and super sharp blade slicing wood like you won't believe !

The only "gripe" is the absence of a spine - you'll do well to
spend a bit more and get the Dozuki ..

All in all, a Great Saw ! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TBPU
Sales Rank: 2298
Subjects:  1. Hand Tools    2. Hand Saws    3. (Handsaws)   

Tru-Grip CT50C 50" Clamp-N-Tool Guide
by Griset
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $44.00 -- our price: $35.14
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Fast positioning with edge to edge grip
• 50-inch grip capacity
• Guide, fence, and bar clamp all in one
• Fits any drill press or band saw
• Clamps to posts or beams

Reviews (22)

Great accessory!
The amount of time this thing saves is invaluable! Clamps tight, and has three settings for grip. It's a straightforward, non-technically challenging accessory every woodworker should have. I just ordered the 24" unit as well for smaller projects. Works well with a circular and a jig saw. Thank goodness for Amazon, as I have not seen these elsewhere. Great stuff.

Performance on par with price.
I purchased this device a while back mainly to use as a straight edge tool guide and I have found that it performs well for this purpose.Clamping it square to the table takes a bit of fussing, but once it is square and locked down there are no worries of slippage or flexing, even under significant pressure.Using a handheld circular saw riding against this tool guide, I get an arrow straight cut every time.I chose the 50" tool so I could use it to cross cut plywood in this manner.Since tablesaws are exceptionally more powerful and versatile than handheld circular sawqs, I do not like the results as well as running a panel through a tablesaw with a big outfeed table.However, if that is not possible due to budget or space constraints this is a valuable tool to have around.I would feel better about the value of this tool if it cost a bit less, but it does provide you with increased cutting options for a lot less than a bigger saw or outfeed table would cost.

These clamps are tops, and pressure is adjustable
When I use these clamps, I adjust the pressure by how snugly I fit the foot of the clamp. If I have thicker material and want to clamp real tight, I slide the foot up tight against the edge, and then push down the lever. If I want a slightly lighter clamping pressure, then I leave a hair gap offset, before clamping it down.
If I had to get critical of working with these, I would say two things. 1) You have to be working on a relatively flat surface underneath. If you are on two horses, and you have a sheet of plywood, it tends to bow. Then the clamp can not create a flat workedge. Wherever it is low, their is a valley, or a loss of the clamp edge flat on the material. This is to be expected, of course, and is not a problem, if you have a supporting sheet, or a couple of two by's on top of the horses. 2) In order to create a square cut (90 degrees) you need to use a carpentars square to line it up. (As compared to a table saw, with large tables, which is preconfigured to be square.) Be that as it may, you can't beat these for giving you a great tool guide for lots of different purposes. These make a very good, far reaching clamp. It will not creep a setting, if you are using it for an overnight glue up.
Their lightweight, yet strong. If your careful, you can keep your saw tight against the edge. For a heftier version, check out Tru-Grips pro series. They are over 5 inches wide, and have t-tracks, and a special indentation to accomodate their router base, circular saw base, and stop. That creates error free straight lines out on the job. The come in 2, 4, and 8 foot sizes. All of them are a few inches larger than their stated size. For example the 4 foot, will handle workpieces up to 54 inches.
I highly recommend Tru-Grip products, both for their usability, engineering, and quality build. ... Read more

Asin: B0000224DM
Sales Rank: 1129
Subjects:  1. Clamps    2. Edge Clamps   

JET 708457K / JJ-6CSX 6" Woodworking Jointer
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $679.00 -- our price: $599.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

When it comes to jointers, there aren't a lot of differences among the leaders in the market. Like other manufacturers, Jet uses heavy-duty cast iron in the fence, jointer base, and infeed/outfeed tables and offers a three-blade drum and built-in 4-inch dust port. Their design, however, features a couple of innovations that changed our "jointers are jointers" mindset. While the infeed tables in other models can only be raised or lowered with a rod or lever system, this machine's design allows you to adjust both of the feed tables by rotating smooth, industrial-style hand wheels. This feature lends itself to easier tapers and gives you more control when you need to take off precise measurements, like 1/64 of an inch, a setting that can frustrate woodworkers lifting the arms up or down on other machines. The fence glides extremely smoothly throughout its range of motion and tilts both ways, but, where other brands offer fixed stops only at 45 and 90 degrees, Jet's jointer adjusts to quickly reproduce multiple cuts at any angle you find necessary. Driven by a 4,850 rpm, 1-horsepower induction motor completely encased in a welded steel stand, this jointer comes prewired for 115-volt outlets and can be converted to run off 230-volt sources. As a final touch, Jet designed the industrial start switch with holes behind the button for locking with a readily available Master Lock to keep coworkers or family members safe from accidental injury. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Built-in ledge for cutting rabbets
• 1 hp, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor
• 46-inch cast-iron bed with precision-machined finish ensures accuracy
• Fence tilt two ways and features 90- and 45-degree positive stops
• Easy-to-use handwheels accurately adjust the infeed and outfeed tables

Reviews (35)

Excellent machine
Picked one up a couple months ago.

Everything was right on.Assembled it according to the instructions and it cut like a dream.I tested it out with some scraps of oak I got at my wood supplier.Great finish and perfectly straight after running them through a couple times.

Machine has little vibration.Not too loud.Plenty of power.

Like every machine that has the typical 'fan belt', the vibration can be reduced with a link belt, along with a reduction in noise.Hearing protection is a must with any wood cutting operation, just as important as safety glasses.

I went a long time without a jointer and have greatly increased the quality of my work with it.If you are looking to add a nice piece of equipment to your shop to help you produce better results, I would recommend this jointer.

This machine has all the right features.First thing to do is coat the fence and table surfaces with Slip-It or a non-silicon wax.It's a night and day difference when the wood easily glides across the table and when you have to force it.

For a 6" jointer it was the Jet or the Delta.For me, the Jet had the edge with the hand crank adjustment of the infeed and outfeed tables.

Update:Did some rabbiting cuts with it and it worked great.Seemed alot easier and safer than using a router.Finish on the cuts was excellent.Hogged out about 1/4" in a single pass in hard maple with no problem.

Hope this helped.

Perfect jointer for the home shop
After doing considerable research on jointers, I knew that I wanted to purchase an excellent one for the money.My requirements were that it had to come from a reputable manufacturer, be reliable, solid, and powerful.

My research led me to this Jet jointer and I haven't been disappointed since.When you power it up, the silky smooth hum of the motor belies it power.It seems to be saying, "time to rock."Dust collection is very efficient, the supports are dead-flat, and the motor is incredibly powerful.I mean I face jointed 5.5" 8/4 hard maple on this puppy...

Everything about this machine is just right:the feel, the look, the reliability.There are some things that can't be expressed in words.So if you have access to one, give it a try.Or just save yourself the time and just buy it.

Great Jointer And Tough As Nails
Have had mine for over 5 years and still runs like a top. I take it out to jobsites often and even after being knocked around and all over it still purrs like a kitten. In fact it once fell out of my truck and the only thing that happened was I broke the outfeed table adjustment wheel ( not that I ever move it ) and a couple of scratches. The only tinkering I have to do with it is when I change the knives. Other than that, turn it on and go! ... Read more

Asin: B00006ANS5
Subjects:  1. Jointers    2. Stationary Jointers