HTC HTC2000 Universal Mobile Base
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $54.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

If you're like us, you've crammed more tools into your workshop than can really fit. Luckily, an HTC universal mobile base (or two) can make a world of difference. The base is sturdy and easy to assemble, plus--unlike any other mobile base on the market--it adjusts to fit virtually any large woodworking machine, forming squares from 12 by 12 to 36 by 36 inches and rectangles as big as 20 by 52 inches. Holes at 1-inch increments let you choose any shape in between, and wheels at all four corners make it easy to maneuver. Roll one tool in; roll another tool out. Moving equipment around a crowded shop has never been this easy. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Four wheels for well-balanced performance
• Side rails come with holes spaced every inch
• Can hold shop tools weighing over 400 pounds
• Easy to unlock and move

Reviews (106)

Better than expected
I've got a very small shop and a Delta contractor's tablesaw with two cast iron wings weighing 250+ lbs.As soon as I assembled the saw (by myself) I realized I had a problem:mobility.After a search I picked the HTC2000 for its weight capacity and customer recommendations.It's super.Assembly was a snap, and with the help of the assembly instructions, I got the saw on the stand by myself very easily.I heartily recommend this equipment for the amateur or the pro.At $55, it's nearly a give-away.

Myles Hurlburt/Wausau WI
I had purchase this for my JET Table Saw. It works great. It worked so well I purchased another one for my Bansaw. The flexibilty in moving your tools around is a great convienence. I would recommend this product to anyone.

Not for Heavy Table Saws
I bought an HTC2000 mobile base to go under a 400 lb. table saw.It couldn't raise the table saw comfortably even though it is rated to handle that much weight.I ended up swapping with the big Shop Fox base that's rated at 600 lbs. from my band saw and put the HTC2000 on the band saw.It handles the 200 lbs. of the band saw just fine.The HTC2000 is a good mobile base, but I wouldn't put over 300 lbs. on it. ... Read more

Asin: B00002262M
Subjects:  1. Mobile Bases    2. Band Saws    3. (Bandsaws)    4. Drill Presses    5. (Drils)    6. Jointers    7. Shapers    8. Table Saws    9. (Tablesaws)    10. Universal Bases   

JET JBM-5 / 708580 Benchtop Mortiser
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $499.00 -- our price: $249.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

For you furniture makers out there who find yourselves spending more time than you'd like setting up the mortising attachment on your drill press (then taking it off, again), JET's affordable benchtop mortiser ought to be a welcome addition to your woodshop's tool collection. Designed to take up to 1/2-inch chisel bits, JET's benchtop mortiser runs off a 1/2-horsepower induction motor. At only 44 pounds, the tool is sturdy but also easily maneuvered, plus it reverses on its base to allow for mortising in long stock. The 4-3/4-inch head stroke is great. Bits are easy to change. Just flip open the steel door on either side (these doors are made of flimsy plastic on some of the competition's models) to gain easy access to the chuck. And, thanks to the 4-inch chuck key, there's little chance of banging or scraping your knuckles while switching bits (a small touch, perhaps, but a nice one). We also like the quick-setting depth stop on this tool--as well as the removable toggle switch that keeps less-experienced (or child-size) hands out of harm's way. The mortiser's feed handle adjusts, too, so you can choose the most comfortable position for each application--another nice touch. Set on a heavy-duty cast-iron base with four predrilled mounting holes, this dependable machine allows any woodworker, from the beginner to the expert, to create fantastic-looking mortise-and-tenon joints. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Safety toggle switch
• 1/2 hp, 115-volt, 1,725 rpm motor
• 1/2-inch chisel capacity
• 4-3/4-inch head stroke
• Rack-and-pinion head for raising and lowering

Reviews (59)

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.

Good Machine For the Money
You cant really go wrong here with this mortise machine.I read all the reviews prior to buying this machine about the shipping damage and was holding my breath hopeing mine would make it in one piece but I have to say the packing could use some work.The cast iron base was cracked about 4 inches when it arrived.I called Jet and they sent one out UPS ground right away with no problems.The only other problem I found with the machine is the fence is not straight.Its off about 3/16 inch or better on alignment due to the hole not being bored straight through the body of the machine during manufacture.I cut some really nice mortise joints through some red oak and the machine works very good.The bits that came with it are very sharp and seem to function great.Would have gave it 5 stars if not for the fence problem.All in all not bad for the price.

good for the hobbyist
I've built several projects with this mortiser over the past year.It has done a great job.The stop mechanism works great, it's sturdy, and the chisels that come with it are plenty sharp.I've built about 4 tables with this machine, and I am currently building a cabinetmaker's bench, which requires me to bore mortises about 3 inches deep.Since I am using poplar for my base it didn't bog down the motor like maple would, however, the base wasn't wide enough to accomodate the large legs.No biggie:Rockler sells an extension table for this model that I am considering buying.

I wish they would have included mounting hardware (like my Delta drill press), so that I could mount it without any further trips to the hardware store. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223M4
Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Mortisers    3. (Drils)    4. (Mortise)    5. (Mortising Machines)   

HTC TS-9072Tool Saver Machine Cover, Large (56" x 72")
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $28.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Roll hem with rubberized magnets on each corner
• Measures 56 by 72 inches, ideal for tablesaw, shapers, planers and jointers
• Rugged cotton sheathing with plastisol coating
• Plasticol coated
• Breathable, yet water resistant

Reviews (7)

GREAT MACHINE COVERS
After years of battling light rust powder due to condensation I have finally found the solution.I have tried every thing from canvas to plastic and rubber covers, all sweat to a degree.I bought a couple of these machine covers and have found that they really work well.I would strongly recommend these machine covers to anyone with a rust problem.

5 Stars 4 Sure
Not Big enough for Table Saws as pictured but it covers every thing else..... Jig saws Belt sander's my 18 1/2 Planer etc. Magnet's keep cover in place while I blow down my shop and cover keeps most dust, dirt and dampness of my machine tops......... worth EVERY Penny! Buy several!

Nice Piece!
Keeps the dust and rust away, what can a man say? ... Read more

Asin: B000022628
Sales Rank: 1068
Subjects:  1. Jointers    2. Jointer Attachments    3. Planers    4. Planer Attachments    5. (Planners)    6. (Plainers)    7. (Surface Planers)    8. Saws    9. Table Saws    10. Table Saw Attachments    11. (Tablesaws)   

Delta 34-183Tenoning Jig
by Delta
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $134.96 -- our price: $84.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Tight mortise-and-tenon joinery is an irreplaceable ingredient of many woodworking projects, but cutting tenons accurately can be next to impossible without the aid of a good jig, like this one from Delta. This jig is made with the same quality of castings and precision machining found on Delta's top-of-the-line table saws, giving it the stability and accuracy we desire. We also appreciate its versatility and wide range of adjustment. While the jig is a perfect match for Delta's benchtop and contractor saws, the miter-slot bar can adjust to fit a number of other manufacturers' table saws as well. It can be used with both right- and left-tilt saws, although switching between the two setups does take some time and attention to detail. The jig can be adjusted from 90 to 45 degrees and has adjustable positive stops; of course, we recommend checking your adjustments with a good square and bevel gauge to make sure the stops are set correctly.

Getting your tenoning jig set up just right can require some patience, but once done, you'll get a big payoff in accurate tenons, and your projects will have the tightest possible joints. In our experience, few shop accessories will prove as invaluable to your woodworking as this solid tenoning jig from Delta. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Fits left and right-tilting table saws with a 3/8-by-3/4 inch miter gauge groove
• Handles stock up to 3-1/4-inch thick
• Adjustable from 45 to 90 degrees for miters and angled cuts
• Extra-large crank handle for fast, firm clamping
• Full-grip feed handles for control and safety

Reviews (55)

Excellent tool, worth every penny
after buying the delta mortiser i needed something that would help make identical tenons and be as reliable as the mortiser is. The Delta tenon jig was it. This is a great tool that makes tennoning a breeze. Yeah it may come covered in oil, but so does any other large steel tool you buy. I would rather have it come covered in oil than covered in rust.

The only problem i had with this tool was that it would not fit in the craftsman table saw that i had. It would be nice if they shipped a smaller bar to help accomidate for this problem. the solution for me was to go out to sears and buy a new mighter gauge ($35) and used the bar from that on the delta tenon jig. after that it was ready to go.

overall: Excellent tool that makes tennoning simple

Excellent vlaue and quality
After reading some of the reviews here I was a little apprehensive about ordering this jig but did so anyway, and I am glad that I did! THis is an excellent quality tool, well designed, stable, and safe, my only issue is that delta went a little overboard with the protective coating of grease, anyway that took about five minutes to clean after I disassembled the jig to move the miter slot rail for my left tilt saw.

Those who complain about the setup either can't read directions or didn't read them before starting. This thing is not rocket science and if you are able to accuratly produce the mortises that will fit the tenons you make with this jig you should be able to set this up after a quick review of the detailed diagrams and instuctions.

So, So tennoning jig
The Jig came with a ton of grease that had to be cleaned off.But to do this, I had to take the whole thing apart which was a hassle.Also had to file down to the sharp edges and sand the bottom of the jig as it would scratch my table saw surface.The stock support fence was bent and had to be hammered back into flat.After all that the jig is working fine. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TD3O
Subjects:  1. Jigs    2. Tenoning Jigs   

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)
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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)   

Freud SD5088" Super Dado Set with Anti-Kickback Design
by Freud
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $337.50 -- our price: $199.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Freud's 8-inch Super Dado set produces some of the smoothest square-bottom grooves and rabbets possible. Stacked dado sets like this one are more accurate and reliable than wobble dados, which leave a rounded bottom in the groove and can cause splintering and chipping. Freud's Super Dado set is especially good at producing smooth, chip-free results in plywoods and veneers. It features Freud's unique kickback-reducing design for safe dadoing even when used in a radial-arm saw. The set includes two outside blades, six four-wing chippers, and a set of shims, and it stores in a handy protective case. It adjusts in 1/32-inch increments, and even finer increments using the included shims. This Freud set is among the best-manufactured and well-designed dado sets available. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty
• Thick micrograin carbide tips
• Kickback reducing design
• Chip-free, flat-bottom cuts in plywood and laminates
• Includes storage case and shim set

Reviews (123)

Freud is top shelf in my book
Excellent tool with superb craftsmanship.Freud is top quality in my book.

I recommend paying extra for better
I used to do all of my ratteting and dado cutting with various size straight/rabbet router bits and a homemade jig/guide fence system.I figured I'd bite the bullet and buy a dado blade.After doing some research and getting over the sticker shock of the average $200-$250 price range for most dado sets, I figured that I go for the SD208 for only $90.I figured that since it is from Freud, it can't be all that bad, no matter how much cheaper it is than the other models.Overall, I think the SD208 is a good buy COMPARED to all of the other dado sets and their prices of 2-3 times more than the SD208.More specifically, here are my thoughts:

POSITIVE:

1) The storage/carrying case is great.Durable plastic with an arbor-like post to mount the blades on.

2)Price.As I said, this blade is a comparatively good deal compared to other sets in the $200-$250 price range.

3)Shims are included.From what I've been told, some sets don't include shims.I can't verify that, but this set does indeed include shims.I believe there are 5-7 differenly sized shims.

NEGATIVES

1)My biggest gripe with this set is that the bottom of the cuts are far from being flat.Whether using the outerblades by themselves, or using them with different configurations of chippers, each cut bottom has multiple ridges/blade marks.

2)Shims aren't size labeled.Freud gives a great little chart showing what size chippers and shims are needed for differentcuts.However, the shims aren't labeled at all.They are merely blank circular cuts of metal.However, as any woodworker knows, you should always run your own test cuts for any job...so I'm in no way livid with Freud.It would just be a little nicety if they could label the shims.

As I said, I think the SD208 set is comparatively a great blade for its price, when viewd against other sets.However, I would recommend not skimping on price and upgraded to one of the higher-end Freuds or a Forrest set.

Try to get it sharpened
I run a small woodworking shop and I purchased the Dial-A-Width Dado.I think it is a great dado, but it has a -12 degree grind on it.Every sharpening shop in Denver cannot sharpen it without buying an expensive computer program for their machines and they will not buy it unless they can make enough off the sharpening to pay for it.I called Freud about having them sharpen it and they said they are not in the sharpening business.Buyer beware. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RK0P
Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Blades    4. Table Saw Blades    5. Dado    6. (Tablesaws)   

Porter-Cable 4112 12" Dovetail Machine
by Porter-Cable
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $191.50 -- our price: $114.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Porter-Cable's 12-inch dovetail machine is a great, sturdy little tool, perfect for smaller (desk-drawer-size) projects. The machine sports a self-aligning edge guide and built-in slots at the base for mounting the device to your favorite workbench or table. Keep in mind, this is a machine designed to handle stock no wider than 1 inch (1/8 of an inch is the minimum). Setup is super easy--we were cutting dovetails in 30 minutes after opening the box. The results? Fantastic, beautiful, tight-fitting joints! If you're a woodworker ready to explore the fancy and fun world of dovetailing, Porter-Cable's machine is the perfect introduction. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Handles stock up to 12 inches wide and 1-inch thick for a variety of projects
• Self aligning edge guide to automatically position the workpiece
• Built in base slots for easy mounting to a workbench
• Additional templates available for 1/4-inch dovetails and box joints

Reviews (40)

Feeling cheated
I bought the Porter Cable 4112 last year. It WAS the cheapest dovetail jig you could get that works reasonably well and wasn't made overseas. It's not a heavily built jig, but for what little dovetailing and box joints that I do, I figured it was good enough. Yesterday I went to go get a box joint template for it, and find out Porter Cable has a new jig, the 4210 & the 4212. For the same price I paid for my 4112 I could have the 4210 that is ALOT heavier constructed, has one handed material clamps which is a big improvement, and a carbide bit, not the HSS junk bit that comes with the 4112. Skip this one and look at the 4210. It appears to be a MUCH heavier and nicer tool for the same price.

Could be Better
There are a lot of features that are lacking on the 4112.For one thing there sould be some extensions that allow you to clamp the machine as well as screw it to the side of a table.I also agree with other users that there should be an eaiser way to adjust the depth of cut.The tool works but if I had the option again I would buy a used Leigh jig.

Poorly designed and manufactured!
Well I bought because of the Porter Cable name.Problems appeared around the 5th drawer...the problem is due to the poorly manufactured left side adjustment bracket, it's only held in place by one poorly located screw, the bracket flexes enough to create a bunch of problems.The second problem with the jig is in the clamp down plastic knobbed clamps (2 of them stripped out) and the clamp is not hefty enough to hold work pieces in place...I suspect the plastic knobs stripped because the clamp flexed enough.Save your money and avoid this product.It's time consuming to setup and frustrating to keep it aligned.I've designed tools over my life time and this is an example of how a pretty simple jig can be messed up by improper selection of materials and poor execution in the manufacturing and test of a product.Oh, and my experiences with the random orbit palm sander by Porter Cable...uugggghhhhh! ... Read more

Asin: B00002241C
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Jigs    4. Dovetail Jigs   

Big Horn 10225 3-Piece Featherboard Set - Buy 3-Piece Set , Save over 25%
by Big Horn
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Guides your workpiece
• Holds wood against the fence for better cutting
• Two locking knobs
• Fits most standard miter slots

Reviews (14)

Save your fingers
The push stick and push block are great products.The featherboard, however, is a little iffy.

The plastic feet used to secure the device are a little large for the cutout and have to be worked into it.Once there, it does a good job of holding your wood, although adjusting it is a bit clumsy.

Overall, it is an OK buy for the money, but you could make your own quite easily.

Useless
Agree with other reviewers - featherboard is a useless and dangerous piece of junk - should be removed from market.

garbage
The featherboard is a useless piece of trash. This set does not meet any minimumstandard. Don't buy this set unless you have money to throw away. Not even worth 1 star. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223VP
Sales Rank: 261
Subjects:  1. Jigs    2. Featherboards    3. (Feather Boards)