Woodworking products to help you tool your shop.
There are lots of choices to be made when setting up a first workshop or upgrading an existing shop. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned woodworker, these hand and power tools, machines, and workshop accessories will help you work smarter, safer and more efficiently. This is our 4th annual roundup of Small Shop Essentials.
The 6-Blade Carvin’ Jack is the world’s first folding multi-tool for woodcarving. It’s equipped with two scorps, straight gouge, a hook knife, chisel, and a detail knife. You also get a SlipStrop, a bar of Flexcut Gold polishing compound to keep your blades sharp, and a leather belt-mounted sheath that looks good with jeans or even your better pants.
Why It’s Essential: The only tool like it in the world – A woodcarving set in your pocket. JKN91 SRP: $149.95
Our Starter Set has everything a new woodcarver needs. It includes 16 interchangeable blades, cutting knife, quick connect ABS handle, and a power handle. There’s also a SlipStrop, gold polishing compound, and an owner’s manual showing how to care for the tools. Plus, you’ll find a free step-by-step instructional DVD for a great first project.
Why It’s Essential: This Starter Set contains profiles not included in any other interchangeable set. So it’s a great way to add to your collection and save money. SK108 SRP: $203.95
Flexcut knives are precision-made for maximum performance. Their high carbon steel blades have durable points, hold an edge extremely well and are easily maintained by simple stropping. Each knife is expertly hand-sharpened and tested before shipping, so it’s ready to use right out of the package. Comfortable, curved ash handles allow for long periods of carving without hand fatigue. In addition to those pictured, a wide range of knives are available to handle every task from roughing in to fine detail carving.
Why They’re Essential: Flexcut knives are versatile, well-engineered tools, 100% North American-made, -assembled, and -sourced. The top pick of pro carvers, hobbyists and woodworkers around the world.
Cutting Knife, KN12 SRP: $19.95
Detail Knife, KN13 SRP: $20.95
Roughing Knife, KN14 SRP: $22.95
Visit flexcut.com for your nearest Canadian retailer.
If you are looking for a 14″ introductory bandsaw with the power and features of a larger unit, stop reading, you’ve found her! This machine features a powerful 1HP motor, 2 speeds, cast iron wheels, quick tension blade release a large cast iron table and a 3 year warranty. With 7″ of cutting height and the one piece body design for added stability, this is a great starter bandsaw with “big brother” features.
Why It’s Essential: For the price of only $599 (Reg. $799) you get a lot of bang for your buck. This saw (model CX104) also includes a free 28 minute DVD with complete assembly instructions, tips and techniques featuring Mark Eaton.
Price Valid Until August 8th, 2015
busybeetools.com
If you need a blade for cutting Melamine and Plywood perfectly, Forrest’s Duraline Hi-A/T is the best blade to have.
It’s ideal for cutting the thin veneers on flake board, MDF, low pressure/ two-sided laminates, masonite, hard board, fibre board, and more!
Use it on all types of plywood: veneered, lumber core, glue-ups, hard/soft woods, chemically impregnated, etc.
7.25″ to 16″ diameters, $147-$263 MSRP.
Why It’s Essential: Many small shops work with melamine-coated panels for making kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The Duraline Hi-A/T eliminates the need for a small scoring saw blade on table saw work. The 40° points slice through thin bottom layers with no tears or chips.
forrestblades.com
The Mini-Mite 3 T-Series utilizes a powerful 3-stage Turbine Motor installed in a durable Metal Turbine case. The lightweight and ergonomic T-Series Non-Bleed Spray Gun with Stainless Steel Fluid Components features an exclusive side mounted Pattern Control Knob and a High-Efficiency Air Cap for even less overspray. A 25ft hose with air control valve and quick-connect coupler included.
Why It’s Essential: Spraying cabinets, furniture, autos or pianos – in fact, anything wood or metal is easy and effortless with this system. The Mini-Mite 3 T-Series Turbine develops 6.5 PSI. It’s a powerful and portable system for all fine-finishing.
fujispray.com
This hybrid is a selective blend of the best features of the contractor style table saw and cabinet style table saw. Like the cabinet saw, it has an enclosed cabinet with 4″ dust port, heavy-duty cast-iron trunnions that mount to the cabinet, and plenty of power (with its 2 HP motor) to easily rip through hardwoods or cut dadoes. Like the contractor-style saw, it’s still light enough to move around (it weighs approximately 286 lbs. when fully assembled) and it’s easy on the budget.
Why It’s Essential: This Hybrid Table Saw offers an ideal combination of power, performance, features, and price. The fence is surprisingly solid, easy to use and setup for precise cuts, and it has handy T-slots on the face for mounting a variety of safety accessories or the fence face material of your choice. All things considered, the G0771 lands on our list of essential tools, because it will likely be the first and last table saw you will ever need for a home shop.
grizzly.com
Exactly the same as our hugely popular G0710, but in a dazzling white color! Mount this 1 HP Dust Collector to your wall and keep precious floor space free of clutter. With 537 CFM, this Dust Collector will handle just about any dust producing machine in your shop in a point-ofuse, dedicated setup. A simple mounting bracket allows you to hang this dust collector on the wall, or mount it to a bench or the floor. Very versatile!
Why It’s Essential: The G0710P is essential because it’s a small dust collector that mounts on the wall near the machine and connects to the dust port with minimal ducting and fittings, thus providing an easy way to get dust collection without the additional expenses, complex planning, and installation time required for long duct runs.
grizzly.com
Sturdy design with cast-iron head, base and table, and polished steel column. Powerful 1/3 HP industrial quality 120V motor and simple hand lever controlled mechanical variable speed from 500 to 3000 rpm with digital display. Includes safety chuck guard, laser pointer, 5/8″ keyed chuck, and extra-safe forced opening line interrupter switch. Retail Price: $389.99
Why It’s Essential: An affordable benchtop unit that’s sturdy enough for everyday use. With plenty of power, precision bearings, and smooth rack and pinion table height adjustment the 75-010 is a valuable addition to any small shop.
generaltoolsusa.com
Enjoy the stability and power of a heavy-duty stationary planer with the versatility of shop mobility in one precision 15″ Planer. Simply press down on the foot pedal to raise the planer on its wheels for positioning just about anywhere, or push the lever up to lower the planer down for rock solid stability.
Why It’s Essential: You get the power of a heavy-duty stationary planer and the versatility of shop mobility in one precision 15″ Planer. The 42″ long bed with cast iron wings provide all the support needed for perfectly planed lumber. And the optional 4-row spiral cutterhead gives an incredible finish in those tough to cut figured woods. No small shop should be without a G0453!
grizzly.com
It’s not often you can see a tool and say “Wow, that looks fantastic!” but the Anniversary Edition version of the award winning Grizzly G0555 series bandsaw will be the crown jewel in most any shop. High gloss black powder coating with the Grizzly Bear logo accented by the special Anniversary Edition graphics makes this bandsaw’s appearance truly stunning. But beauty isn’t only skin deep on this saw. Cast iron wheels with ball bearings, quick release blade tension, cast iron frame and table, ball bearing blade guides, 4″ dust port and a powerful 1 HP motor makes this saw as much about performance an appearance.
Why It’s Essential: A 14″ bandsaw is the perfect size for most shops and the Grizzly limited Anniversary Edition provides everything you want and need at a very special Anniversary Edition price.
grizzly.com
Sturdy welded steel frame and precision balanced wheels for smooth vibration-free performance. Featuring a 13-3/8″ X 13-1/8″ cast-iron table and 1/3 HP 3.4 Amp motor, the 90-030 comes equipped with a sturdy open base steel stand, miter guide, rip fence, work light and a multi-size dust port that fits 2″, 3″ or 4″ dust hose. Retail Price: $349.99
Why It’s Essential: The latest generation of affordable offerings from a great family of quality bandsaws. With its 10″ inboard rip capacity and 4″ maximum resaw capacity, the 90-030 is the ideal multi-purpose saw for most small wood shops.
generaltoolsusa.com
Cutting wood, flooring, plastic, ceramic tiles, aluminum, sheet metal – even slate easily with the powerful Mini Plunge Cut Saw kit. Simple depth setting adjustment, combined with laser guide, dust collection port and a powerful 5 amp worm gear drive allows for precision lines, perfect depth and a dust free environment. Includes 24T CT, segmented diamond and 80T HSS blades.
Why it’s Essential: Experienced craftsmen know that accurately plunging with traditional circular saws is challenging. Whether you are doing intricate straight cuts or precise plunge cuts in the shop, installing tile or hardwood floors, this saw is a lifesaver.
kingcanada.com
Painting fences, staining decks, cleaning up car parts or the outside of the house… take your summer back with the New Electric HVLP Spray Gun. The 3 spray patterns easily adapt to any application. The trigger adjusts for smooth coating speeds, and a super-quiet 400 watt turbine sprays up to 7.3 gallons/hour. It’s the perfect combination of quality and affordability for the homeowner or small shop.
Why it’s Essential: Paintbrush streaks and sore arms will be a thing of the past. Take care of your house or project with the highly affordable and thoroughly enjoyable to use King Canada HVLP Electric Spray Gun.
kingcanada.com
TASK TOOLS F300 Heavy Duty Bar Clamp & Spreader is available in four models, each producing up to 300 lb. of force. Nonslip handles facilitate easily modulated, one-hand operation. A unique leaf spring mechanism and quick-release lever enable easy changeover from clamping to spreading. Oversized rubber jaws grip firmly while preventing damage to the work piece.
Why It’s Essential: Easy to store, easy to use, 2 tools in one. Available in 6″, 12″, 24″ and 36″ sizes, handy and useful on various projects small or large.
tasktools.com
These days, our lives move fast and get so busy that we forget to take time to sharpen the proverbial axe. Sharpen up with the new Multi-purpose Sharpener from King. Featuring: a durable 2-3/16″ diamond sharpening wheel, 3 dedicated fixtures for drill bits from 1/8″ – 1/2″ (3-13mm), knives, scissors, straight chisels and plane blades from 1/4″ – 2″.
Why it’s Essential: Be on the cutting edge, save money and eliminate the danger and frustration of dull tools. Extend the life of tools and accessories which need frequent sharpening.
kingcanada.com
If you are a craftsman, then finding the best wood lathe is essential to your work. Look no further. Featuring a 1 HP (7amp) DC hightorque motor, precise microprocessor with digital display (450-3,800 RPM) and a 24 position index. Includes 3″ faceplate, 6″ & 12″ tool rests, MT#2 spur centre and live centre, worklight, safety goggles, knock-out rod, tool storage rack and more.
Why it’s Essential: Compact and powerful and yet easily expandable – with the optional bed extension to 44″! This is a must-have for the serious woodturner and priced for everyone. You will be hard-pressed to find a more prized addition to your shop.
kingcanada.com
The D300 is a panel clamp invented and manufactured in Canada. Designed to laminate wooden pieces from 3/4″ to 4-1/2″ thick, and up to 38″ wide, the two parallel rails keep panels flat at each clamping point for perfect results. The electrostatic finish over the steel rails is durable and prevents glue from sticking.
Why It’s Essential: Flat Panels guaranteed. The D300 clamp is much lighter than conventional clamps, so panels can be moved out of the way easily. Also, you won’t need as many, since it keeps panels flat, so it speeds up the process before the glue sets.
Price: $69.99
damstom.com
The Pro-Cut 50 Saw and Router System is the next generation table saw designed to accurately rip-cut and cross-cut boards or panels up to full 4’x 8′ sheets with ease. Switch from the saw to router in seconds and the Pro-Cut 50 becomes a full size “X” and “Y” direction router table for taking full advantage of the countless operations a router is able to perform.
Why It’s Essential: The Pro Cut 50 is a precision tool designed for ease of use and accuracy to replace a shop full of tools saving valuable space. It’s fast becoming the tool of choice for many home workshops and professional custom woodworking shops. A great value at $1,199.
EDITORS NOTE: This product is no longer available
SensGard makes hearing protection wearable. No sweating, no sore neck and no removing to ask “what did you say”. The patented sound chamber design reduces loud sounds letting voices be heard. At less than 1.5 ounces, you will forget you are wearing them or fold them for easy pocket storage. Available in 26dB and 31dB attenuation. Four colours including pink. Starting at $27.49.
Why It’s Essential: Exposure to noise slowly damages your hearing. By the time you realize you have a problem, it’s too late. Everyone knows someone with hearing problems. Protect yours now.
workshopsupply.com (search: SensGard)
Bostitch introduces a new Smart-Point nailer that is ideal for a wide range of woodworking applications including molding, chair rails, furniture and cabinetry.The Bostitch BTFP12233 Smart-Point nailer drives 18 gauge brad nails between 5/8-inch and 2-1/8-inches long. The Smart-Point nailer delivers the world’s first micro-nose design while offering Dial-A-Depth control and tool-free jam release. $249 and available in 15, 16 or 18 gauge at home centres.
Why It’s Essential: The Smart-Point technology allows the tool to place the nail in tight spots and eliminates the need to push against the work to drive a nail, thus reducing potential marks on the work surface.
bostitch.com
The Vecturo oscillating multitool provides the ultimate in versatility by combining unmatched functionality and power with exceptional controllability to deliver precision cutting in the trickiest of places. The ergonomic handling and industry-first tool-less base allow for easy mounting of the Plunge Base and Depth-Stop, which translates to faster, more comfortable work with less downtime.
Why It’s Essential: The accuracy and capabilities. The Plunge Base allows users to achieve accurate, to-the-line cuts anywhere in the material, while the Depth-Stop provides depth control for exacting plunge cuts. The first of- its kind tool-less adapter allows both accessories to be installed and removed quickly.
festool.ca
Breath safer at the router table knowing 95% of the dust is being captured. Patented top and underside collection is possible with the collapsible silicone rubber cup. Full adjustment of the router bit cutting position is maintained and above the table bit changing remains possible. Connects to standard 2-1/4″ shop vacuum hose and 2-1/2″ dust collection hose. MSRP $42.95
Why It’s Essential: Inhalation of fine dust is a known cause of lung disease. Breathing in fine routing dust will reduce lung capacity over time. When you can’t breath, nothing else matters.
workshopsupply.com (search: DR1001)
DEWALT introduces the 2.5 gallon Quiet Trim Compressor – model DWFP55130. The Quiet Trim Compressor is highly portable, weighing only 37 pounds and measuring only 14 inches wide. It provides 3.0 SCFM at 90 PSI* and a 200 max PSI rating. It is exceptionally quiet, with only a 71.5 dBA operational noise level**. The DWFP55130 is available now in home centers and in the independent channel and retails for $299.
Why It’s Essential: The ability to deliver both 3 SCFM and a 200 max PSI rating allow the compressor to fire many nails for long periods of time and with a quick recovery time. The durable oil-free pump provides extended maintenance-free operation.
dewalt.com
STANLEY introduces the new lightweight and compact TLM99s Laser Distance Measurer – model STHT7734 with Bluetooth connectivity that syncs the TLM99s to smart phones and tablets via the STANLEY Floor Plan App. With its automatic calculations, the Laser Distance Measurer makes job estimates quick and easy, instantly calculating square footage, volume, and distance. The TLM99s will be available at home centres across Canada for $149. STANLEY Floor Plan is available for download through the iTunes or Google Play store. It will be free to download with a $2.99 fee per floor plan to export or $9.99 monthly subscription for unlimited floor plans.
Why It’s Essential: The multi-functional TLM99s Laser Distance Measurer is small enough to fit in a pocket and is a great tool for builders, remodelers, real estate agents, contractors, landscapers, painters, and do-it-yourselfers.
stanleytools.com
The company that invented the oscillating multi-function tool is back with a new, upgraded MultiMaster – the FMM350Q. It still has the same stellar feature set that has made previous versions of the MultiMaster so popular, including a soft-start motor for super smooth speed acceleration; electronic speed control that delivers constant speed under load; exceptional build quality for maximum durability and long tool life; and the game changing QuickIN tool clamping system for easy peasy accessory changeover. On top of this, the new FMM350Q adds exceptional vibration and noise control. The decoupled motor housing design delivers practically vibration-free work and smooth operation, while operating at half the noise level of previous models. That’s German praktisches Wissen for you.
Why It’s Essential: An oscillating multi tool can do just about any job. It’s ideal for precision work, such as sanding into tight corners or making intricate cuts in flooring, cabinetry, and drywall. And, with the right accessories you can also do aggressive work – removing grout, scraping paint, cutting door jambs, and the like. Which is why they are so popular among cabinet installers, renovators, finish carpenters, flooring installers, and plumbers. And the brand they most often choose – The Fein MultiMaster.
For more details, visit fein.ca/multimaster
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 cuts wood, PVC, plastic, aluminum and ceramic tile, using standard T-shank jigsaw blades. This saw makes quick rip, scroll, crosscuts, and miter cuts. At 14.7 lbs., and 6-3/4″ H off the tabletop, this space saving, compact portable saw sets up in seconds. The innovative 3000 spm saw is powered by a 5.5-amp motor.
Why It’s Essential: BladeRunner X2’s control arm assembly now accommodates longer and wider workpieces for ripping and crosscutting. A new blade guard assembly incorporates a splitter to help keep straight cuts on track. Compact, space-saving saw swaps out blades fast. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2, RK7323 is $149.99. Learn more at rockwelltools.com, amazon.ca and other retailers.
The Rockwell Compact Circular Saw cuts 2×4s in a single pass. At 5 lbs., the compact saw is up to 50 percent lighter than full-size 7-1/4″ circular saws. Left side blade view provides great cut-line visibility. Connect 1-1/4″ dust port to vac for dust-free environment. Make quick depth-of-cut adjustments up to 1-11/16″. Bevel cutting capacity is 0-45°. Push-button arbor lock provides fast blade changes.
Why It’s Essential: The compact saw’s smaller, thinner blade takes much less effort and motor strain to cut through the material, plus this 5 amp, 3500 rpm saw can match the performance of fullsize circular saws.
The Rockwell Compact Circular Saw, RK3441K is $129.99. Learn more at rockwelltools.com and various retailers.
Rockwell’s 4-amp Sonicrafter F50 oscillating multi-tool is fast, real fast. It is up to 5x faster than competitors’ oscillating tools. The F50 features an industry leading oscillating angle of 5°. The fully featured tool is counterbalanced to offset vibration from faster speeds and increased oscillating angle. The F50 features two strategically placed LEDs to illuminate the work area for greater visibility.
Why It’s Essential: The Sonicrafter F50 keeps working at 35 lbs. of force, while competitors’ tools bog down at 20 lbs. or less. Features Universal Fit to accept other brand’s accessories. Hyperlock feature eliminates blade slippage with one metric ton of clamping force. The Rockwell Sonicrafter F50, RK5141K is $159.99. Learn more at rockwelltools.com and various retailers.
Freud’s Premier Fusion circular saw blades have a completely unique new tooth design that allows a single blade to provide the highest quality cuts in virtually all materials. The blade can be used for flawless ripping or crosscutting in hardwoods, softwoods, laminates, melamine, veneered plywoods and thick stock lumber, eliminating the need to change blades for different applications.
Why It’s Essential: Freud’s new Premier Fusion blades save time and money by eliminating the need to own multiple blades and the need to change blades for different jobs. $89 to $119 depending on the diameter of the blade.
freudtools.com
Organize your workshop by using this lumber rack storage system. Constructed of high quality, powder coated tubular steel, this wood rack provides 6 levels of storage for a variety of materials including lumber, molding, pipe and other long items. The rack features twelve 12-1/4″ long horizontal brackets and two 39″ long vertical bars which can be put together quickly and easily. Holds up to 110 lbs per level.
Why It’s Essential: This Craftex Lumber Rack (model CT177) is the absolute best price and value in the Canadian Market on sale at only $35 (Reg Price – $59.99)
Price Valid Until August 8th, 2015
busybeetools.com
This “Deluxe” model Beaver Workbench from CWI Woodworking Technologies is designed especially for woodworkers looking for a very strong bench but are limited in workspace. Made of very high quality European Beech hardwood this bench offers very high durability and a long service life with an adequate size 59″ x 27-1/2″ x 1-5/8″ thick top which adds to its weight and stability. The apron is 4-3/4″ thick and features two cast iron acme screw vises.
Why It’s Essential: A well-made stable workbench is essential to any workshop. It should offer great strength and rigidity and be designed with shop size in mind, with the capacity for many years of use.
cwimachinery.com
This new planer from Rikon (model 25-130H) features a six row helical- style cutter head and 26 HSS insert cutters. The alternating cutter pattern in the cutter head is super-efficient, and produces a smooth cut surface. Planer features a threaded 4-post housing for extra head stability when running, side handle for quick table height adjustments, repeat cut setting lever, large fold-up extension tables, flat top for stock returning, and side carry handles.
Why It’s Essential: Each indexable knife insert is precision sharpened on two edges and can be easily changed/rotated if damaged or worn – just loosen, rotate, and retighten!
rikontools.com
The new RTJ400 Router Table Dovetail Jig is designed exclusively for use on a router table, now found in most shops. It offers fast and accurate routing of through and half-blind dovetails, and two sizes of box joints, with no jig adjustments. With the accessory kit the RTJ400 makes 9 sizes of through dovetails, 3 sizes of half-blind dovetails and 4 sizes of box joints. It’s light in weight, easy to store, comes with cam-action speed clamps, quick reference instructions on jig, a fully illustrated user guide and more. The most versatile router table dovetail jig on the market. Features quick and easy set up, patented technology, 16″ width capacity for larger projects, and a CNC machined template for precise measure.
leighjigs.com
When we think of a Stallion, words like strength, grace, aggression, unbridled and beauty come to mind. A Stallion table saw will offer its owner a machine with impressive attributes that will allow him/her to tame any woodworking project with ease. The CWI-T1002 Left Tilt Stallion table saw has more built in features, quality and performance than any competitor in its class.
Why It’s Essential: The T1002 is a 15 amp 1.5 HP true cabinet saw that does not need special power requirements. Easy single wrench blade change, wrenchless riving knife/guard changes and the very accurate industrial strength Stallion fencing system set this saw apart.
cwimachinery.com
SandX drum sanders are built with exceptional features and performance standards for outstanding sanding results. The CWI-S1301 13″ drum sander utilizes a 5″ diameter x 14-1/2″ machined aluminum sanding head, a cast iron sanding bed with industrial rubber conveyer belt and a very strong 1.5 HP motor.
Why It’s Essential: The S1301 like it’s 17″ big brother provides the small shop owner an economical method to enhance their sanding capabilities and speed their finishing timeframe.
cwimachinery.com
Big speaker sound with the durability you expect from Milwaukee, the M12 Wireless Jobsite Speaker (model 2592-20) uses Bluetooth to pair with portable electronic devices and stream music from up to 30ft away. Amplified by a premium speaker with integrated bass port for loud, clear sound at all volumes, the rugged construction is tested to withstand drops, water and debris. A 2.1amp USB Charger for phones, media players and tablets plus an integrated hanging loop maximize versatility.
Why It’s Essential: Powered by all M12 REDLITHIUM batteries, the Wireless Jobsite Speaker changes the game with tough, portable sound. Price: $79
Buy Online: elitetools.ca
1-888-830-0124
The “Professor” series of bench top CNC routers are designed by CWI Woodworking Technologies with cast iron frames, solid 3/4″ thick aluminum gantry, high performance motors, easy to use handheld controllers and CSA certified electronics. The Professor is offered in both 24″ x 24″ and 24″ x 36″ work areas and the option of Bosch router motors or an Italian made industrial router spindle.
Why It’s Essential: Woodworking with CNC has become for more affordable and opens up possibilities in the workshop that woodworkers have just not had access to in the past. Current operating software has become extremely easy to use and also very affordable.
cwimachinery.com
The DustFX cyclone dust collectors by CWI Woodworking Technologies are built for woodworkers who truly care about the environment they work in. The CWI-DCP020H is a 1500 CFM portable cyclone dust collector with a 2 HP motor, remote start/stop, 28 gallon metal waste bin and most importantly…a Hepa rated canister filtration system to filter out 99.67% of dust particles down to .3 micron and 100% of 1 micron and larger.
Why It’s Essential: Not only do cyclone dust collectors work more efficiently than traditional small shop dust collectors the added benefit of extreme performance of Hepa filtration make these units a very important addition to the workshop for shop cleanliness and your lungs safety.
cwimachinery.com
Sharpens every knife you own using an adjustable precision sharpening guide (15° – 30°), variable speed and premium flexible abrasive belts. It quickly and easily makes your blades sharper than ever. Work Sharp-engineered, Ken Onion-designed. Spend more time woodworking and less time sharpening! MSRP $149.95
Why It’s Essential: Sharp knives and tools are critical to the success and quality of any project. Having a fast and easy way to maintain cutting tools is now possible with the Ken Onion Edition Sharpener. No more excuses, only sharp knives and tools.
worksharptools.com
