There are always tools being added or removed from my wishlist, and some items have been there for a while. For instance, I’d like a good ultrasonic cleaner and a vibratory polisher. Those tools have been on my wishlist for a few years now.
Some of the tools on my wishlist are more likely to be purchased. Here’s a quick discussion of 5 tools I just might buy this year.
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First up, the Dewalt DW872 14″ multi-cutter saw. It’s a large saw meant for cutting tough materials, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The saw uses a carbide-toothed blade, and not an abrasive wheel.
I’ve been using a small 7-1/4″ Evolution Rage saw for my metal-cutting chop saw needs, at least when I’m not testing out a new miter saw. But I’m looking for a larger saw that’s versatile enough to earn itself permanent bench-top placement.
This Dewalt seems like a good choice for cutting aluminum T-slot extrusions, or steel bar on occasion. Maybe even plastic? But I wouldn’t base my decision on plastic – I’d buy this for its metal-cutting capabilities.
Amazon’s current price is $435, which is lower than I can find it for elsewhere.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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The NYCCNC guy makes a fixture plate for the Dewalt saw. Optional accessories include a toggle clamp and a 45° fixture.
This looks like it could be a worthwhile addition to the Dewalt saw, but it’s pricey. At $232 for just the plate, I would need to see some very clear benefits to justify the add-on expense.
Buy Now(via Sanders Machine Works)
I’ve been curious about Nepros’ mechanics tools. Nepros is a Japanese tool brand, and they’re said to be of very high quality.
But they’re also quite expensive.
I’ve been juggling whether there’s enough editorial value to satisfy my curiosity. The tools aren’t available for direct purchase at the moment. Some are listed at Amazon at higher-than-list pricing. Others have to be ordered through an authorized dealer whose website looks at least a decade out of date.
I posted about Nepros’ adjustable wrench before. It’s currently $65 at the US dealer, and that’s for just one 10″ wrench.
I should have bought a Craftsman sander when I had a chance.
Inexpensive models usually have horrible reviews. This Shop Fox looks a lot like the Craftsman model I wish I had purchased. Plus, it looks different from the many cross-brand clones there are out there.
It’s priced at $129, which is in the middle of “should I be worried about its quality?” territory.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I don’t want a full-size jointer. This Cutech 8″ model, with upgraded black-finished aluminum beds and carbide-toothed spiral-style cutter head, might even be more than I need.
That’s one thing I’m hoping for from the new Stanley Black & Decker Craftsman brand – better benchtop tools. Right now, when it comes to shop tools, there’s a big empty space between “entry-price junk” and “professional floor-standing behemoths.”
I have hesitations about this Cutech, but at least I can move it around or store it away if I don’t need it very frequently.
What’s on your 2018 tool wishlist?
Nathan
I don’t have much of a might buy list for 2018 other than one or 2 new ratchets.
I don’t know of any other jobs where I might be buying extra kit. I’m sure something will come up.
Well now that I typed that – a RO sander of some flavor is on my list. Leaning towards either the dewalt or the bosch (5 inch I should have said).
Rami
A corded jigsaw able to cut 50mm thick hard maple. Corded or cordless die grinder. Cordless screwdriver with a 1/4″ hex chuck (probably DeWalt DCF610). Corded 150mm random orbit sander from Mirka. Corded dowelling jointer (most probably Triton TDJ600). A disc sander. Good quality No.4 and No.5 planes (probably Veritas). I am hoping to get at least the jigsaw and the die grinder this year. My biggest wish of all is not a tool at all, but an own workshop.
Drew
I’m leaning toward a Dewalt DW713 or a DW715 but can’t decide which.
Steve
The DeWalt chop saw is awesome. It hacks through heavy wall tubing extremely fast. I’ve gotten more than 1000 cut out of one blade in my fabrication shop. It’s still going strong after 3 years in a production environment. The table and clamp aren’t great on the saw. I would recommend something similar to the fixture plate you have linked there. We build our own, but either way you’ll want to ditch the table and clamp as soon as you can.
John804
I have no need for a saw like this, but learning how to do some basic metal work is on my “things I’d like to get to someday” list. I’ve seen this DeWalt saw and small metal-cutting band saws that are in the same price range, usually offered by Grizzly. Is there a pro/con or reason to pick one over the other?
Steve
Band saws are really slow. They are arguably more accurate, but that’s debatable with the thinner band saw blades. If you can afford a large band saw with a 1″ wide blade then yes, they are more accurate, but still slow. Also, you usually need coolant with a band saw to get decent blade life. Coolant makes a mess no matter how hard you try. The DeWalt saw is a super fast cut with no coolant required, but it does throw metal shavings everywhere. A good magnetic broom is helpful.
John804
Thanks! That’s very helpful.
Robin
Few day old comments, but the saw is invaluable if you are doing a lot of steel fab. Cleaning cutting oil or coolant is a pain and really messes with welds to boot. Not to mention which, if you keep your blade new and don’t cut nasty stuff with it, the cuts are so clean they generally don’t require much if any deburring if you plan to weld. It also cuts much more accurately for miter vs an abrasive chopsaw
Jared
Those Nepros tools look nice, but it’s hard for me to imagine what makes them special enough to warrant those prices…
I’ve an eclectic wish list:
– Channellock Nutbuster pliers
– Another Flexvolt 9.0ah battery pack
– Megapro Ratcheting T-Handle
– Channellock E42S Little Champ nippers
– Work Sharp electric knife sharpener
– a 3/8″ roto ratchet, not sure what brand yet – suggestions?
js0930
Just FYI on the work sharp. I own one – love it for yard tools like loppers but really recommend Japanese whetstones for good chisels and kitchen knives. You can achieve a much more refined edge and it’s not that difficult.
pete
I have to rage 12″? That is a ‘multi material saw’ that can cut metal. I really like it because if i need to change the angle, it operates exactly like a miter saw instead of having to unbolt the angle thing and then use a speed square the get 45 degrees or something. or worse yet 33 degrees.
Koko The Talking Ape
That fixture plate looks like a single massive extrusion. Is it? If it were me, I might try to rig one out of C-channel, steel plate and angle irons. The only really critical piece is the fence, but as long as it’s square, you’re good, right?
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Nepros tools are awesome (check out some of the reviews on YouTube… their fit and finish are amazing and they have some unique engineering in a lot of their items too) but they recently rebuilt their website and took away the shopping cart. I sent them an email about it, but I’m hoping its not an indication that they are no longer going to sell directly to the US. They have an Amazon reseller in the US as well as a small reseller website (Franks Tools) but neither offer very many tools and their prices are considerably higher than Nepros’ own website (even factoring in shipping from Japan).
Stuart
The Nepros site looks to be under active construction/fixing. I checked a few days ago, and they said ordering was suspended. Now, there are some “add to cart” links.
I saw Frank’s Tools, but am not confident ordering from them. There are just some items, and he said everything he has in stock is on the website, but it seems like it’ll be a hassle. He can take special orders, at least I think he can – his response to me was a little unclear.
It seems like some people are curious about the brand, myself included, but getting my hands on a sampling Nepros tools will cost a bit of time and effort, not to mention money.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
I got an email response from Nepros that their site is down until the beginning of May. They had a banner across the top of their site that it would be down until early April but that banner went away so I assumed they were operational again.
matt
I was in the same boat about the Nepros ratchets, about six months ago. I needed a new 1/4″ ratchet for work and decided to give them a try. I ordered direct from Nepros (their website was working at the time) and the shipping was prompt and painless.
Their ratchets are on par with snap on dual 80, at least the one I have been using. The chrome may even be a bit better, but I have no way to test for that, the Nepros tools just look like jewelry and perform flawlessly.
Matt
Bolt
What are you looking to do with the sander? Because I’ve never been particularly impressed by any smaller than 12 inch disc sander.
JoeM
If we’re being totally honest, I am still somewhat handling finances related to my late Father’s passing in 2017. Chances are low I can or will buy any tools. But, given the random option, I could probably use some more batteries for my 20 Volt DeWALT system, and I’m considering stepping that up to FlexVOLT. Only need a couple, just in case. And, if I can swing it, my friend’s Daughter may graduate to full Scouts later this year, and I may buy a Leatherman Signal for her as an initiation gift.
I’d LIKE to buy the DeWALT Impact Ready Shear, if possible. Having an attachment, for how little I need a shear, makes more sense than buying the full shear tool.
Other than that… I think I just need lots more hose clams and cables… Maybe a Leather Working Mallet, and some punches or Riveters.
JoeM
…hose… CLAMPS… Okay… Maybe a keyboard or something… Dunno…
Joe
Graduate to full Scout – very good 🙂 thats deserving of a Leatherman tool
Lack
Dewalt DW872 is $419.99 at Lowes.
Easy to find $60 coupons and then perhaps buy a couple gift cards at 90 cents a dollar to drop it down even further.
Stuart
Thanks! I hadn’t checked Lowes, and didn’t see them come up in my Google search. I’d likely still go with Amazon, for their easier return policies and procedures. In case something goes wrong during shipping, the nearest Lowes is about a half hour from me.
I’ve been waiting to see what Tax Day or Memorial Day coupons or discounts look like.
Lack
You can pick up $60 off $400 coupons on ebay for a buck or two. Or just try the local post office (different values are thrown in with the movers pack).
They do shipping as well, but not sure how many hoops you have to jump for returns (it’s only a PITA if you do it with gift cards).
Pete
You can sign up as a PRO on home depot and they will send you coupons via email. Which lowes will take of course. I seem to get HD coupons weekly.
fred
I have a Emerson Electric Craftsman Belt Sander (113-226431) that had always been the workhorse of my sanding / grinding station on a rolling cart. On that machine one end of the 4 inch belt is exposed – which helps in some tasks.
For what you plan for the metal chop saw , I have a Milwaukee corded portable band saw mounted in a Milwaukee 48-08-0260 stand that takes pipe legs. Mine is 15 years old and was made in the USA. Recent comments on the China-made one make me think that they have cheapened it up or that there are QC issues. You can also mount a cordless one in a stand like one of the Swag stands
As an alternative to the Dewalt, the Makita LC1230 might also be worth a look
Ryan
Have you considered the Fein Slugger? It’s in the same ballpark price-wise but with a much sturdier cast base instead of the (what appears to be) stamped steel of the dewalt. I’m sure the dewalt is a great saw too.
Stuart
No, but I am now! Thanks!
I do have some hesitations. First, it doesn’t look like any if my preferred suppliers carry that saw. Second, what if I need a replacement blade? I haven’t yet looked at the manual to see if it can take other brands’ blades.
Stuart
Nevremind – found a few good sources for the saw, one or two for blades.
fred
I forgot about Fein having acquired Jancy. They made solid tools like their magnetic drill presses.
Welding
Didn’t see this before I posted my similar comment.
The Fein also has a much more robust blade guard.
The blades between the Dewalt and Fein will be the same.
Mick
Trick Tools has a bench grinder belt sander attachment that I decided to pick up and never looked back. I love it! Easy to install and very handy when I took some old Nickelson files and made bent knives for carving. I didn’t bother installing the disk sander. The belt sander, i would do that in a heartbeat again.
http://www.trick-tools.com/Multitool_2_x_36_inch_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_MT362_305
Andrew
2018 is hopefully going to be more of a “use” than “accuisition” year but as I continue digging through this dilapitaed hoarder’s nest from hell, pretty sure I’m going to need to add an angle grinder and possibly a sawzall to the arsenal. I’d like a bigger circular saw and may just invest in a low-priced SDS if renting one isn’t cost prohibitive (24 post anchors atop a concrete retaining wall … fun).
I have picked up three “new” tools; as I try to switch over to as many cordless options as possible until my garage and house are properly wired. But each purchase comes with a sale of the tool its replacing.
John Murray
I’m looking to get dws780 when the free stand promo comes back, any ideas when?
Stuart
Not that I know, of sorry. Maybe closer to Father’s Day?
Jeremy
Stuart, since it’s for mom ferrous metals only why not use a regular compound miter saw and a couple clamps. Most aluminum fabricators I know use this. And whatever plywood blade is on sale. Usually 10″ blades since you mostly lose height with them and they are much cheaper to sharpen You can get steel blades or universal material blades if you want to cut steel too or are worried about user error causing kickbacks. You just need a negative rake triple chip grind instead of alternating top bevel teeth for the latter.
Stuart
It’s not exclusively for aluminum, just primarily. I do have a good aluminum-cutting blade for my miter saw.
(More on that, for others not familiar with non-ferrous blades: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/which-10-miter-saw-blade-works-best-for-cutting-aluminum/%3C/a%3E%29%3C/p%3E
Miter saws and non-ferrous blades are usually well-matched for thin-walled extrusions and such. Sometimes I need to cut large and really thick-walled or solid stock, well beyond the max sizing recommended by the blade manufacturers.
A 14″ multi-cutter saw should be better at cutting say 1″ solid stock.
I also want to move to using a 7-1/4″ miter saw, which might not have the capacity for larger the extrusions I cut sometimes.
JayT
I’m looking to improve my metal cutting arsenal, as well, but with a need to cut curves and not much space, my wish list for 2018 includes a Milwaukee 6232 band saw and a Swag 4.0 table.
http://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-V40-Portaband-Table_p_63.html
Robert
I’m looking at a Bandsaw this year. First I bought a router table and said; “This is all I need it can do anything that a table saw can do so I don’t need a table saw”
wrong
Then I bought a table saw and said; “This is all I need to make rip cuts and wala I can do all my cross cuts too. I don’t need a miter saw”
wrong
Then I bought a miter saw and realized I’ll still never have enough tools.
John Sullivan
While I agree that there is a need for more pro-grade benchtop tools, I don’t think you’ll want to store the jointer out of the way. Even at the advertised 50 pounds, that’s not a lightweight tool (so upper shelves are out of the question), and it takes up more space than a typical base cabinet has to offer. Of course, every time you carry it around the shop, there’s a slight risk of knocking it out of alignment with a drop.
My benchtop jointer (smaller than this one) never moved more than a few inches across the bench top in its life. Eventually I replaced it with a full-size jointer on a mobile base, and it was a reasonable compromise until I had a larger shop.
I noticed that you linked to the 2-blade cutterhead version. Consider the spiral instead; it’s worth the extra up-front cost after the first hidden nail chips your cutter.
Joe
Laguna 1412 band saw……..I have all the mechanics tools I need,(for now ,never say never) expanding my garage/shop this summer….really have everything for mechanic work, shop work and company (framing and deck work) .
Getting the Dewalt 20v lawn mower soon, sold the Honda and Ego self propelled…
Being a Framer allows me to save huge money ,like putting a new roof on ( architect shingles, certanteed pro) saved about 5k in labor…that money is just put away for future tools…..
Chris
Shopfox seems to be decent, being a sister brand of grizzly. Grizzly makes some good machine tools. I think you’d have good luck with it.
I’d like to get a jointer and maybe some rolling bases to put tools on. Like my bandsaw and other tools I would need to roll out of the way. Such as a jointer. (Funny how everything works right?)
Some Milwaukee m12 tools would be handy to have. I’d like their cordless rotary tool. But I’d rather wait to see a fuel model be released. Unlikely but it would be cool. I’d also like to get ahold of their m12 fuel gen 2 drill and impact. But I can’t justify it. I’ve got something like 9 drills. (Including impacts and m12 screwdriver) I’m. Or a contractor, just a home gamer. I like working on projects and I certainly like buying tools, but. I do have my limits.
ktash
I can’t think of anything major for my small shop, but am wondering if I can find info on a good quality corded drill. For certain tasks using jigs like drilling pocket holes, dowels, tenons, etc. My clunky corded 5A Master Mechanic drill that I bought to mix paint works great on pocket holes. Much faster than pricer cordless drills and cleaner holes but it’s awkward. Plus it triggers my dust collection. I’d like something smaller and as powerful. Thinking Father’s Day coupons.
Anyone have a smaller and powerful corded drill they like?
ktash
I meant mortises, not tenons :D. That would have been quite an unusual jig.
fred
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWD210G-10-Amp-2-Inch-Pistol-Grip/dp/B001TKTI9O/
This Dewalt gets high ratings.
ktash
Thanks, Fred. I’ll put it on the list to go and look at.
Welding
The Fein Slugger 14″ (formerly Jancy) multi cutter saw is roughly the same price, and has a MUCH heavier duty base than the Dewalt. Similar price. The blade guard is much heavier duty also.
The dewalt has a light, stamped base, and the Fein base is cast. Plastic vs steel blade guard also. They cut the same, but the Fein is better built.
Yadda
I’ve already picked up one of my wants, a Leatherman Wave. I also want a set of wood chisels, more wood clamps, and a pocket hole jig.
mike aka fazzman
John Saunders is a friend and his stuff is top notch.
S
I’ve been looking at the Fein Slugger, myself.
Is the Fein Slugger just as good as the MK Morse 14″ saw? Does either have an advantage over the other? That’s where I am – trying to decide between the two.
fred
I’m not sure who makes the MK Morse CSM14MB – but their handheld metal devil circular saws sure looked like to be close cousins of the Evolution Rage saws. We had one of each in the 9 inch size that we used for cutting corrugated steel roof decking. Both were OK – but I would not call either one of them industrial-quality tools – too much plastic that did not hold up well.
The 14 inch chop saws from the 2 companies look different to making you think they have different OEM’s – and the Morse gets better reviews on Amazon.
John804
I’m very curious about that jointer as well. I’ve got very limited space, and don’t often work with really large boards. That looks like a good budget option.
fred
The extensions – if they work well – is the interesting feature of the Cutech that Stuart has pictured. I have a big old Delta stationary jointer in the shop – but bought a smaller 6 inch benchtop Delta many years ago for jobsite use. Without the extensions (the benchtop Delta doesn’t have any) I can clean up a 4 or possibly 5 foot board – but a 8 foot length would be challenging – the small jointer bed is just too short.
Chris Ashley
We got the Dewalt cold cut saw at work a couple months ago. It’s very nice. We also got the 90 tooth blade for cutting stainless steel, as that’s almost all of what it sees.
I’m in the market for a high end set of ratcheting wrenches to replace my
20 piece gearwrench set.
Also I think I want a battery powered string trimmer and possibly a push mower.