My Top 5 Favorite Woodworking Tools of 2011

This is a tough one, limiting discussion of my favorite woodworking tools to just five products. While they might not make me a better woodworker, they make it easier for me to improve, if that makes any sense. Most of these tools simplify the execution of a task or process, allowing me to focus more on the design and craft of the project.

1. Festool Plunge Track Saw and Dust Extractor

A couple of months ago, I went a little nuts and splurged on a Festool track saw and Dust Extractor. I heard good things about Festool’s Dust Extractors, and wanted to use test one out for an article I was writing. While in talks to borrow one for testing, I did quite a bit of research, reading through reviews on various enthusiast forums, and convinced myself that I needed one.

I didn’t really need a track saw, but my long circular saw cuts were always a bit sloppy, and I was looking for a way to keep my work area cleaner and as dust-free as possible.

Now, when cutting plywood or other sheet goods, I don’t have to worry as much about how to cut a straight line or keep things dust free, the saw, guide rails and vac make the whole process easier. I’m slowly saving up for the next addition to the Festool system.

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2. Porter Cable QuikJig Pocket Hole Jig

While a bit pricey compared to Kreg pocket hole jigs, the Porter Cable pocket hole jig is remarkably efficient and simple to use. Pocket hole joinery is definitely a great technique for both beginners and advanced woodworkers, and the QuikJig sort of just accelerates users from start to finish. It makes the layout and hole-making process blissfully effortless.

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3. Dewalt DWS780 12″ Sliding Miter Saw

I was plenty impressed with Dewalt’s simple 10″ compound miter saw. But the DWS780, it just blew me away. Yes, it’s large, but it’s also powerful and feature-rich. Things were off to a good start when I played around with the new built-in XPS work light, but the saw’s performance and capabilities are what really kept my attention. To be honest, I think it may even be superior to Bosch’s super-sexy Axial Glide miter saw.

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4. Dewalt Heavy Duty Work Stands

I expected to like Dewalt’s heavy duty work stands from the start, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how useful they actually proved to be. Coupled with Dewalt’s universal brackets, they make excellent benchtop tool or custom jig supports.

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5. Japanese Waterstones

I hate sharpening and honing my hand tools, but it needs to be done. I started off with one 4000 grit stone to try things out, and have since added several more to my sharpening kit. Choosing the right stones and learning proper technique and practices has made my sharpening experiences less dull and burdensome. I still use fine-grit sandpaper on occasion, but not often.

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Buy Now (via Lee Valley, our waterstone vendor of choice)

Of course these are just my top 5 favorite woodworking tools and accessories of the year. If the list were to continue, Woodpeckers and Veritas tools would hold most positions from 6 through 15 or so, after which things level out and there’s only like and don’t like.