Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Woodworking Tools

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By Michael Colombo
Posted 2012/11/28 @ 12:30 pm
Category Woodworking, Home

A speed square is an invaluable tool in any woodworker’s toolbox, whether you’re a novice or an expert. Use it to mark cuts for angles from zero to ninety degrees.

Woodworking is a skill in which the phrase “the right tool for the job” is particularly applicable. In my time as a woodworker I’ve come across interesting tools that have struck my fancy. Some of the tools chosen for this guide are for practicality, and some are esoteric gems that are handy in the right situations.

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6 Responses to Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Woodworking Tools

ka1axy on November 28th, 2012 at 12:49 pm said:

I bought a speed square years ago on a whim. I think it cost around $15. I have found it an extremely handy tool, whenever I need a straight cut with a circular saw, it’s easy to do angled cuts as well. Well worth the money.

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jamesbx on November 28th, 2012 at 3:43 pm said:

I’m partial to combination squares for woodworking. The ability to lock, and repeat a measurement is great, as is the ability to hold a marking device on the end and scribe a layout line down a length of wood or metal. Plus I like the spirit level. For angles other than multiples of 90 and 45, I use a bevel and protractor, but that tends to be rare.

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David on November 28th, 2012 at 7:14 pm said:

6″ Bionic Wrench, Loggerhead Tools.
MAKE wrote: “… There has been recent controversy over Sears ceasing to carry the tool and creating their own China-made version that is very similar to Brown’s. However the case shakes out, this is a novel tool that deserves recognition for its utility and originality.”

Sears has been doing this for well over half a century. It got so notorious that they long ago let themselves be sued to show they had mended their ways. It now appears to be the same-old-same-old. Policy like this is why I refuse to shop at Sears … or WalMart. My grandfather hated Sears.

Story at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/business/popular-wrench-fights-a-chinese-rival.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=todayspaper

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- Michael Colombo on November 28th, 2012 at 7:27 pm said:
  
  What’s going on with Loggerhead and Sears is unfortunate. To Sears’ credit though, they have a lifetime guarantee on all Craftsman hand tools. You can return one all bent up and rusted out and they’ll replace it for you, no questions asked. I thought it was worth mentioning since not everyone knows about it.
  
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  ka1axy on November 29th, 2012 at 6:32 am said:
  
  I’m still happier that you listed the Loggerhead version instead of the Chinese copy.
  
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David on November 29th, 2012 at 10:29 am said:

Sears can well-afford their replacement policy because they take an American designed and made tool and make it in China. Co-opting innovation and destroying local jobs is very profitable.

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