People always want to know what tools I use in my shop to build the furniture I make. In this post, I will list all my woodworking machines. This is not an endorsement of any tool as being the best, but a tool that suits my needs and fits into my budget when I purchased it. I always recommend that you buy the best tool you can afford at the time that will complete the task you need it to complete. You can always upgrade later, which is what I do as I invest in my business. Some of the links below are affiliate links, but not all. One final note about this list. I have been a woodworker for over 30 years, and some of the tools I purchased 30 years ago are no longer made. So, when linking to a tool that is no longer made or the model has been upgraded/changed, I will link to the closest version I can find.
Table Saw
10″ Delta Unisaw 3hp with 53″ Biesemeyer Fence
I have had this table saw for over 20 years, and it has served me well. My only complaint is that it has a splitter instead of a riving knife.
Stationary Planer
The link above is to the 20″ version. It looks like they no longer make the 15″ in the same style. However, I highly recommend a helical head, as it is one of the best upgrades for my shop.
Jointer
People always ask if they should get a 6″ or 8″ jointer. If your budget permits, I would go with the 8″; there are so many boards that are over 6″ that you will want to join, and you will be disappointed if you don’t have that capability. I often wish my jointer was 8 1/2″ so I could squeeze just a little more out of it.
Bandsaw
For the price, this is a fantastic bandsaw. I have only had to adjust for blade drift once, and every blade I put on it has tracked really well. The only downside is that the motor seems slightly underpowered when resawing veneers on a wide 12″ board. A few upgrades I hope to add in the future are a T-style fence and Carter Guides.
My Resaw blade of choice is the Laguna Resaw King.
Drum Sander
If I had to do it over again, I would have bought the Oscillating Drum version of this tool.
