Every year we name the best new tools weve encountered and feature them in our December issue of magazine. The process we use is entirely unscientific, and we like it that way.
This is how it works: Every tool that we have used during the year is listed. It doesn’t matter if we bought it, reviewed it in the magazine, or saw at a trade show. All staff members then discuss the matter in meetings, at the shop or via e-mail. We threaten, coerce and persuade one another to get what we want.
We all come to an agreement on the tools, usually we limit it to 12 on the list.
The December 2009 issue is out now and will be available to subscribers. In the meantime, we thought wed share the list of tools that were finalists but didnt quite make the cut. These are great tools. If we had space in the magazine, I’m sure they would have been included on our list of 5103 cm The Best New Tools.
Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe
Lie-Nielsen Thin-plate Tenon Saw
This was one of my favorites that I just couldnt get enough support for. The great thing about this saw is that it has a very thin sawplate for a tenon saw , its .02 thick instead of a more typical .032. The thinner sawplate makes the saw easier to push through the work and more balanced overall. Although the blade measures 41 cm in length and has 11 points per inch, it feels much smaller. If you need a tenon saw, this is one for the top of your list.
Bad Axe Backsaws
Daddy has a saw issue. These Bad Axe saws were purchased earlier in the year. I have been using them every summer and fall. Ive written a lot about these saws on my blog (heres one entry). The craftsmanship on these saws is simply incredible. When I take them to shows, people cant help but pick them up. They also have a unique design aesthetic that is different from other premium saws. These tools have a decidedly American appearance with their steel backs, cherry handles and a cherry handle.
Rockler Bench Cookies
Im sure youve heard about Rocklers new Bench Cookies. Bloggers have been dumping a lot of pixels onto them. They have been tested in our shop to determine if they are up to the expectations. Were actually pretty impressed. To see if they would remain grippy after being sprayed with dust, we placed them in the dust collector. They do. Don Schroder, our ad director has been using them quite often to hold his workpieces as he routes them. They are still very stable, so I’m going to continue to test them. But so far, so good.
Bridge Citys DSS-6 Double Saddle Square
This 15 cm square is an amazing and well-made tool. It should definitely be on our list of Best New Tools. However, we couldn’t get the numbers to work. It is made of stainless steel and has a built in saddle square. It’s a great looking piece of equipment. We bought one for the shop, and Huey bought one for himself. And that says something.
Chris Vespers Bevel Gauges
Being the editor of this magazine doesnt mean I always get my way. Chris Vesper Tools bevel gauge. I bought a 10 cm one from Vesper when he was touring around the United States. And I just ordered a larger one from him earlier this month. This tool has the best locking mechanism that I have ever seen. It really takes some effort to move the blade, and thats what really counts in the middle of a project.
Bridge City KerfMaker KM1
And if you think these tools look good, wait until you see the list of the winners.
Christopher Schwarz
P.S. Heres a link to the 2008 winners if you need something else to do while your boss isnt looking.
Product Recommendations
These are the tools and supplies we use every day in our shop. Although we may be compensated for sales made through our links, these products have been carefully chosen for their utility and quality.
