DeWalt drills always have been a favorite of mine, and the company has made some improvements to its line. The new 18v model has three speed ranges, with a top speed of 2,000 rpm in third gear, a dramatic improvement when drilling small holes in wood. This tool stands up well, literally – the batttery pack has a large, flat bottom, so the drill doesn’t fall over easily.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Craftsman Random Orbit Sander
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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