The compact size and light weight make this a nice drill, even though its short, tapered front chuck sleeve was particularly difficult to tighten. While it trailed the competitors in torque and power tests and had problems with slippage, it excelled as a workbench tool. It’s good for running small screws and boring small holes, and it won’t wear you out. The Hitachi is runner-up for Best Value. (Note that Hitachi has replaced this drill with model DS14DMR.)
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander
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.
This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.
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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