The Craftsman 21759 is a strong machine that leaves an excellent surface. It includes two feed speeds. The low feed speed setting increases the cuts per inch creating a better surface. It has a consistent, repeatable digital depth gauge and impressive dust collection. The turret-style depth stop broke on the first model we tested, but Craftsman provided us with another planer, and the stop didn’t break on that one (we tried). In any case, the stops on all the machines were less than accurate, and the Craftsman includes a digital depth gauge, which is very accurate. It tied with the DeWalt 735 in my pick for best overall.

Editor’s Note 5/15/2009: The Craftsman 21759 planer has been discontinued and no longer available online.

Photo: Anissa Kapsales

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

Buy at Amazon

Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer

Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon