Workshop Machines
the craftsman’s work horses
Modern & efficient workshops have some pretty sophisticated machinery to do the hard yards of many projects - as part of building out my new workshop I will be making a significant investment in these machines or upgrading my current mobile versions - the branded entries below are the ones I already have, and the stared entries are on the shopping list!
Triton TPT125 Thicknesser, 317 mm - My Review
Woodturning Lathe*
Disc & Belt Sander*
Drum Sander*
Hand Tools
The CRAFTSMAN’s best friend
I love using both vintage & modern hand tools, from a range of globally well known & respected brands, to bespoke tools that I have purchased from artisan makers, or ones I have fashioned by my own hand. I believe hand tools to be the essence & spirit of woodworking & craftsmanship, but these days they tend to be used for finesse & finishing touches
Here are my favourites
Stanley No.4 Bench Plane
Stanley No.5 1/2 Jack Plane
Stanley No.6 Plane
Stanley Bailey Block Plane
Preston 1922 Spokeshave
Estwing 12oz Framing Hammer
Augusta Dozuki Saw
Power Tools
how you get the job done
Although I love hand tools, no modern workshop or builder would be without high quality power tools, that literally get the job done - quickly & precisely. I have spent many years investing in the best tools I can afford, once again using well respected global brands - of course the nature of battery chargers these days means you tend to stick to a few brands
Here are my favourites
Track Saw - DCS520T2 54V 6.0AH LI-ION XR FLEXVOLT PLUNGE SAW KIT - My Review
Circular Saw - DeWalt DCS391 165mm 18V XR
Mitre Saw (workshop) - Festool KAPEX KS60
Mitre Saw (JobSite)- DWS773-GB 216mm Single-Bevel Sliding Compound
Reciprocating Saw - DeWalt DCS367N-XJ 18V XR
Drill - Makita DHP453RFW 18V 3.0Ah Li-Ion LXT Cordless Combi
Orbital Sander - Mirka Deros 5650CV - with Abranet Sanding Discs
Framing Nailer - DeWalt DCN692P2-GB 90mm 18V 5.0Ah Li-Ion
Brad Nailer - DeWalt DCN660D2-GB 63mm 18V 2.0Ah Li-Ion XR
Multi-Tool - DeWalt DCS355N-XJ 18V Li-Ion XR Brushless Oscillating
Trend T11EK Router (installed in my Custom Router Table)
UJK Custom Router Table Kit & Fence - installed on my Custom Router Table - watch the build video
Sharpening, Grinding & Honing
a craftsman’s care for their tools
Never an area anyone should neglect - tool & machine maintenance may not be the the most exciting or feel that productive, but it’s essential. Personally, keeping a sharp edge on my hand tools is something I find satisfying and always worthwhile. Of course, all workshop should have a good grinding wheel or belt linisher if possible to really hone those edges
Here are my favourites
Yellow Lake Oilstone & Ice Bear Waterstones
Liberon Honing Oil
Chainsaw Sharpener
Jigs, Measuring & Marking Tools
Accuracy, Accuracy, ACCURACY
I use a range of traditional gauges & digital measuring devices to ensure that each cut is spot on (measure twice, cut once), each angle is correct, each item is level & plumb. So often I see these tools under valued & treated poorly, but accuracy is the cornerstone of great workmanship
Here are my favourites
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
DeWalt DWS5022-XJ 1.5m Guide Rail
Landscaping & Milling
outdoor beasts of burden
I would like to fell & mill my own lumber, but I already harvest & cut my own firewood & kindling for the house & workshop from our woodland. Milling your own timber is very cost effective, and if you have the room to dry & season, then this gives you the opportunity to know the history of where your finished items started life - I also love to refine & maintain our own gardens & growing areas on the smallholding
Here are my favourites, plus a couple on end of the list* for the future!
Chainsaw - Husquavana 236 X-TORQ
Pole Chainsaw - Oregon PS250 32V Cordless 20cm bar
Strimmer - Stihl F5 50C
Lawnmower - ATCO Quattro 16 500E
Panther PM-42 Chainsaw Mill
Large Bandsaw Mill*