This year we had so many great woodworking and carpentry entries that we created a dedicated area to address these excellent tools. From routers to jigsaws to the latest cordless benchtop saws, the tools that fall into this category build houses and just about everything within. Watching battery-powered tools encroach further and further into this category has been a great window into the changing face of cordless technology. We remember when a battery-powered miter saw or table saw remained out of reach. Now, we’re seeing consumers have their choice from multiple models across multiple manufacturers. Check out our winners for the 2021 Woodworking and Carpentry Awards!
WINNER – AIR FILTRATION
General International SMART Floor Air Filtration System 10-1440
What they said:
The GENERAL SMART Floor Model 10-1440 offers some very unique features not offered on any other Air Filtration system. This unit collects dust from 360 degrees around the cylinder and exhausts it out the top. It offers fingertip controls for the hourly timer and the three different fan speeds. It also offers the Infrared sensor that will automatically turn the unit on when it senses dust in the air, adjust the speed depending on the amount of dust it senses and then turn itself off when it senses the dust is gone. At the high speed, this unit offers a maximum of 1550 CFM
What we say:
Quality air filtration in your shop is more effective thanks to General’s Smart Floor Air Filtration System. It cylindrical shape allows the unit to collect from 360°. While it’s highly effective at clearing particles from the air on its own, there are available active carbon and HEPA filters if you want to take filtration to a higher level. What we really love about this model is its auto mode. A sensor can pick up particles more than 1 micron in size and kick the unit on to deal with it. Even outside your shop, smoke, household dust, pollen, mold, and more can automatically be filtered out of the air without having to manually turn the system on and off.
Price: $699.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CHISELS
HART 1” Side Strike Chisel HHWCC2
What they said:
The HART 1” Side Strike Chisel gives users the flexibility of a standard 1” wood chisel combined with a larger cutting edge for easy demolition and scraping tasks. The fully forged blade allows the user a large flat striking surface to execute precision or demolition work up to 3.7 inches. The ergonomic polypropylene handle features a thumb stop to ensure user protection. The handle is covered in a micro-texture grip for maximum comfort. The chisel features an all-metal strike cap for heavy-duty use. The strike cap is rounded to reduce glancing blows.
This tool provides the user the opportunity to increase productivity and improves upon existing offerings. The HART 1” Side Strike Chisel’s dual sharpened edges are both straight, to ensure users are able to resharpen the blades more easily than the competition. The straight edge also allows for cleaner scraping and carving.
What we say:
Hart’s Side Strike design makes for a more versatile chisel, opening up one of the sides as a wider cutting edge in addition to its traditional edge on the front. A strike cap ensures durability when you’re using a hammer while its flat edges make for easy sharpening. As we’ve come to expect from Hart, it’s also a great value.
Price: $8.87
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CLAMPS
DeWalt Hybrid Trigger Clamp DWHT83602/DWHT83603
What they said:
Best of both worlds: the speed of a one-handed trigger clamp and the force of an F-Clamp. Designed to allow a user to rapidly advance the clamp and then apply additional pressure to a workpiece of up to 1000 lbs.
A soft release trigger allows for smooth release of the clamp without the jarring pop of a traditional trigger clamp. The Hybrid Clamps also include a coupling feature that allows the user to combine two clamps for up to 48″ of capacity (2x DWHT83603)
What we say:
We love the robust design and high clamping force of DeWalt’s Hybrid Trigger Clamp. It combines the easy-to-adjust design of a trigger clamp with the higher force potential of an F-clamp. Add to that a soft release trigger to avoid popping the handle and it’s already one of the best designs we’ve seen. It gets even better, though. DeWalt has a coupling feature that allows you to connect two of these clamps and get 48” of clamping capacity!
Price: $35 – $40
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – DRILL BITS GUIDES
Rockler Beadlock Pro Jig With 3/8 Kit and Case BDL7892
What they said:
Drill specially-shaped mortises to accept Beadlock loose tenons — creates incredibly strong, concealed joints! Create incredibly strong, totally concealed joints with only your hand drill and the Beadlock Joinery Jig.
Just pop the included drilling guide into the jig in the ”A” position to locate the initial holes, then slide it to the ”B” position to drill the overlapping holes. The Beadlock Joinery Jig includes a 3/8” Beadlock drill guide, 3/8” drill bit, 3/8” stop collar, and a molded plastic case with added space for the optional Drill Guide Kits. The Drill Guide Kits are available in 1/4” and 1/2” sizes, each with a guide block, drill bit and stop collar.
What we say:
One of the great things about Beadlock loose tenons is the ability to use a router to make your own and save some money. But those odd-shaped tenons are tricky to create mortises for. Rockler’s Beadlock Pro Jig helps you set up to make perfect mortises using a 2-step process and your drill. It’s simple to use and easy to learn in just a few minutes.
Price: $79.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – DUST COLLECTORS
General International Smart Dual Action Switch Dust Collectors
What they said:
The NEW General SMART Dual Action Switch (DAS) Dust Collectors offer a unique feature where you can plug a tool into the dust collector and then set the dust Collector in the AUTO mode. Now when you turn the tool on the dust collector automatically goes on.
When you turn the tool off the dust collector will continue to run for 6 seconds and then shut off to collect the last little bit of dust the tool produces. ALL the General dust collectors also offer the SMART Cone to drive the majority of the chips and dust into the collection bag, the SNAP-in ring that holds the collection bag in place, and SPARKPROOF impellers. ALL size GENERAL dust collectors are also available with a 1-micron canister filter.
What we say:
Tool-activated power has been the norm for portable dust extractors for a long time, but it’s a fairly unknown feature on installed shop dust collectors. General’s Smart Dual Action Switch Dust Collectors include it, kicking on when you turn the tool on and staying on for 6 seconds to clear the line once you turn it off. Not only is it more convenient than walking back and forth to a switch, but it also reduces the overall noise in your shop.
Price: $449.99 – $1499.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CORDLESS ROUTERS
Metabo HPT 36V Cordless Variable Speed Plunge Router M3612DA
What they said:
Green means GO. With this 36V cordless router, you can go work just about anywhere. No longer must you be tethered to a workstation. Just slide on the MultiVolt battery and get going. When you need to get the job done quickly this 2 peak HP brushless router features faster-cutting speeds than its corded equivalents. With 11,000 up to 25,000 RPM, it can plunge through even the hardest of woods with ease.
The M3612DA is a powerhouse, cutting just over 46 feet per minute! At only 6.6 lbs (with battery) it is 40% lighter* than its corded equivalent and features Metabo HPT’s signature ergonomic grip along with a handle-mounted lock-on switch to make extended work easier. The quick brake feature stops the bit for increased safety and saves time between cuts. The soft-start feature provides more control during ramp-up. The bit capacity is ¼” or ½” with included collets, and with a plunge stroke of 1-31/32”, one can easily adjust the depth of cut with the tool-less design.
This router is equipped with a bright LED light designed to allow work to be done even in the darkest of places. Keep the job clean by easily connecting to a vacuum with the included dust collection port. The M3612DA Cordless router comes with a 2.5Ah MultiVolt battery (371751M), a rapid charger (UC18YSL3), ½” and ¼” collets, 7-piece template guide set, straight guide, wrench, and carrying bag.
Perhaps the most unique advantage for ALL 36V MultiVolt cordless tools from Metabo HPT is the ability to transform to corded use with the revolutionary AC adapter (model ET36A – sold separately). Woodworkers can conveniently get the functionality of two tools (cordless and corded) in one. Use the M3612DA Router cordless when it makes sense on the job. However, if power is readily available, then save battery life and the cost of battery replacements by just plugging in so you can go all day.
Versatility is a key advantage to the modern woodworker. Once invested in the M3612DA Cordless Router, the same MultiVolt battery that powers this 36V tool can also power ANY 36V Metabo HPT tool and any 18V cordless tool. Runtime is doubled when installed on 18V tools! Now woodworkers have the flexibility to add to their cordless tool arsenal-sharing the MultiVolt battery across the 36V and 18V cordless tool platform for ultimate versatility thanks to the MultiVolt System advantage.
What we say:
We’ve been using cordless trim routers for a while and wondering who would crack the nut on the larger class. Metabo HPT did it first with their 36V cordless 2 horsepower router. With the performance and design to be a full replacement for your corded model, Metabo HPT also sets a bar that might not be crossed for a long time—hybrid power. When you have a power source that’s convenient to use, just switch over to the AC adapter and don’t think twice about runtime.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.
WINNER – ROUTER BITS
RYOBI 15pc Router Bit Set A25R151
What they said:
RYOBI introduces the Carbide Router Bit Set (15-Piece). These bits can be used for decorative edging, joining, and trimming. These router bits feature 1/4 in. shanks and range in size from 1/4 in. to 5/8 in.
The Carbide Router Bit Set includes a compact, protective case which features a pivoting holder for easier bit insert/removal.
What we say:
As the next generation of woodworkers begin to take their place, Ryobi’s 15-piece router bit set is a great way to make the most of your router. All 15 bits have ¼-inch shanks, so you can use them in your trim or cordless routers with no problem.
With bits for decorative edging, joining, and trimming, the carbide cutters promise a long life. And with a price tag under $65, it costs less to get your woodworking projects underway.
Price: $64.97
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CUTTING & ROUTING ACCESSORIES
MPOWER Tools Ltd. CRB7 Mega Bundle
What they said:
This bundle combines all CRB7 Products and Accessories
- 1 x CRB7 Universal Combination Router Base Mk3
- 1 x CRB7 Mortise Hinge Lock & Flute Jig
- Includes 1 x Edge Guide Side Fence
- 1 x CRB7 Edging & Dowel Trim Kit
CRB7 UNIVERSAL COMBINATION ROUTER BASE MK3
The CRB7 Combination Router Base is no ordinary Router Jig. It’s a versatile system that offers excellent control through a multitude of routing operations.
CRB7 MORTISE HINGE LOCK & FLUTE JIG
Combine CRB7 with the MHLF accessory and the CRB enters an entirely new level of machining accuracy; never before achieved with a handheld power tool.
CRB7 EDGING & DOWEL TRIM KIT
The problems of flush trimming hardwood, Iron-on clippings, and dowel heads are well documented. Many techniques have been developed and even specialized tools manufactured to try to make this tricky task easier. The CRB7 Edge Trim Kit might just be the simplest and quickest solution to achieving a beautiful fault-free finish.
CRB7 UNIVERSAL ROUTER EDGE GUIDE SIDE FENCE
With the addition of the new CRB7 Edge Guide Side Fence Kit, the CRB7 gains yet another feature bringing its impressive total to 8 key functions.
What we say:
MPower’s CRB7 Mega Bundle includes their Universal Combination Router Base MK3, Mortise Hinge Lock and Flute Jig, Edging and Dowel Trim Kit, and Universal Router Edge Guide Side Fence. The combination of these accessories takes your router to a whole new level of function and closes the gap between high-value and ultra-premium router systems with 11 different functions and the ability to work with some 650 routers.
Price: $209.44
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CORDLESS JIG SAWS
RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jig Saw PBLJS01B
What they said:
The 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jig Saw features a brushless motor, which delivers 36% faster cutting and 78% longer runtime, ensuring you are able to cut through projects faster than ever.
The variable speed dial and four orbital settings deliver maximum versatility and ultimate control when tackling any job. Lock on the trigger for additional control for detailed cutting and use the tool-free bevel adjustment to ensure accurate cuts. Change your blades out quickly with the easy release blade lever to save time on the job.
What we say:
The big deal with the Ryobi PBLJS01B cordless jigsaw is its HP Brushless upgrade. With this latest generation, we’re seeing new levels of performance without forcing the tool into a bulkier form factor.
Add in Ryobi’s Pro-level feature set that includes tool-free bevel adjustments, variable speed selection, and a quick-release lever and you have an impressive jigsaw that works with the extensive 18V One+ system of tools and batteries.
Price: $129
For more information, click here.
WINNER – JIG SAW BLADES
Spyder Products Spyder 12-Piece Multi-Material Jig Saw Kit
What they said:
Spyder’s made-in-Germany jig saw blades are ideal for tough cutting tasks that require clean curves or straight linear cuts in wood and metal. This 12-piece kit includes Spyder’s highly lauded, unique blade designs, such as dual-sided blades that cut effortless curves and corners, as well as the Skeleton blade, which is vented to reduce heat build-up and prevent warping for straighter lines and better performance.
Each 12-piece kit includes nine chrome vanadium (CrV) blades for fast wood cutting and three bi-metal (BiM) blades that resist heat build-up for exceptional durability when cutting metal. The hardened CrV and BiM construction, plus various tooth configurations, make the Spyder 12 Piece Multi-Material Jig Saw Kit truly multipurpose. The kit contains blades that can easily handle soft and hardwoods, steel, non-ferrous metals, nail-embedded wood, and more. Each blade features a T-shank for use in most modern jigsaws. Blades are sold and housed in a durable storage case for easy organization and transport.
What we say:
Spyder hasn’t been content to live on traditional designs and tends to push back against inside-the-box thinking. Their 12-piece jig saw set includes a couple of blade designs that raised our eyebrows and sets them ahead of the competition. For those straight, fast cuts, we love the Skeleton blade’s cooling vents. We also give a big thumbs up for curved cutting with Spyder’s dual-sided blades that help you make your turns more effectively.
Price: $19.98
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CORDLESS MITER SAWS
RYOBI 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ SLIDING MITER SAW PBT01B
What they said:
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw is designed with a heavy-duty 18V motor that delivers up to 3,600 RPM. Not only does it have the power to make difficult cuts it can make up to 800 cuts per charge.
The lightweight design maximizes portability so you can take the tool to the job and cut what you need where you need without the hassle of an extension cord. It features a 1-1/4″ dust port to help keep your area clean while working. The 40-tooth Carbide-Tipped blade increases performance for fast, clean cuts and cross cut up to 2″ x 10″.
What we say:
Why carry a bigger saw than you have to? The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4” miter saw’s ability to crosscut up to 2” x 10” means you can cut your case, base, and a wide range of other materials using a much smaller and lighter saw. We also like the value proposition here. With mitering and left bevel, it’s a cordless compound miter saw that’s less than $200.
Price: $199
For more information, click here.
WINNER – SANDING ACCESSORIES
Rockler Companies Rockler Bench Cookie Connect 59365
What they said:
Use the quadrants separately, or snap them together in an endless variety of configurations—great for small or narrow parts! Any way you slice it, you’ll find countless uses for the Rockler Bench Cookie Connect. Each of the four quadrants has high-friction rubber pads on both faces to hold your workpiece steady during sawing, sanding, and routing.
The quadrants snap together to form a jumbo Bench Cookie that’s great for sanding small parts, or you can separate the quadrants and reconnect them in an endless variety of configurations depending on your needs. Bench Cookie Connect is the same thickness as our original Bench Cookie Plus Work Grippers, so all can be used together seamlessly. Just like Bench Cookie Plus, each quadrant has a threaded insert for mounting optional accessories like Sawhorse Clips and Risers, for when additional clearance is needed.
What we say:
The original Bench Cookie is a great way to lift your workpiece off of the surface you’re working on and hold it for sanding (or cutting or routing). The Bench Cookies Connect is larger—8 inches in diameter—and connects in all kinds of different ways so you can design the support you need no matter what shape your workpiece is. You can even connect multiples to cover larger areas.
Price: $19.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CABINET TABLE SAWS
General International 850-Series Tablesaw
What they said:
The GENERAL SMART 850 Tabesaws have taken the guesswork out of all the measurements. This saw features digital control of the blade height and angle as well as the rip capacity. The touchpad located on the front of the fence gives you the BEST accuracy and control of any table saw on the market.
The blade angle is accurate to .01 degree and the rip capacity to 0.001″. Once the measurement is programmed in a single button makes the adjustment for you. This saw is available in 3HP, 1Ph and 5HP, 3Ph as well as 36″ and 52″ rip capacities. This table saw offer unmatched accuracy and repeatability. This Auto Digital Fence System is also offered in a retro fence that will be predrilled for JET, Powermatic, and Sawstop.
What we say:
When accuracy and repeatability in your table saw cuts are high priorities, check out General’s 850-series table saws. With digital control over the blade height and angle, you know you’re set up the way you want. Plus, the fence control is also digitally controlled, giving you confidence in the full accuracy of the setup. With multiple power and size options available, it’s a serious table saw for Pros that demand perfect results.
Price: $4,599.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – PORTABLE JOBSITE TABLE SAWS
SKIL TS6307-00 15 Amp 10 IN. Table Saw
What they said:
The SKIL TS6307-00 10 IN. Jobsite Table Saw has a 25-1/2 IN. (64.77cm) Rip Capacity and is equipped with a 15-Amp motor, integrated foldable legs, rack & pinion fence rails, and a dust port elbow to keep your jobsite clean. The 15-Amp motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease, while the rack & pinion fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate.
With its 0-45° bevel capacity, the quick-release lever allows for cuts between two positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees, and its 4×4 cutting capacity allows for swift 90-degree cutting. The integrated foldable legs seamlessly form into a folding stand to provide portability and convenience, while the dust port elbow systematically redirects dust to a container for easy cleanup. This large coated cast aluminum tabletop saw comes equipped with a 10 IN., 24-tooth carbide blade. The parallel blade alignment allows for ease of blade adjustment along the rip fence and miter slot, for precise accurate cuts. This table saw features a safety anti-restart switch in case of power outages.
Features
- RACK AND PINION FENCE RAILS – Ensures fence stays parallel to blade for fast, smooth, and accurate cuts
- INTEGRATED FOLDING STAND – Legs quickly fold in to provide portability and convenient storage
- PARALLEL BLADE ALIGNMENT – Available micro-adjustment of blade so that it is parallel to rip fence and miter slot
- 4×4 CUTTING CAPACITY – Cuts material up to 4×4 at 90 degrees
- -2° – 47° BEVEL CAPACITY – Cuts between two positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees with quick-release lever
- DUST PORT ELBOW – Redirects dust to a container for easy cleanup
What we say:
Skil packed a ton of value into their 15-amp table saw. It has a rack-and-pinion fence system that’s so much easier to use and keep square than other designs. Legs that fold right up into the saw’s frame mean you’re never without your stand when you need and can use it as a benchtop saw when you want to. The performance is also there with a 15-amp motor turning the 10” blade up to 4600 RPM. The best part is the price—all this comes in at just $299.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
WINNER – CORDLESS TABLE SAWS
Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL 8-1/4″ Table Saw w/ One-Key
What they said:
At Milwaukee, M18 FUEL is a promise that each tool is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world with the right combination of power, run-time, and performance for the tool and application at hand.
Through a ground-up redesign of the electronics and the manufacture of a powerful new motor, Milwaukee created exactly the right blend of cordless technology to finally provide users with a powerful 18V table saw on the same M18 System they have relied on for years. It also helps that everything is powered by a brand-new powerhouse—the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 battery.
What we say:
Until recently, you couldn’t rely on your 18V/20V Max platform if you really wanted to cut the cord with a table saw. Milwaukee’s new High Output batteries and large frame brushless motors open the door for the M18 FUEL Table Saw. Milwaukee ONE-KEY is an added bonus. If you’re wondering how well an 18V battery can actually power a table saw, you need to give this a try. It’s surprisingly smooth and powerful!
Price: 2736-20: $499
For more information, click here.
WINNER – TABLE SAW ACCESSORIES
Rockler Companies Rockler Perfect Miter Setup Blocks 66595
What they said:
Create tight-fitting mitered frames with anywhere from 4 to 12 sides—perfect for building segmented turning blanks. Picture framers and segmented turners will love our Perfect Miter Setup Blocks. The blocks make it a snap to dial in the exact miter gauge settings for frames with anywhere from 4 to 12 sides.
Each block has three miter slots, each for a specific polygon: a hexagon, heptagon, octagon, and so forth. Just fit the setup block over your miter bar, snug the block up to the fence, and tighten the knob to lock in your setting. Now you can make your cuts with the utmost confidence that all the miters will line up perfectly.
No need for math, reference charts, test cuts, or trying to compensate for inaccuracies in your miter gauge scale. The blocks don’t rely on scale—they are dead set on accuracy.
What we say:
You can buy a perfectly stable table saw and calibrate it precisely, but if your workpiece isn’t at the correct angle, you won’t get the results you were hoping for. That’s what we love about Rockler’s Perfect Miter Setup Blocks. Simply select the number of sides for what you’re building, push the block against your miter gauge to set the proper angle, lock down the gauge, and cut. Even if you can’t read the numbers on your miter gauge anymore, the block does. the hard work for you.
Price: $39.99
For more information, click here.