Great video, Damian. About the sanders.. the four best are without a doubt the Mirka, Festool, SurfPrep, and 3M. There are, however, some very decent knock offs like the previously mentioned MaxxT and the one I did a video on, the PioneerWorks sander which I've been using for a good long while now, and it's still going strong. Like I said in the video, it operates much like the others insomuch as being very smooth and nearly no vibration for like a third of the price, but dust collection is where it falls short of the more expensive brands. Plus, you don't get the warranty and product support that comes with the others, so once you're past the point that Amazon will take it back, you're on your own. But like I said, mine has been great. I've had the opportunity to test the Mirka, Festool, and 3M, and they are all great, but it was love at first sand for me with the Mirka, which is why I just got one (video incoming). I've never used one, but have heard nothing but good things about the surfprep too. I have heard some issues with the 3M, and don't know if they've worked through those yet, but it's nice to use. I would say Festool is a good choice if you intend to go down the rabbit hole with their stuff, as it's all a system that works really well together. That's my 2 cents on it.
The Bosch router table is not too bad for the money. I had good results with mine for the last year or so. I have since moved up to a Woodpeckers table, but that Bosch table will remain in my arsenal.
Regarding random orbital sanders, the Festool, 3M, and Mirka units are all excellent choices, but very expensive. I picked up the Maxxt R7303 6 inch (5.0 mm orbit) sander which is a cheap copy of the Mirka. It was like night and day compared to my old Ryobi 5 inch. It's not as good as the Mirka, of course, but it is still much better than any of the normal DIY brands like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, etc. I bought it on special for AU$200. The normal price is about AU$270. While on the topic, throw away those sanding discs and change to 3M Xtract/Cubitron II. Jonathan Katz-Moses did a review of discs 2-3 years ago, and nothing even comes close for both performance and value.
The 3M Xtract/Surf Prep/Festttool random orbit Sanders tend to hit the corded high end sanding the best. Have the 3M but looking to get the surf prep sander was very impressed by its ability to stay steady and not shake as much. Pretty pricy though. I also have used DeWalt corded, it's not bad but probably just like what you have there. Worth noting that Makita just released a really nice corded sander on their 40v platform and it looks pretty serious, also less vibration to the hand. They have a special design that moves the battery to your belt clip and a cord that goes to the sander.
Plan sander recommendation: hands down, no question, the Festool 6 inch. Your hand will not fall asleep, easy to hold. Does a fantastic sanding job (faster and better than any other). The dust collection is outstanding. (You don't need the Festool dust collector (just the right adapter on your shop vac, or Fein makes a much cheaper replica of the Festool). I know Festool stuff is crazy expensive, but you will thank yourself every time you use it. I am not a Festool snob, I just think this tool is worth the money. (A down side is you need to use Festool paper or mesh sandpaper for the dust collection to work. But their sand paper lasts 2-3 times longer.)
Nice, I agree with your assessments. Both the biscuit cutter and table top joiner are things you probably don't need. If you have access to rough cut lumber then a jointer will save you a lot of money in lumber. However a 6" table top version is not very useful. I would suggest, holding off that purchase until you can afford a 8" free standing model with a helical head.
In the late seventies the Dewalt tools weren't of the best quality when I was in construction. Fast forward to 2011 and I was working at a Case/IH plant and we were using Dewalt drills and impact drivers with a big improvement in quality and durability! We had dozens in use on each line with charging cabinets every third or so station. I'm guessing they make up about 90% of small tools used throughout the facilities.They take some serious abuse!!
When Dewalt went to the 20 volt system it greatly improved the power!! The Dewalt heavy duty impacts with the 5 Amp batteries were getting close in power to my Ingersoll Rand air powered driver. I installed the steering arms and slides underneath the sprayers. Those were big bolts!!!
Nice list. I have 2 of 5--table saw and trim router. Thanks for sharing!
Great video, Damian. About the sanders.. the four best are without a doubt the Mirka, Festool, SurfPrep, and 3M. There are, however, some very decent knock offs like the previously mentioned MaxxT and the one I did a video on, the PioneerWorks sander which I've been using for a good long while now, and it's still going strong. Like I said in the video, it operates much like the others insomuch as being very smooth and nearly no vibration for like a third of the price, but dust collection is where it falls short of the more expensive brands. Plus, you don't get the warranty and product support that comes with the others, so once you're past the point that Amazon will take it back, you're on your own. But like I said, mine has been great. I've had the opportunity to test the Mirka, Festool, and 3M, and they are all great, but it was love at first sand for me with the Mirka, which is why I just got one (video incoming). I've never used one, but have heard nothing but good things about the surfprep too. I have heard some issues with the 3M, and don't know if they've worked through those yet, but it's nice to use. I would say Festool is a good choice if you intend to go down the rabbit hole with their stuff, as it's all a system that works really well together. That's my 2 cents on it.
The Bosch router table is not too bad for the money. I had good results with mine for the last year or so. I have since moved up to a Woodpeckers table, but that Bosch table will remain in my arsenal.
I'm a Milwaukee guy for most tools, but for random orbital sanders I've always liked Porter Cable.
Get a drum sander to avoid the tingly fingers (at least for flat wood pieces that you can run through like you would a planer.
Great tips thanks for sharing
Good evening
Radial Arm Saw. TS is a bit more utilitarian for maybe 2 things but a hell of a lot more dangerous
Regarding random orbital sanders, the Festool, 3M, and Mirka units are all excellent choices, but very expensive. I picked up the Maxxt R7303 6 inch (5.0 mm orbit) sander which is a cheap copy of the Mirka. It was like night and day compared to my old Ryobi 5 inch. It's not as good as the Mirka, of course, but it is still much better than any of the normal DIY brands like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, etc. I bought it on special for AU$200. The normal price is about AU$270. While on the topic, throw away those sanding discs and change to 3M Xtract/Cubitron II. Jonathan Katz-Moses did a review of discs 2-3 years ago, and nothing even comes close for both performance and value.
Thank you! I agree with the sanding discs. I need to up my game there. Appreciate the suggestions.
The 3M Xtract/Surf Prep/Festttool random orbit Sanders tend to hit the corded high end sanding the best. Have the 3M but looking to get the surf prep sander was very impressed by its ability to stay steady and not shake as much. Pretty pricy though. I also have used DeWalt corded, it's not bad but probably just like what you have there. Worth noting that Makita just released a really nice corded sander on their 40v platform and it looks pretty serious, also less vibration to the hand. They have a special design that moves the battery to your belt clip and a cord that goes to the sander.
I've been looking at a 3M. Probably gonna get one in January.
Good video
Plan sander recommendation: hands down, no question, the Festool 6 inch. Your hand will not fall asleep, easy to hold. Does a fantastic sanding job (faster and better than any other). The dust collection is outstanding. (You don't need the Festool dust collector (just the right adapter on your shop vac, or Fein makes a much cheaper replica of the Festool).
I know Festool stuff is crazy expensive, but you will thank yourself every time you use it. I am not a Festool snob, I just think this tool is worth the money. (A down side is you need to use Festool paper or mesh sandpaper for the dust collection to work. But their sand paper lasts 2-3 times longer.)
You actually answered a question that I had. I had considered Festool, but wanted to use my own dust collection. Thanks!
Nice, I agree with your assessments. Both the biscuit cutter and table top joiner are things you probably don't need.
If you have access to rough cut lumber then a jointer will save you a lot of money in lumber. However a 6" table top version is not very useful. I would suggest, holding off that purchase until you can afford a 8" free standing model with a helical head.
Agree
In the late seventies the Dewalt tools weren't of the best quality when I was in construction. Fast forward to 2011 and I was working at a Case/IH plant and we were using Dewalt drills and impact drivers with a big improvement in quality and durability! We had dozens in use on each line with charging cabinets every third or so station. I'm guessing they make up about 90% of small tools used throughout the facilities.They take some serious abuse!!
When Dewalt went to the 20 volt system it greatly improved the power!! The Dewalt heavy duty impacts with the 5 Amp batteries were getting close in power to my Ingersoll Rand air powered driver. I installed the steering arms and slides underneath the sprayers. Those were big bolts!!!
Most of my equipment is Dewalt, and that's the go-to if I have the chance.
Disagree with not having a circular saw, it's a must have and relatively inexpensive.