Woodworking tools I REGRET buying
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- #woodworking #woodworkingtools #drumsander #everydaybuilds
Woodworking tools are expensive. Make sure you are buying the right ones. Learn from me as I share with you the 5 tools that I regret buying.
// Chapters //
0:00 - Intro
01:15 - Clamping Saw Horse
01:51 - Biscuit Joiner
02:24 - Rigid Oscillating Spindle Sander
03:00 - Jessem Stock Guides
03:53 - SuperMax Drum Sander
5:15 - Outro
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What tools do you regret buying? I’m sure we would all love to hear 👍
So far only my small power feed for the tablesaw and router table
Any cordless tool that used NiCad batteries…
@@BA-zy2kb
That scared me for life. I now only buy buy the basic cordless tools, everything else corded. I’m talking about my garage tools. If I was a pro it would be different.
I really dislike my supermax drum sander as well
I don't regret any tool I've purchased. Sometimes, if I don't have the tool for the job, I'd have to rent the tool (which may not be possible) or hire the job out. On occasion, buying the tool instead of renting it or contracting the job out is about the same price but I don't get to keep the tools used. Example: Renting a 6500 watt generator from HD for 4 weeks is $1100. A 12,500/9600 watt generator from HD $1300. Larger capacity and I gtet to keep the generator.
I've been woodworking for 4-5 years now. I got hooked when I discovered all the woodworking videos on TH-cam. I must say, one thing I paid attention to in all those videos is the "don't buy it till you need it" advice. It made total sense to me and with my limited budget, it was 100% practical. That said, I don't really have a tool that I regret buying. Do I use them all on a regular basis? No, but when I do, I'm really glad I have them.
If I had to pick one, it would be this cheap, self-centering doweling jig that I bought for a project I thought I was going to build. I tested it and it was not very consistent. I have never used it on a project, but I think it cost me less than $20 so it wasn't a huge waste of money.
This is a great video for demonstrating what works for one person doesn't work for another. This video should be at the top of every beginner's must watch list.
That is a great piece of advice that every beginner should try to live by. Thank you for the awesome comment! 👊
Yeah, that was me with the spindle sander. I had it for 2 years without ever using it, started to feel like I made a mistake buying it, then one day I needed a smooth, perfect hole in a board and the spindle sander was literally the perfect tool for the job. I'm not sure how I could have gotten a nice-looking hole in that board without it.
Worth mentioning the Jessem stock guides are one way feed rollers to prevent kickback. I use mine with 99% of my cuts and only find it obtrusive on very thin rips.
Agree.. nice product.
I bought an extra Stock Guide Assembly so now I have three. Two are placed before the blade, and the third halfway after the blade and end of the table. When I ordered the extra assembly, I was told a few other customers have the same setup. It works so much better having two Stock Guides engaged before initiating the cut, well at least I think it does. 😎
All the Best, Chuck
P.S. The people at JessEm are great! 👍
Tbh, these stock guides fall into the category of “I wish I bought these sooner”. I absolutely love these today as much as I did when I first bought them and I use them consistently. Only drawback is on thinner pieces of wood and not being able to use a push stick
@@haroldmack1704 I agree, especially the Clear Cut Stock Guides for my router table. I just got a set a few months ago for building a set of beds for my grandsons. And the adage “I wish I bought these sooner” couldn't be truer.
All the Best, Chuck
Having been a victim of a kickback that required an ER visit, I appreciate having the Jessem stock guides knowing that the possibility of another kickback has been drastically, if not totally, alleviated.
I have the same biscuit joiner and have had probably put in over a thousand biscuits over the years. And the Jessem stock guides has definitely improved the quality of my rips since I bought it.
Glad you get some use out of them, lol
Could not live without my drum sander it's one tool you have to learn.
For sure! I just found it didn’t really work for my needs. 🤙
My bandsaw is the single most important tool in the shop. The ability to buy raw slabs of wood (at a much reduced cost) and being able to resaw them to any thickness I need is a godsend. Recently bought a 50mm thick slab of oak for £50 (c. $57) that was 1300mm long by 300mm wide and this has given me 6 boards at 95mm x 1300mm x 20mm (c. 3.75" x 52" x 3/4") which buying ready milled from a timber yard, I'd have paid around £130 (c. $150). The bandsaw just makes things so much easier and flexible.
I doubt that you would regret buying one once you got to using it.
Probably not, lol. Someday maybe 😁
@@3kainos Wow, that's shameful of them. I think if I were to take the 50mm slab and cut down to 50mm thick lengths then it would be more expensive but the fact that I get, effectively, double the amount by halving the thickness at least makes a dent in the cost for me. We're about £18 per meter for planed four side oak at 20mm x 95mm so the amount that the £50 slab yielded would have cost me £156. OK it took me about an hour to get it all milled but I'm ok with that as I get to choose the dimensions.
@@EverydayBuilds Also forgot to mention it's versatility and accuracy (vs a jigsaw). wide blade for re-sawing, narrower blades for curve cutting. And you have more control as you are feeding the work in to the blade that's only moving in one direction, rather than pushing an oscillating blade through the work. I just find it offers much more control. I think my bandsaw cost just under £1000 (around $1200) and paid for itself in a few months.
I have to say I really enjoy my Ridgid spindle/belt sander.
That’s great! 👍
I have tools I don't use often, but I don't regret buying them, because the times I do need them, I really need them! Like when I needed to resaw a board...my bandsaw came in real handy for that. My scroll saw will sit unused for months, but then I'll use it on some small curvy job and would have no other good way to do it. As a hobbyist, not a production shop, my builds are whatever comes to mind, or might need around the house. I mainly only regret buying tools that don't do their job well, like this Milescraft dowel jig...thing doesn't work well at all.
I agree. I have a scroll saw I don't use often, but it's there when I need some tight cutting and I don't regret buying it. I have a DeWalt biscuit jointer I don't use all the time but when I need to make a top or add edging, it comes in pretty handy in keeping things aligned. I have hammers I seldom use since I have nail guns but don't regret buying them either. If I had anything I regret buying it is the Bora saw guide. I've used it many times and it flexes where the two pieces are joined. I always have to brace it some way so the saw doesn't push in where the two pieces meet. I would have been better off making a saw guide.
I only have one item on the list. the biscuit joiner. And, I'll agree that it is minimally useful. Save the money and get something that could be useful for multiple different instances, the Festool Domino. The biscuit is limited to alignment. The Domino will both align and give you strength, but significantly faster than a doweling jig. And, the required space is about the same as the biscuit cutter.
And a biscuit jointer doesn’t even do a great job with alignment. Especially compared to the Domino.
Wow, I'm a full time woodworker and the Ridgid edge sander gets a lot of use. I even have a full size oscillating edge sander but this is better for small pieces and curves. The Supermax drum sander is a great tool for what it is. It's not going to eliminate sanding but it's great for leveling pieces and creeping up on a thickness on something heavily prone to tearout. Setup and leveling was also simple compared to other sanders out there. Also have a biscuit jointer and a Domino and the biscuit gets much more use to line up the faces of panels, especially when gluing more than 2 boards at a time. The clamping horse is also great for holding boards on edge to sand or even as a tool stand.
I love my Jess Em stock guides. They do sometimes get in the way for small cuts but that's kind off when you really dont need them. But I have found them very useful when trying to rip large sheets of ply. Its like having an extra pair of hands.
I completely agree, but could live without them.
Don't regret at all buying the Rigid oscillating sander. This has been a major time saver for me. And one (along with my DeWalt 735 planer, and power miter saw) that I'd replace in a heartbeat if it dies.
Probably the one tool I've bought that I shouldn't have, is the Carter bandsaw circle cutting jig.
Because you could have made your own in ten minutes with a couple bucks of scrap plywood??
@@1steelcobra I don't know about 10 minutes, but yeah, probably a better design too. Mostly because my router and Milescraft circle cutter can do it better.
That’s not a spindle sander. That should be called oscillating belt sander. I use my spindle sander every time a cut a curve on my bandsaw to clean up the edge.
Nice video, very honest.
I've bought a few tools over the years that I rather regret. The ones that promise to do something mechanically that is a bit tricky to do by hand. Then you find that the learning curve for the power tool is harder than just practicing and getting the knack of doing it the hard way- and the satisfaction of knowing "I've got the skills"
Thank you!
I have two of those Rockwell JawHorses and I love them when I needed them. They are great for outdoor projects but not too useful in a garage shop. I keep them collecting dust because you never know when they come in handy. 😀
Agreed - mine takes up no space in the garage and is pulled out several times a year. It is great when I need a small portable table to hold tools when working on my car’s engine by putting a 2x4 sheet of plywood in it to name one use. They fold up much tighter than the video depicts.
My rule of thumb has always been that if I need a specific tool 🔧 to make working projects more efficient, then it's worth the money 💰 and it'll pay for itself in the long run. That being said, every year I go through and decide what tools I haven't used in the last 4 or 5 years. If it's taking up space and I'm not seeing a use for the foreseeable future, then I don't need it.
Good rules to live by 🙌
agree with almost everything - but the biscuit jointer, its small, and if you make a waterfall anything, its very handy....
I am a retired cabinet maker and building contractor as well as being a tool/machine junky. Lucky for you, you learned early in your career to only buy what you "need". I had very expensive machines that sat idle and lots of hand tools that collected dust rather than creating saw dust. It is certainly nice to have the right tools for the job. But it is unnecessary to have the right tools for somebody else's job.
Well said 🙌
I do segmented wood turning. I really do need my drum sander.
The bandsaw is one of the most useful tools I have. I have a sturdy Rikon benchtop model. While I use it for a lot of woodworking task like resawing and profile cuts, rough ripping and so on, by far the biggest use I have for it is:
Breaking down tree branches.
We have old maples that drop lots of branches during storms and it is a royal pain in the ass to clean them up. I have used axes, chainsaws and so on. But nothing beats my bandsaw. I can take a massive 4 inch thick branch and break it down into chunks that will fit in my wheel barrow in a few minutes. The only thing I need to remember is to ensure the branch is in contact with the table where it is being cut.
Lol, that’s one way to use it 😂
I used to build custom kitchens and have a Grizzly dual drum sander. It was vital to panel and door finishing. Its very easy to set up and use and its rock solid. It does almost as good of job as my Powermatic planer, just not as fast.
Good to know! The dual head would definitely be a huge improvement. Thanks! 👍
I have to say I absolutely love my Jess-Em stock guides. When ripping large pieces it’s easy to have the piece drift away from the fence slightly when your not in a good position to see it clearly causing a slight bow in the cut, with the stock guides that doesn’t happen. I also love my Performax (Jet) 22-44 drum sander. I’ve never had it damage a piece unless I did something stupid. It is fantastic for flattening glue ups and cabinet doors or cleaning up stuff that would potentially ruin planer knives. The only thing I kinda regret is my jointer. Not that it isn’t a great tool and I use it a lot, I just wish I would have waited and got a bigger one, mine is a 6”.
My 8 inch has been a wonderful upgrade 👍
Mine... its nice to have, but i swear the quality of design wasn't quality at all. I sent it to rehab. Both times it was returned sa
.y planer mzde me very happy. For about 2 weeks. Sent it for rehab. Same message. It 's ot our fault. I turned it back to the dealer.Parting comment was " What do you want for 7 or 8 hundred dollars?" 3rd trip I got, "You need to send it to the factory" . I never looked again.
Taging on - that Ridgid Sander is almost a daily use item for me. One thing i will say is get quality paper. Had a few older ones in a box that i tried to use and just fell apart. Takes a little adjustment, but smaller woodworking it's indispensible. And awesome way for shaping Scout Pine Derby Cars. Warning though - it does a better than antipated job at nail filing to - don't ask.
I have 1-4. I use my Jawhorse a lot when welding and metalworking (even got the a couple of metalworking accessories for it that make it very useful). I've used the biscuit jointer once so far in 4 years, though I'll probably start using it more to help with panel glue ups. I use the Rigid sander a fair amount. The Jessem stock guides have been extremely helpful when breaking down plywood sheets and getting very straight cuts. I've had a couple of kickback issues breaking down sheets and they make that process a lot safer for me. Another TH-camr has a video on making a mounting plate for it with a couple of mag switches so that it can be easily removed when you don't need it (like when cutting narrow strips). Thought about a drum sander but I've run out of room for large tools and I already have a thickness planer (mounted on a flip top tool stand with the Rigid sander). Think I'll wait a bit on that one until absolutely necessary.
Experience is something you get right after, you really needed it!
Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome 👍
The Jessem guides add safety which you don’t normally notice unless there’s a problem and then it’s too late. Maybe you didn’t buy them for that, but it’s still a big bonus.
They definitely can 👍
I have that same table saw fence guide setup, and I love it. Also, couldn’t get along without my biscuit joiner.
Glad you like them 😁👍
I think I've used my biscuit joiner twice in ten years. I just found I prefer dowel joinery or splines in kerfs for the things I build. Live and learn.
Fantastic list and very candid and open approach. I returned my biscuit jointer and fortunately enough I got refunded. That, to answer your question, has been the least useful tool I bought given my needs. Thanks and best. Emanuele
Thank you Emanuele 🙏
My brother did finish carpentry for years. He had a biscuit joiner he found he almost never used, so he gave it to me. I have in turn left it sitting on a shelf for the 8 years since. It's like you say, probably very useful for some shops, but not for mine.
😂😂😂
I love my jaw horse and the Jessem table saw fence Addition
I had a biscuit joiner for a few years and didn’t use it. Now I use it on all my cabinet build for face frames and find it really valuable. Using offset biscuits for scribing cabinet ends to walls is so much easier now. The ridgid sander has its uses but I don’t use it as much as I thought I would. I basically use it to perfect some of my trim for coping corners.
I’m glad you’re getting some use out of it 👍
I regret buying my table saw. I was a woodworking noob, and all I knew about table saws was that Norm used one all the time, so I must need one. I was in the tool section of a big Sears store, and saw a Craftsman table saw on sale for $160. Seemed like a good deal. The truth was, they should have paid me to remove that turd from their premises. It's one of those dreaded aluminum top saws. It has these weird little tabs sticking out into the miter slots. About ¾" long and ⅛" thick, at the top of the slot. It came with a miter gauge that had a bar shaped like an inverted T, so it will fit under the tabs. The fence is terrible, and it's under powered. I heard Stumpy Nubs say that if someone tries to give you one of these saw for free, don't take it. It does work, but almost any other table saw would be a nice upgrade.
Sometimes I regret buying my only expensive hand plane. It's a Lie-Neilsen rabbet block plane. I don't have deep enough pockets to buy expensive tools. My other planes I've bought were all vintage, rusty projects that needed some level of restoration to be useful. But, I had sold some stuff I didn't need on eBay, and I had the cash, so I bought it. A little block plane, and I paid more for it than my table saw. I keep thinking that I shouldn't have spent so much money on that little plane, but then I use it, and it makes sense during that moment. It is a sweet little plane.
Oh, I've got that sander and use it all the time. It's kind of an all-purpose problem solver in my shop. Haven't had centering issues. Dust collection isn't great though.
I have the jessem guides as well. I use them most if breaking down sheets of ply. They help great with that.
For sure, but I prefer the track saw. To each their own 🤙
Biscuit Joiner and Scroll Saw are top of my list… Now I have a domino. In 2 weeks, I’ve used the domino more than the biscuit joiner in 15 years.
Sounds about right, lol 😂
Domino is profitable, even random orbital sander from festool.
Funny how I was debating getting a drum sander and JesseEm stock guides before, and thinking of getting an oscillating drum sander and a jawhorse last week. I also got a biscuit jointer 8 years ago and used it twice. This is one of those hidden sentiments that has not been revealed by anyone else and I am glad you made this video so it reinforced my suspicion of their utility in my little non commercial shop preventing me from making the same mistake. I agree with your statement that each shop has its own specific requirements, so thinking deeply before deciding for a purchase without being emotionally moved by others is paramount. Thank you.
Glad I could help, lol
Requirement and usage can be separated though IMO. For example, lot of hating on the biscuit jointer and, to a degree I can understand, and the newfound love for the Domino is also understandable as they are good, I use mine regularly. BUT... if I'm doing a panel glue up and need alignment rather than strength, sure I can throw a bunch of Domino's in for that. But biscuits do the exact same job (alignment) and are around half the cost of dominos. So I'll reach for the biscuit jointer (a Makita 7000 which cost £200 over the Domino's £800) 9/10 times for simple alignment of panel jobs. (for reference a pack of 130 8mm x 40mm dominos is around £20 where a pack of 200 No.10 biscuits is £8).
So the requirement can be fulfilled by both but the usage is more cost effective with the same amount of effort and accuracy, in using one over the other.
Other opinions are available, of course.
Definitely the Wen oscillating spindle sander. Ask for it for Christmas because I just had to have it!! It’s been taking up space in my tiny 12x12 shop and I have not even plugged it in yet.
Whoops! Lol 😂
Solid video! Completely agree on the drum sander. If the piece is small enough to go through the planar, I’ll take that option every time. When I have to use the drum sander, I find I’m back at the orbital to clean it up.
Yep! Thank you 🙏
Everyone buys tools they don't need or will use past one time. If not, they are lying to themselves. ;) My biggest mistake... a Rockwell 4-1/2" compact circular saw. It is great, but I've used it once to cut up paneling for my shop walls.
My JawHorse stays in the garage for general use when I work on things outside (holds doors, yard tools, makes a quick saw horse, etc.). I have, love and use the Jessem Stock Guides (table saw and router) and Dewalt biscuit joiner.
This video demonstrated the huge diversity among woodworkers. Other than the JawHorse, these are my go-to tools and accessories. I probably use the spindle sander, drum sander and Jessem stock guides on every buiId. I still use lowly biscuits for alignment for nearly every panel. The biscuits take up much less room than Dominos. I watched your favorite tool video and had the same "opposite" reaction. I literally tossed my Wixey planer gauge in the trash after about a month. I am technically savvy, but finally realized I didn't like the direction that the Wixey was sending me. I'm not a machinist - I'm a woodworker. Thanks for two intriguing videos.
We all definitely have different needs, that’s for sure. Moral of the story, use whatever you are comfortable with and don’t be influenced by others 👍
I had the same bad experience as you with that Ridgid belt/spindle sander, I ended up putting each rubber spindle on an 8” long 7/16” foundation bolt with washers and nuts to tighten up. I cut the unthreaded shank so I can chuck a spindle in the drill press or a hand drill. Also I fit a 4 by 24 belt sander in the Ridgid table and use it a lot without the jerky oscillating motion of the original tool.
I use my SuperMax drum sander more than any other tool. Took a while to get to know it. Gotta use a push stick. Take it slow. I use it for jointing, glue busting, thicknessing, stripping old finishes, edge sanding stock less than 4", and finish sanding down to 150 (using 220 grit). Regrets: Benchtop belt sander, expensive hand planes, cheap chissels, sliding miter saw.
That’s great! I’m glad it works for you. Just not what I thought I was signing up for. I was hoping for something a little more plug-n-play. And cheap chisels are the worst, lol
I've got two of those jawhorses. Fantastic lifesavers for my tiny microshop. Use them all the time and one of my favorite purchases.
Lots of love for the Jawhorse, lol
@@EverydayBuilds they're like a nice strong third hand that requires no extra hardware besides themselves... If that makes sense. I like to also put a big piece of sheet goods on one and turn it into a makeshift workbench.
So True. I have a biscuit joiner I bought and never used it. Although I have a Craftsman oscillating sander I got used. I don't use it often but when I do I'm glad I have it. As much as I want a bandsaw I get by just fine using a jigsaw.
Right on 🤙
This is crazy! I do kumiko at home and I love my Supermax 16/32 and the Rigid sander, lol! At the end of the day they're just tools to help solve wood problems. Solving the problem is what people should focus on, and not always the tools used to do so. I was looking at buying the Jessem guides too, lol
That total makes sense for you. Just not for me. 👍
@@EverydayBuilds Exactly. Just different tools in the tool box
I love my JessEm stock guides (use them on almost every cut!). I also love my drum sander (Jet, not Supermax), which I use to thickness thin stock and for finish sanding of glued-up panels.
The one tool I regret buying is the Bora panel carrier (PM-1850). It's awkward to use when moving a panel around the shop, and it's unstable when used as an infeed table. But at least it folds up nicely, so I can just hang it on the wall and ignore it.
Oooh... I've also got a benchtop jointer that doesn't get much use. It's not nearly long enough to effectively joint any boards longer than about 3 feet, which limits its usefulness. A jointer really needs long infeed & outfeed support. (I guess I could build a cabinet around it, or something, but that sorta defeats the purpose of having a benchtop model.)
I don’t blame you, they are great tools, but just not for me. I’m glad you get some good use out of them 👍
home depot style vertical panel saw. takes up a surprising amount of space since it leans back quite a bit, and not much easier at all than using a tracksaw. incredibly expensive too! so i sold mine after a few years of not using it.
I too bought that Ridgid Osc Sander thinking I needed it. Have had it for over a year and never used it.
Same. Lol
I gotta say, I love the little rigid sander. If you fuss with the adjustments the belt will stay put. I've put it through the paces of years of small part production work.....But if you don't have a specific use for it, I get it.
I completely understand, I know a lot of people who like it. But like you said, I just don’t have much use for it and that plays a big part. I’m glad it works for you 😁👍
Some of my tools do not get used very often. But when I need them, it’s nice that I have them. That’s my thought. My bandsaw gets used quite often. Almost as much as my table saw.
That describes my drill press pretty well, lol
I love my Jessum Guides. Made a huge difference when making sheet goods! I agree with you on the Ridge sander....Junk.
Glad you like them 👍
I use the heck out of my Jawhorse to clamp different pieces, but I like to work outside so I use it a lot.
This coming from someone with a workbench, an assembly table, and a DIY MFT table for cutting with a track saw. 3 tables, and I still use the Jawhorse lol.
The Jawhorse has been getting a lot of love. I may have to give it another shot. Thanks!
You are SO RIGHT ! Depending on what we build our needs are varied indeed. Also even with the same brand 2 people can have very different experiences with a tool. I have a Jet drum sander and had expected the issues you mentioned getting it set up , was nearly perfect right off the showroom floor. This tool is essential to me , I have 2 biscuits joiners. Mostly because I am old and there was a time when they were the king of fast well aligned joinery. I also like Jessum tools , I do regret buying their doweling jig. Wish I had simply put the money toward a Festool domino. I KNOW Festool make GREAT stuff but I have avoided the brand due to the pricing. I do enough work were the domino would be used to justify the purchase, yet I still haven’t purchased one.
Well said 🙌 I can tell you from experience, you will never regret the domino purchase. Especially if you can justify it. Nothing else like it.
I have a Performax drum sander. It does not get used these days. I also found it troublesome to use. I did not get a piece stuck since I always assist the lower belt by pushing the piece as well. I often end up with the area in the middle being sanded a little more than the ends so causing a slight dip, often not noticed unless using a straight edge. The cantilevered design can also flex slightly resulting in thickness differences side-to-side.
My biggest mistake with this tool was trying to sand paint off a piece. The heat of sanding caused the paint to melt and gum up a brand new wrap in the first pass. Lesson learned the hard way.
I also purchased some hold-downs for the table saw, different brand than Jessem. I never did install these permanently. Like you I found they got in the way so they now gather dust.
I also purchased the Ridgid oscillating sander. I found it more useful in spindle sander mode, but later purchased a dedicated oscillating spindle sander which works better. I rately use the Ridgid with the flat belt these days. I hate the thump-thump of the belt joint.
There are many jigs and hand tools I regret buying. Perhaps top of this list is squares which were not square. I finally got a couple of machinist squares of different length which are square and get used often.
Dave.
Thanks for the insightful comment Dave 🙏
1-3 on your list are some of the most used tools in my shop. #4 I have never heard of and will now definitely buy. #5… yeah… me too. I don’t have it and won’t get it for all the reasons you outlined. As you said - tools based on individual needs and focus of what you do. Good video. Thank you for sharing… Best to you and yours.
Thanks for the great comment 🙏
If you have a drill press, you can do what that spindle sander does with a cheap attachment.
Norm Abrams did it a few times in season one of the New Yankee Workshop.
That’s a great tip! I will keep that in mind 👍
For me it's the biscuit jointery, turned out to be useless for me. However, I love my drum sander. Yes, these items are a matter of usefulness.
This is such an individual based video, but yours make sense to you. I 100% agree on the drum sander, had one and it did the same things to me yours did. I bought a vertical panel router one time; that seemed, in theory, to be great for dados, but was so inacccurate it was worthless. I also agree on the Jessem hold down guides. More often than not, for me, they just get in the way when ripping. Next time (maybe you already have) make a video on the tools you really use and love. Except, you know, the obvious like table saws and routers.
You are correct, it definitely depends on the individual. I will be doing a “tools I should have bought sooner” very soon 👍
Once I got my Festool Domino my bisquit joiner went in the closet. I have also had problems with my supermax drum sander but not serious. On another note , the Jess Em stock guides is on my list of tools to get also the Ridgid oscillating spindle sander.
The domino can definitely have that effect.
I feel the same about my Supermax 19-38 Drum Sander. I impulse bought it when I was making several cutting boards as Xmas gifts, and havent used it much since. And like you said, dealing with the sandpaper coming loose or overlapping and causing burns on the work piece makes me avoid using it. I have been thinking of selling it but feel like I will need it as soon as it is gone.
I felt that way for a while. But I hated seeing all that money just sit there, lol
I bought my drum sander when I was building two captains beds from big leaf maple. It was the only way I could plane the rough lumber down without tearout. (Spiral planer heads weren’t yet available). Since then it gets irregular use, mostly for flattening panels or segmented glue ups. It IS fussy to set up and you can only take very light passes. For me it’s worth keeping, but it’s not for everyone.
Very interesting topic. I actually had to go and look in my small basement shop to actually find something to mention here. While I don't regret buy any of my tools, I do have one that I bought, but never use. It is a 4" jointer that I bought used for $25. It was in rough shape, and I probably spent the better part of a week restoring it, but I had a lot of fun doing the restoration. Other than testing it to make sure it ran properly, I haven't used it once. Thanks for sharing your video.
At least it was a fun restoration project. Thanks for the comment!
Just found your channel. Great quality videos! Keep it up!
Will do! Thanks!
I bought a Rigid 7’ table top wet saw at the depot for Black Friday before Christmas for 99.00 I’ve haven’t even taken it out of the box yet 2020 but the price was right and now I saw the same model for 279.00 it could be an investment lol
I love my Rigid Sander. It is NOT a production piece, but fine for frequent use, if not pushed too hard. I bought it many years ago and believe the newer ones are VERY chintzy. Like most other WW tools, old school is usually best.
Glad you like it 😁
So far I've been lucky. The only thing I have purchased and hardly ever use is one of those black & decker workhorse things. Just hangs on the wall and never gets used.
That’s great!
I agree with you I got rid of my drum sander Just didn't satisfied me gave it to a friend of mine who Was just beginning in woodworking
I regret wasting money on a biscuit joiner, but my oscillating spindle sander is one of my 5 most used tools. As for the paper staying centered you have to tweak the drum alignment a little and it's golden. Also I went with the harbor freight version, since they're all the same tool with the same features, and I've had no issues
Thanks! I will give it a try 👍
I have that ridged sander and I have had nothing but the problem you described with the belt sander. I only use it as an oscillating sander.
Good to know I’m not the only one, lol 😂
The added safety of the Jessem Stock guides alone make them a value...
They are a great safety feature, especially if you don’t have a riving knife 👍
Amen, don't ask me how I know.
My bandsaw! This is a great video. I’m getting ready to purchase a lathe. That I’ll definitely use. I can relate to you bud.
I had a feeling someone would eventually comment the bandsaw 😂
I own my own handyman company and I love the larger version of the jawhorse called the sheetmaster. It opens up 49" wide so it can hold a sheet of plywood while i am on the job. I also frequently use it to hold doors I am repairing or cutting down, piping I am cutting, tiles, etc... It is one of my absolute favorite tools because I work on different jobsites everyday and having a portable clamp/vise is invaluable. The little jawhorse is a waste of money, you need the jawhorse sheetmaster.
I could see it there for sure. Also for remodeling projects I could see it. I also have a B&D workmate from the 70s. I actually went to sears to pick it out for my dad for Christmas. It was in his garage when we cleaned it after he passed. One of the things I'd think I'd sell. I use it all the time as an outfeed or to clamp something in. Just a bit to handy to let go.
@@Danman1972 I have an older Workmate (late versions got cheap and flimsy) myself. It is NOT very light or portable, but much more stable than most of my 'portable' options. Store it in the shop oft and dust it off about once a year, but would never sell it.
@@andrewbieger5004 the one I have is steel. I can move it around and hang it on the wall. Likely never sell it, but I know the same vintage upper end model had some aluminum pieces to make it lighter. My Brother has one of those.
Hi Jordan!
Thanks for the honest feedback, on my side, what I regret buying is not the tool in itself but the brand/make, I bought a low quality table saw (Parkside, Lild's brand in EU) and the fence is just lousy (to stay polite).
Other than that, every tool I bought was after a long time of reflection (my father and brother are in sales and traumatized me in always thinking business analysis before buying anything expensive, but I love them for it ;-) ).
Thanks for the great content, keep up at it
Stay safe
Buying cheap tools can sometimes be worse than not having the tool. One of my favorite pieces of advice is to spend the most money on the tasks you least enjoy. Because at least you get to use nice tools while doing them. 😁
I only own one of those tools, the Rigid sander. It stays in belt mode; I have a Triton spindle sander, too. I use them both a LOT. Love them.
But I agree with you: Buy a tool only if you need it!
I don't have any tools I regret buying, even if it was for only one job.
That sanding belt looks like it’s never been unclogged. Get the dresser for it. Mines a different make but one of my most used tools.
It has been cleaned and I do have the rubber cleaning stick. I just hasn’t been cleaned since it was last used. Which was a while ago, lol
This type of video is better if you can identify a better option for the intended task.
On the Rigid sander, it is frustrating if you expect a machined table and a guaranteed 90 degree edge. It is handy if you want a powered belt sander or oss to use for more free-form sanding after bandsaw or jigsaw. If all your cuts are with tablesaw or track saw, its value is more limited.
Most of these don’t really have a better option, because I just didn’t need them to begin with. Or they just didn’t do what I expected them to do. But my simplest solution for edge sanding is to use adhesive backed sandpaper. I stick it to a flat surface about 3-4ft long. Then I can edge sand small door parts and get the edge perfectly flat 👍
I would add my floor based Mortis machine. It was a high end unit I purchased on a whim and used for 1 project. Sucker took up a bunch of space so I sold it. I'd like one of those Festool Domino things as they are super capable but darn expensive. I figure somebody will make a $200 version before too long. My Performax 25" Drum sander has produced a lot of frustration too. Lots of fiddling to get it tracking right and not burning wood. I think I got it pretty well dialed in but at the end of day it's a little disappointing. I would be reluctant to try to send a large live edge slab through it as the in & outfeed tables are not up to the task.
Sold our Jaw Horse a couple years ago. Running my shins into it is what it’s best for 😀.
😂😂😂
Porter Cable biscuit jointer and profile sander. Owned both for over 20 yrs and maybe used either of them about three times.
Not a great ROI 😂
I to have purchased things I regret, and have learned to get rid of them. Some I’ve simply put out front and other have gone to habitat for humanity. Gives me more space and I get to stop moving them out of my way.
You’re stronger than most, lol
I have 3 older bandsaws and love all 3. But a modern bandsaw with good dust collection would be killer.
Quality over quantity, lol
My approach to buying tools is to keep track of which tools would have made the work I do easier. If the same tool keeps coming up, then it is likely time to get one. I don't use my biscuit/plate joiner a lot but it has paid for itself so I keep it around.
I have a very similar philosophy 👍
I bought a pencil once. Still having trouble sharpening the end because the eraser keeps getting in the way.
The jawhorse is awesome, you have to use it see how valuable it really is in the shop. I bought a second one after using mine. Great for clamping and alignment for large items during glue ups, add a few bar clamps and let it sit. Great for painting doors or a quick assembly tables. The jaw reverses for larger items. I have used them for clamping materials to router out as well. I have used them holding for my router table and hand grinder. Yes, i have three grinders, cut off disk, floppy sanding disk, and one for wire brush or a carving disk. Wow, the best set of extra hands you can buy. Give the jawhorse a chance, 😢
Well now I have to give it a try!
Jawhorse: Great tool, been looking for another one. great for a quick job outdoors that requires a powerful clamp.
Biscuit joiner: owned one for years, never used it. Ditto my dovetail jig.
Bandsaw: own two of them. Table saws too. Not because I need a second table saw or band saw, but because they were good deals and I'm sure I'll sell them... eventually.
I may have to give my jaw horse another change, lol
Great video
Thanks man!
Wow those last 3 shocked me, most people say they can’t live without them. I’m of the same mindset as you that I really wouldn’t use them as much as I think I would. Have a small garage shop and I have other tools that I can use.
Yeah, I thought the same. Just weren’t right for me 🤷🏻♂️
I agree the Ridgid oscillating belt sander is a piece of junk, but I find it useful on small projects like band saw boxes, etc. Also, it distributes dust throughout the shop. I made a dust collector and mounted it behind the belt. That really improved the dust issue.
Yeah, I didn’t even mention the terrible dust collection, lol
For me it was a rotozip. I used it twice when I put up some drywall, but found a sharp utility knife did just as well.
I have one as well. Never used it, haha
I love high quality tools, but things I suspect I won’t use much, I buy the cheapest option. I have several Ryobi tools, I believe they are pretty good for the money. I think I paid like $80 for my Ryobi biscuit jointer, the 1 time I used it, it paid for itself.
Sounds like a solid plan 👍
Very honest video
Honesty is the best policy 🤙
Milwaukee job site table saw. It’s almost impossible to get the blade square with the rip fence because of the way the “adjustment” screws work. I’ll be upgrading as soon as I can.
Great video. I agree with some of these. For me it would have to be my Mortiser drill press. I bought it used about 2-3 years ago and only used it once to make a few Mortises and have not used it again. It just takes room and picks up dust. I honestly regret buying it but I won't sell it...
Yeah, I see those for sale all the time. I don't think you are alone. Lol, thanks!
Just found your channel. I love your videos - subscribed!
Thank you! And welcome 😁
Thanks for being honest. I have limited space in my shop and even though I would love to have the latest and greatest, I am not in the market for anything new. I find a number of the woodworking channels that I normally watch have just become 'tool review' channels. What I want is for somebody to show me another way to use what I already have.
Yeah, I get it. I will definitely keep this in mind 👍
I have an old Craftsman table saw and because it doesn't have a riving knife, splitter or a blade guard the Jess-em guides , along with the Incra fence system were (are?) a game changer for me. It makes my old saw much more useable and much safer! You do have to get used to navigating them with your push stick but it's something I'm used to now. Sorry, I beg to differ on this one! But like you said, basically, to each their own.
That is a smart move and great use for those. And yeah, not trying to deter anyone, just sharing my experience. Thanks for the comment!
As soon as you pulled out the biscuit jointer...I knew that case. 100% the same tool. I bought it about 6 years ago with the intention of making tabletops/shop cabinets and only used it once.
You are not alone, lol
Regrets buying for me. The rigid sander was number 1 on most regrets. First one was a lemon I had to return as the motor was dead upon opening the box. The second sander worked for a year or two of light use before I ended up having to toss it. The belt thing ended up shifting and not staying the center enough that it actually wore a partial hole through part of the sander which then acted like a knife and would tear apart any belt put on it within a minute or two. I ended up tossing it in the garbage instead of trying to play with bondo or something else to fix the hole as the belt kept pushing back into the same spot and wearing more of the metal away.
Regret 2: Biscuit joiner, thought I would use one in making large panels and never really got around to it.
Regret 3: Powermatic hollow chisel mortiser. Never could really get it dialed in right. Currently gathering dust but may get used again eventually.
Regret 4: Bosch router table. Was cheap, available at Lowes, and fit my router. Could never get the router plate level with the rest of the table, crappy access to the router, and the fence was a joke to try and get aligned.
I purchased a PerformMax 16-32 back in the mid 1990’s. What a total mistake that was. It worked just okay on small pieces of wood that would not extend pass the table but anything of greater size was often ruined. No matter how careful you were in setup, adjustment and maintenance you could not get the operating mechanism to work properly. They are a complete design failure. I wound up selling it after giving up on it at a big loss just to get the space back. Another tool I didn’t jive with was a Makita D-handle router. I couldn’t handle the sound that router made. I own many routers but that thing was terribly annoying with the frequency the motor operated at and I had many Makita tools that were just fantastic. Finally, I started out buying Pony pipe clamps as my main clamps for panels. Too many problems with every aspect of the clamp for my needs. Switched to parallel clamps and couldn’t be happier.
Once you don’t trust a tool, it’s hard to use it. And parallel clamps are the best 🙌
Agree with you on the Jessem guides. I have them and rarely use them. But bro. If you think a jigsaw is a replacement for the bandsaw... well, you need a bandsaw to understand why you're missing out in a big way. I think the bandsaw is actually a tool that shows your progression in woodworking. When I was starting out (20 years ago), I did own a bandsaw, but rarely used it. I thought it was pretty much for cutting curves as you must be thinking as well. It does that, but it also resaws, rips (why would you use a bandsaw for ripping? For me there are occasions where the thinner kerf is very desirable), cuts small pieces much more safely than a tablesaw or miter saw, cuts perfectly vertical and can do stopped cuts easily - making things like tenons very easy on a bandsaw. I actually use bandsaws in part of my process for making dovetails with a very thing blade to clean out between the pins and tails. I actually own 3 large bandsaws now - each with a different blade so I don't have to change them out for each task. Seriously man. Get a bandsaw, you won't regret it.
Thank you for the great comment. I definitely want one and plan to have one in the future. But it’s something I can work around for now.
I personally think you’re both nuts on the JessEm guides. I guess whatever floats your boat?
For me, the top tool regret is the scroll saw. I never use it and it collects dust and takes up a lot of space. I also built my own drum sander based on the Stumpy Nubs plans and could never get it dialed is, sorta along the same lines as you experienced so it never gets used.
The last time I used a scroll saw was in middle school shop class, lol
@@EverydayBuilds exactly. I bought it when I was younger.