5 of the coolest woodworking tools I've ever owned

[@paulmcgehee]

Hi James. You gave us some incite to your education level when you referred to Hannibal crossing the Alps. Most people do not have a clue what you are talking about. Anyway, Hannibal may of had a drill press but can assure you he did not have his wife and kids or he would have never made it. Enjoyed the video!

[@ohgary]

I haven't cut or nailed a piece of wood in months, but I'm always studying and trying to learn. I feel like mr. Hamilton would be a pleasant man to have a beer with, and that he wouldn't look down his nose at me. Also, top marks for the audio and video quality of these presentations. If only other presenters would take note.

[@jimp7015]

I've found that audio and video quality are usually good indicators of the quality of the content and Stumpy is pretty much aces across the board. His verbal presentation skills are excellent also.

[@larryleitner8658]

I can't thank you enough for your review of the Nova drill press. For years I have volunteered with Shake A Leg Miami teaching people with disabilities in our shop. One of my fellow instructors is in a wheelchair and so are some of our students, we do boat repairs that require working with different materials, changing speeds on our Delta drill press Is impossible to reach from wheelchair height. The Nova is ideal for those with disabilities, the settings are pictures of the different type bits and very easy to learn. Great machine, thanks again for your "Cool Tools" it helps more people than you realize.

[@Migh7yb00sh]

So… I barely woodwork (honestly)… I mill my own lumber though, and occasionally do stuff with it… typically I leave it rough milled and build crap for my kids like treehouses and such. But you’ve inspired me to venture into some more detailed projects… I hate sanding. Like, a lot. So I went and bought that carbide “paper” you’re touting. Used your code. They also have a discount going on for that whole woodworker kit.. so I got all that neat stuff for $190 total… buy once, cry once… right??? 😪😅 I’ll update you in like 3 years when I get around to using it 👏🏻😂

[@dewitnow10661]

Like the listed items, definitely saving for when my shop get done 22’x36’. They’re Sheetrocking as I type.

[@QqJcrsStbt]

Runout is proportional to the distance from the bearing. You found that measuring closer to the bearing gave you less runout. The sine rules! You now have enough dat to calculate the angular error.

[@y1y1y1y1y1y1yable]

James, I continue to watch your videos and I’m learning loads from you. I’ve got to admit, I really enjoy looking at your collection of planes. You could probably plane any shape you like with those old-timers! I wonder what sort of wood they use for those old hand planes.? And I wonder how old they are. You are an excellent presenter. I enjoy your step-by-step, crystal clear explanation of problems and solutions. You think things through in a very orderly manner, and present them in a clear, concise way so as to be very easily understood. You are certainly one of my Internet heroes!. Thanks for all the tips!

[@RickHaifuknew]

Hi James, as a Machinist and worked with Jacobs chuck drill presses of various quality and conditions here's a tip I'd like to pass on. Although it takes longer I always tighten the chuck going semi tight on all 3 spots then a final tighten on all 3 spots. It always produces a truer chuck up and far tighter. I also do the same on the lathe with 3 jaw chucks. Love your vids, even the corny old ones....lol. Go Leafs

[@boyscout419]

I bought the DVR drill press about a year ago. I've added a functional drill press table to it, along with a laser "cross-hair target." With all of that and the features you pointed-out, I have been extremely happy with it! Yes, it is spendy, but the fact along that I don't need to change belts and with that and I can easily set the right speeds for the cutting tool and material -- I believe it was money well-spent!

[@btrswt35]

First, I never knew of the carbide sanding blocks... I will definitely need to check them out. Second, yes recheck the drill press with the proper rod. Knowing that the taper is within one thousandth is nice but the business end- the tip of the drill bit, forstner bit, etc- is what matters most. Trying to line up a wobbling drill bit center with a small mark or hole is rather annoying.

[@funkophone]

That drill press has me salivating

[@boxsterman77]

This is the best lighting of any episode I've seen.

[@danielhansen533]

James, I have a Nova. Pull the arbor and check again straight on the spindle. I bet it's only between .0001" and .0005" max. I replaced the chuck and arbor with a good llambrich product (tolerances are very tight). I'm somewhere under a thou at the full 6" of depth, while reading from a machined pin in the chuck.Yes, I'm serious and I agree, this is a fantastic machine.

[@bluenaite]

I love that drill press but the cost is way over the top, ill stick with my old $100 beast

[@talleysuehohlfeld3959]

I wish I’d had that rust inhibitor to put in my sewing kit decades ago; my shiny Hoffritz sewing shears got rusty so quickly!

[@nate6692]

0:39 wooooah.... The local Woodcraft doesn't have a showcase with that much in it.

[@markharris5771]

The sanding accessories look superb, and one I’m definitely going to look into. The real benefit for the Voyager to me is not changing the belts. It's one of those reaching up things that are excruciatingly painful things for me to do with my disabilities. All the other features are all very impressive too. The downside it’s not £59.99 like my present cheap import was. Unfortunately that seems to cover my needs quite adequately at the moment, and I was stupid enough to tell Mrs H how pleased I am with it. However, my beloved wife's eyes seem to glaze over when I talk about tools so there is still hope.

[@garypillischafske1425]

By far the best help any woodworker could ever hope to find. You rock dude. Thank you so very much! By the way, you need a TV show!

[@pemtax557]

As always, informative, very easy to watch and to the point. These are some of the best tool oriented videos produced, period. Keep up the excellent work. cheers

[@brainfornothing]

That carbide sanding blocks are "cool" indeed ! Thanks for sharing !

[@mnm1067]

We used zerust in positive displacement blower cabinets for years. They were great for eliminating rust.

[@swimrski]

I'm a gardener and I'm going to try the Trend cleaner on my hand saws, hedge trimmers, and hand pruners. Eleven bucks? Sure, I'll give it a try.

[@sdranch2800]

Love your videos! Thank You, I find myself re watching them all the time. I can always find something I missed the first time through.

[@turbohyde]

Lol, just looked your video back up because I couldn't find the carbide metal sandpaper on my own, thanks!

[@MarioG2912]

Just ordered 80 grit sanding block. Discs for sander are pricey, but I'm sure that it pays for itself over time. I'm pumped to get in the shop this Spring. Thanks!

[@jdawg0828]

I ordered the Zerust for my router bits right after watching this video. Thanks!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Wowza on the drill press! I'll never own one, but still love seeing such a great machine. I might admire a Porsche, but don't need to own one. The sanding block on the other hand is something I'll try, just one to start. If they do last nearly forever, I can see getting other grits as my supply of that grit in regular sandpaper runs low. Regular sandpaper isn't cheap, so it could even save money in the long run. The zerust looks useful, too.

[@SergeiPetrov]

Runout in the seat of the chuck on the spindle. And the patron himself is also suspect. You can look forward to a long and exciting study of why a taper nose is needed in machine tool spindles. :)))

[@SamStGeorge]

You have earned my respect and love. God bless you for all you do

[@allanh4803]

Another terrific woodworking journal James. Maybe for some of us, the cost of the equipment is rather prohibitive due to the current level of skill however; Journeymen like me will know what is available should we get good enough at woodwork. I'm relying on you to continue to increase my knowledge, thanks.

[@WEALRO]

HE said problem with his rod 🤣 another great video 👍

[@ElTurbinado]

ITS FUNNY BECAUSE PENISES

[@stratlix1]

Thank you for all the great tool demos. You always show the coolest tools!! Gotta get the carbide sanding block. And the mini magnetic base! And the drill press, I need that one!! 👍

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Thanks, James, I appreciate all of your insight and expertise on these matters.

[@nightcatarts]

Thanks; I never new DuraGrit made anything but those little rotary tool burrs. Those are still all that seems available to buy here in the UK, but hopefully the flat surfaces will arrive too at some point. I'd love something more durable for my lathe-mounted disc sander.

[@OzDiGennaro]

I''m very interested in the carbide blocks. They sound just great. I'll try those. This was an eclectic collection of tool tips. A bit wacky, but fun and interesting. One or two of those tools cost real money!

[@stefanjetchick3853]

OK, I admit I learned something today. Thanks!

[@MakeThings]

Constantly amazed by your new tool reveals. Thanks James!

[@sbrega]

Great video and products! Thanks James. I always appreciate how thourough you are with your testing methods and disclosures.

[@BuildStuffwithAJ]

Those all look really handy! I've never seen that type of sanding blocks before and the drill press looks like it would be very useful in any shop!

[@bretlambky]

$35.00 for the magnet is a little proud. It’s a great tool and applications are endless. MSC has magnets that might work as good and more cost friendly. I like the size of the one you posted.

[@guitarchitectural]

I'll take one of each, thanks. Wish I did enough drilling to justify that drill press... What a terrific tool

[@cdecoro]

In case Trajan is wondering whether this paid promotion for their mini chop saw paid off: yep. Bought it because of this video!

[@Bogie3855]

Methyl hydrate will clean any disc or belt. Scrub with a small wire brush. I use it a lot on my flat bed sander. Puts a belt right back in operation.

[@jeffmansfield914]

"I think I was having some problems with my rod." - James Hamilton You're getting to that age, buddy.

[@ralphcraig5816]

Thanks for the best laugh of the day...

[@jimgam730]

LMAO

[@sisyphushappyband]

I was waiting for the patented Stumpy Nubs joke right after hearing that.

[@cabbyhubby]

I resemble that remark !

[@iamnickyj]

Dammit you beat me to it, lol.

[@regibson23]

A $1700 drill press had better be cool!

[@doveoo5]

Oh, thank you for posting! Was trying to find out how much this would cost. I might have to go with the belts ... and learning speeds and feeds on my $25 yard sale find.

[@Robyrob7771]

Yup, looking for a price quite a chore. Especially since this is obviously a advertisement for said “cool” drill press!

[@456fly]

Thanks for,clearing that up for me.

[@garyhorton6652]

I am always trying to get out to some of those wood working shows by unfortunately work gets in the way. Thanks for sharing what you have found.

[@ohgary]

The big woodworker show out here is in January so there's a pretty good chance there will be a blizzard that weekend. It's an hour drive on dry roads, much longer on snowy pavement. But the bonus is there will be acres of parking up close to the exhibition building, and smaller attendance means more time to talk with the exhibitors.

[@tylerkrug7719]

I've never seen the carbide sanding disc's or blocks before, they look pretty cool

[@tracdfar]

Informative, practical, and enjoyable. As usual, great job. Love that drill press! Would like to have seen a little of the fence and table but you showed how this DP really sets itself apart from the rest.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks James for the excellent video!

[@donnabrocka7090]

Just ordered a DuraGrit sanding block and let them know it was on your recommendation. Thanks for the great videos!

[@woodstover]

Lovin' that drill press! Thanks for the intro to it.

[@Zebitty]

That drill press is incredible. Now I just have to figure how to get my hands on one.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Rotate the pin in the chuck 180 degrees and retest. If you get the same error, it's in the quill or the chuck. If the runout flips 180 degrees, it's the pin. Remember too that a small amount of runout on the quill can translate to a lot of runout at the end of a drill mounted into the chuck (increase over distance).

[@kraigklopp7888]

Any time you want to check run out on a machine with a spindle use a drill blank.

[@bret_Lambky]

Instead of a transfer punch they make Drill blanks from MSC they are very straight! Transfer punches over time could be bent based on abuse. Or put an indicator in the chuck, and like a mill validate the perpendicularity of the spindle to the table.

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

I love the "Double Entendre". Entertaining and very interesting!

[@gsilcoful]

Thank you.

[@calvinh208]

I would try to replace everything with that drill press if I had one. Ripping full sheets of plywood, blending milkshakes, changing the oil on my truck...

[@timhalcomb4041]

Appreciate you sharing nice video have a blessed day

[@akquicksilver]

Try a large drill bit installed upside down in the chuck to check run out.

[@kraigklopp7888]

When you check the accuracy of a spindle put a drill blank into the chuck, then put your indicator on the blank. This way you’ll get a true indication of how much run-out there is.

[@rla1000]

Hadn't heard of the DuraGrit sanding blocks, just ordered two directly from DuraGrit, in 80 and 120, so we'll see how they work out. Thanks for passing along the information. Another hand sanding system folks may like (at least I do) is the 3M Stikit sanding blocks and rolled, sticky back paper that fits in a self-contained magazine in the block, no paper to cut, just pull a fresh length off the roll, tear off the old, and you're good to go. A thousand times better than and more comfortable than hard rubber or wood blocks! It comes in widths of 2-1/2" and 3-1/4". Woodworkers Express and many industrial supply and other places carry them. The 2-1/2" block is 3M 51144452033 and rolls of 80 paper is 3M 51141278087 to get you started if you search. Grits 80 thru 320. Sanding blocks are tough plastic (I have never broken one), and originally they were black with rubber backing which at some point 3M changed to a felt backing (and now red), which I like better - for one thing, friction from sanding builds up a little heat, and the sticky back paper would begin to really stick to the rubber making it hard to remove, not so with the felt. I discovered these over 20 years ago and still use them for 95 percent of my hand sanding. (Note - 3M has several different abrasive products with the "Stikit" moniker which tends to make it confusing when searching for the blocks and small sandpaper rolls I'm referring to, thus I put in 3M's catalog nos.). I'm anxious to try the DuraGrit. Unless I completely (or mostly) strip off paint, I do sand a lot of painted surfaces to roughen the surface before new paint, or finish sanding a mostly stripped surface which still may have some paint on it. I doubt I want to gum up the DuraGrit with paint so I know I'll still have plenty of use for Stikit. Thanks for the DuraGrit tip! I wish I had known a few months back as I just sanded a few thousand linear feet of moldings I could have tried it on. Always enjoy your videos, well done. (Sorry for the long post)

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks...I'll check em out!

[@davogifman542]

That Nova drill press is pretty sweet,and the thought of no more belts to repossession over different size pulleys is a nice thought an probably save some money by not dulling bits so fast,but for the price of around $1,550.00 it's definitely not a impulse buy. Although if someone was starting up a new workshop this drill press could be two high quality tools in one. A drill press,and a oscillating spindle sander. Now if only Nova would get a little more creative an "Bada" press a lock button; swivel the head into place "Boom" slide a attachment into place lock it down an then "Bada-Boom-Bada-Bing! lol You've got a good quality wood lathe. Then you'd have three tools in one... then I would buy one I think??.... Yep! I would definitely buy one then...lol

[@rega3160]

Yes, this is a costly drill press. I originally saw it at a woodworking store, however, at the time I purchased the Nova, Amazon had it for $100.00 less and free shipping. Additionally, I got the Amazon charge card which had 0% financing for 6 months. If you can find this drill press on sale, I highly recommend it.

[@laurawerner]

Good review of the Nova Voyager! I bought one of them last summer and totally agree. It is a wonderful tool! In addition to the quick speed changes, I love the digital depth stop. You can dial in an exact depth and have the tool stop (or reverse) the bit when it hits that depth. If you switch bits, all you have to do is re-set the zero point and you're back in business. It has an incredibly powerful motor too -- I've never gotten it above 15% load even with forstner bits. My one complaint is about the chuck that comes with the drill press. there's nothing wrong with it, but a $1500 drill press should come with a higher-end, keyless chuck. I bought a Llambrich keyless chuck for around $200 and the drill press + chuck have only about 0.001" runout. James, how do you like the fence on the drill press compared to your old shop-made drill press tables? I haven't decided whether to buy the fence or to build my own table. I like the drill press so much I just bought a Nova lathe with the same motor. They're kind of pricy (especially the drill press; the lathe isn't that much more than other lathes of the same size). But the extra cost is worth it to me for all the great features. I love the lathe too (the Galaxi), though I wish it had a little bit more swing for turning big bowls.

[@laurawerner]

@@TheFalconJetDriver No oil well, but I was a software engineer for a long time. 😀 Lots of long hours and hard work, but it paid _very_ well. 💰Now I'm retired for medical reasons, which sucks, but I have time to do woodworking again on days when I'm feeling well. And this time I have money for all the toys. Er, I mean tools.

[@ohgary]

TheFalconJetDriver : Remember the joke about the personal ad that read " man wants to meet woman who likes bass fishing and has her own boat and motor. Please send photo of the boat."

[@laurawerner]

@@bobt2522 I get the same thing: "You already _have_ a drill press. Why do you need a new one?" Because the old one is a piece of junk that was all I could afford 20 years ago, that's why! The medical issues (a chronic pain thing) keep me from doing anything some days, either due to pain or a fuzzy head from drugs. (Power tools and painkillers are not a good combo!) But on the not-so-bad days, puttering in the shop can take my mind off the pain and make me need fewer drugs. And I enjoy it! A win-win. :-)

[@jlh2119]

Years ago I had a set of microplane discs for my orbital sander but not have seen them in quite a long time ... Would you know if there are still microplane products for the orbital sander?

[@bilbonanno4443]

Hi James, as always I love your stuff! But it's really disappointing that you don't give prices in Cool Tools. Ya, that Nova drill press is quite impressive but if it cost $49,000 then, I couldn't be less interested. The price of a tool being reviewed or revealed is extremely important to me. I doubt I stand alone on this one. Thanks for the great videos! Please keep em coming.

[@StumpyNubs]

Videos stay online for years. Prices change. I provide links so you can find the current price. Sorry to disappoint...

[@robertmccluskey1076]

These are some of the neatest new tool...the drill press is a must have.

[@mikefas5406]

For $1900, you can have one! Or you can get 5 other power tools you don't have...ha

[@BradsWorkbench]

Mike Fas 😂😂😂

[@ichliebeminecraft]

i wouldnt call something that inaccurate a must have lol. id rather have an accurate one without all these features you dont need as a hobbyist. you have the time to change the speed manually and make a center punch beforehand etc.

[@mlubecke]

Thank you for sharing. I love this videos

[@Gummy1001]

Thanks for the video and the simple discussion about some good ideas. Loved the chop saw, if you could mention the MSRP’s in the video that would be great.

[@elmerkreisel396]

Very good and informative. Thanks

[@scottlouis7785]

All of them were interesting & I WANT THAT

[@chrisswartzwelder8494]

Stumpy what the thickest plate steel that you have tapped? I tried 3/8 plate and it did not like it. Always great info. Thank You .

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@nightmarejr]

Picked up a Trajan saw for 40$ new best saw ever

[@Bogie3855]

I use an end mill with the dial gage.

[@micaholiver74]

If only I could afford the drill press. LOL

[@ronh9384]

Good video James. Man I thought I had a good collection of router bits but you put me to shame!!!! The Dura Grit is a must get.... The Nova drill press is one I would love to have. The problem is I bought a Powermatic Varible speed drill press (2nd generation) and I don’t think I can convince my wife I need three drill presses. I have a full size Hitachi drill press with a tiny table. I think I bought the for $89.99 the first years Lowes opened. Since I got the Powermatic (which I love) it has been relegated to metal work only. Now I need to see if one of my wood working buddies has a Nova DVR. I believe the Nova DVR came out a year or two after the Powermatic. Ron

[@mikeboone4425]

Great intro Vince. Happy Trails

[@samrowe2889]

Well damn it that drill press Is as much as a car stumpy u got to tell me what do u do for a living us lower class cant afford such extraordinary tools

[@StumpyNubs]

I do this for a living.

[@samrowe2889]

@@StumpyNubs well stumpy ur a lucky man by trade I'm a Boilermakers a dying breed but work is scarce enuff that I'm on the bread line alot and the crovid realllly fucked shit up but yeah that drill press has me drooling I want the lathe more tho

[@grahamlarson2738]

Another great one mate. Well done.

[@mururoa7024]

If the Voyager DVR is to expensive for you, or you just need a smaller drill-press, check out the Bosh PBD 40.

[@garycrumrine9538]

That DVR Drilpress looks and feels like the ShopSmith mark 7 power head..

[@DavidBishopinc]

Great selection

[@RickHaskin]

that dura-grit sounds great but so pricey. I have a set of sanding blocks I bought about 15 years ago from a hobby shop and they were touted as "lifetime" use. I use them nearly every day and they are still like new. I don't know for certain what they are made of but I think they are diamond as they look just like diamond sharpening stones. I removed one of the sanding pads (they are glued on with some sort of contact cement) for testing and they are capable of sharpening carbide blade teeth so that's why I think they are diamond. They didn't cost a lot as I recall, maybe $5 each, but I don''t remember the brand name.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Those machinist transfer punches are a hand tool not a power tool attachment thus the runout will be great .

[@stevenbryant1954]

I can't watch your channel any longer! It cost me a thousand dollars everytime I do! lol

[@billybike57]

Thanks for the links, as always great video!

[@dougmarthaler3066]

Love your channel, and Cool tools series! Subscribed...!

[@BobbyKinstle]

I wonder how those carbide sanding disks hold up against aluminum oxide clear coating used on hardwood floors. Quality sand paper lasts about 10 seconds. No joke.

[@WillRyder3rd]

Things didn’t work out so well for Hannibal. Anyways, another great “must have tools” video. I always look forward to these.

[@ohgary]

When crossing the Alps his extension cord was too short?

[@lukebolle2992]

Does anyone know where I can get 6in orbital disks? Thanks

[@carlhansen8672]

The Duragrit products look great but at $38.00 for one sanding block you can buy a lot of sandpaper. That being said the return on investment seems good.

[@neotrode1]

Love these insights to tool and accessory improvements you continue to publish. Quick question on the Dura-Grit Discs... How do you remove it? Does it peel off the disc sander shoe without damage or is it rigid, yet delicate, and need a putty knife to coax off? I'm worried it will bend and shorten the life of the disc. I care for my tools but don't want to baby them. It's wood working after all. ;-)

[@StumpyNubs]

There's hook and loop backing on the disc, so it attaches to your sander like any other hook and loop disc.

[@frankd9134]

Stumpy Nubs thanks for the quick reply! That’s my concern... Peeling off hook and loop sandpaper is sometimes a strong bond to peel off. Will the thin steel plate hold up to the force of “peeling” from one end or is removal a more attentive action to remove with care? Swapping between grits at times is annoying so I tend to speed through the grits like a pit team in an Indy 500.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@frankd9134 - The disc is thick and stiff. It will last. The loop portion of the hook and loop is the weak point, which is why that half is always on the sanding discs, not on the sander. In the case of the DuraGrit discs, the loop material is replaceable so you can keep using the discs long after that wears out.

[@frankd9134]

Stumpy Nubs that’s great. I’ll be nabbing one of those bad boys. Great work James!

[@VManzhely]

Thank you for the info. very informative

[@SGDrummer7]

Missing the link for the Dura Grit in the description

[@StumpyNubs]

duragrit.com/home.php

[@TomKaren94]

My wife gives me grief over how many saws I have. I cannot imagine having all the tools seen in these videos.

[@BradsWorkbench]

This episode should have been called badass tools! I’m lovin’ that drill press and cut off saw