Are you looking to impress the woodworker on your list with a top-of-the-line woodworking gift? Then check out these five professional woodworking tools in the price range of $250 and up.
Photo courtesy of Delta MachinerySince its 1930's release, the Delta UNISAW has been an innovative leader in table saws. For 2009, Delta has completely revamped the UNISAW. This all-new 10" cabinet table saw features a left-tilt arbor, Biesemeyer fence and will be available as a 3-HP with 36-inch fence rails, a 3-HP with 52-inch rails and 5-HP with 52-inch rails. The Delta UNISAW includes a 5-year limited warranty.
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.Sliding miter saws have been around for years. The Bosch GCM12SD Sliding Miter Saw has rewritten the rules. This miter saw, using the patented Bosch Axial-Glide system is incredibly smooth, and with sealed bearings on the slide mechanism, this slider miter saw should glide as smoothly for years to come as it does the day you pull it out of the box. Learn the benefits of the Bosch GCM12SD Sliding Miter Saw in this woodworking review.
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.The Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe is an electronic variable speed woodturning lathe with a reversible 1-HP motor that can turn stock for turnings at speeds varying from 250-4000 RPM in either direction. Although it is a midi lathe, a bed extension and base (both optional) are available to give it the capabilities of a larger lathe.
(c) SawStop, LLCSawStop has added their revolutionary
blade brake safety system (which is designed to stop the
table saw blade and drop it below the table within milliseconds should the woodworker's hands come in contact with the blade) to their new contractor table saw, and the results are very good. In addition to being arguably the safest table saw on the market, the SawStop
Contractor Saw is an impressive woodworking machine. While it's more expensive than most contractor table saws, the added safety features are definitely worth the money.
(c)2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.For a woodworker in need of a
compound miter saw, I'd be hard-pressed to recommend a better option than the Milwaukee 6955-20 Sliding Dual-
Bevel Miter Saw. While it is rather heavy to be used as a portable unit and is a bit pricey, the unit is well-built and very precise. Think of it as an investment in a feature-laden tool that the woodworker on your list will be able to use for years, and it'll be money well-spent.
(c)2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.In a wood shop,
dust collection certainly isn't a "sexy" topic. However, a quality dust collection system with HEPA filtering can make a huge difference in how a woodworker is able to work in his/her shop. If you're considering a portable
dust collector for a woodworking gift, they don't get much better than the Festool CT 22 E Mobile
Dust Extractor.
(c)2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.Looking to give a
band saw as a woodworking gift? Check out the
Ridgid BS1400 Band Saw. This band saw is perfect for a first band saw for woodworkers developing their skill level, such as hobbyists and beginning woodworkers. For those not looking for a high-end band saw, but instead a solidly-built unit that will handle most band saw tasks admirably, this is one to consider.
(c)2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.As far as combination
router kits (which offer a single motor with interchangeable fixed and plunge bases) are concerned, they don't get much better than the Porter-Cable 893PK Fixed Base & Plunge Base
Router Kit. This combo
router kit is loaded with features that were obviously designed or requested by woodworkers. Porter-Cable has a winner in the 893PK.
