Tools - Shaping And Surfacing - Tool Tests and Resources

Tool Tests

April 16, 2013

DeWalt DWV012 Dust Extractor

This self-cleaning HEPA vacuum is designed to collect the fine dust produced by sanding drywall, demolishing plaster, and cutting, grinding, and drilling concrete. Read More
October 25, 2010

FirstTest: Two-Handed Sanding

Just after we completed our 5-inch random-orbit-sander tool test for the Winter issue, Makita announced the release of an updated model. Read More
February 17, 2010

Tool Test: 5-inch Random-Orbit Sanders

The workhorse sander for most tradesmen is the 5-inch-diameter random-orbit sander. Thanks to its ability to hog off stock with a coarse grit disk and leave a smooth, finished surface with a fine grit, this single tool has replaced the old progression of belt sander to half-sheet finish sander for... Read More
February 11, 2011

2010 Editor's Choice: Ridgid R1005 Angle Grinder

When we saw Ridgid's new R1005 angle grinder, it immediately struck us as an ergonomic solution to this category's age-old problem. Read More
February 10, 2011

Stanley Sweetheart Socket Chisels and #92 Shoulder Plane

Stanley is reviving its old Sweetheart branding yet again, this time for a line of bench chisels. Read More

Guhdo GMaxx Router Bits

Precision router bits with thicker-than-average carbide that can be sharpened multiple times.
Arbortech TurboPlane

A grinder attachment that uses carbide teeth to remove wood.
Bosch ROS65VC random-orbit sander

Bosch's ROS65VC random-orbit sander is designed for rough or finish sanding of wood, paint, and just about anything else that can be sanded with hook-and-loop paper.
Makita Lithium-Ion Planer

Makita's new lithium-ion powered planer, the first of its kind, can do everything its corded brother can do.
Launch Time 2011: Metabo Angle Grinder