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Favorite $50 Woodworking Tools
In woodworking, there seems to be no limit to the quest to acquire the latest tool. Some of us are even guilty of spending more time reading about tools than actually working with them. But there are a few tools that stand out in terms of their usefulness and bang for the buck. Below are my three favorite tools in the under $50 category. Bear in mind that the bulk of my work is finish carpentry and cabinetmaking.
The low angle block plane. I purchased my Stanley no. 60.5 low angle block plane used for t $35. It stays in my tool belt when I’m on the jobsite and in my shop apron in the shop. Interestingly enough there is another version of this plane called an apron plane. This place is great for making minor adjustments and fitting miter joints and easing edges of boards. The low angle designation is important because it makes it much easier for planning end grain-a very difficult task for a standard angle plane.
Another low cost tool favorite is the trim router. It actually serves many of the same functions of the block plane such as machining edge profiles on boards. Trim routers can cost anywhere from $ 20 to $100. I find for most light duty tasks, they work every bit as will as the standard routers, and are much easier to control and maneuver. The low angel block plan and trim router are certainly not essential tools. But once you experience their ease of use and versatility, you will wonder how you lived without them.
By: Paul Eden