Ten EXPENSIVE woodworking tools you have to see! 

I bought all of these things and I never imagined how much more time they gave me in the shop -- because my wife left me.

I'm glad you spend so much attention to dust extraction. My father was a carpenter and while all the wood dust in his lungs wasn't what killed him in the end, the constant coughing certainly made the last 10 or so years of his life pretty miserable.

Man Oh Man…. Since I came across your channel, I am going broke! I can honestly tell you this. I have stepped up my game Big Time. I work in my wheelchair. I have plenty of issues. I also can tell you that the upgrade in my tooling has improved my body, mind & spirt in a big way. I have a nice long prioritize list and I keep checking things off one at a time. I am now saving for the BCT JMP. I just hope my arms hold out. I am going to Las Vegas this August 2024. See you there? TS, Portland

I just picked up woodworking during the quarantine. Your videos are a great combination of immediate instruction and shop envy! Please keep it up, I love the content!

James, I have been waiting for this episode of Cool and expensive tools. Thanks for keeping me up to date with regard to drool tools. Excellent Video!

James, to label this edition as incredible does not do it justice. You are a natural teacher and that gift cannot be taught. Thank you!

I’ve been watching since the videos involving the (now Late,) Great Charles Neil. I had just attended one of his classes and was searching his content, when I found yours! I was an immediate fan of your blend of woodworking, problem-solving and of course humor. It’s been awesome watching the channel evolve and the shop(s) grow! The Drool Tools in your dream shop are cool, but the path and the progress are sweet! Thanks for sharing, entertaining, and educating!

I like your presentation style. You seem genuine. You're not a salesperson in a woodworker disguise

I've had a Dowelmax for 10+ years. Pricey, but amazing. The accuracy is stunning.

An excellent well spoken presentation on some great quality tools. I can definitely see some of these making it into my workshop. Thank you for the detailed explanation of each tool.

As a fellow woodworker, I strongly agree with your view of the Festool dust extraction system. I work in a cabinet shop and we have 5 of their dust collectors. We recently purchased their smallest version , the CT-15. After using it for a few weeks, we bought another. Their reusable bags make the system that much better!

A really great presentation with clear and balance critique. Love it!

I wanted to say thank you for all the hard work that I know goes into putting these videos together. I have learned a lot and appreciate all the tips and techniques.

I've been waiting since last December when you teased this video! It was worth the wait!

Thanks for highlighting these! It really helps understand if the quality and features of these tools are something I want to check out more. Some would would be a great fit for me down the road, and others are just fun to see!

WOW & WOW! I am not a woodworker, I mess around with tools and wood but by golly do I want all of these tools! Yup eye watering expensive but your face, your tone of voice, your pitch spoke volumes about these tools and I want to feel the way you feel when you talked just through them it must be a massive self image boost! Thanks James brilliant yet again Bob Manchester England

I found the Harvey G700 Dust Processor on this edition of “Drool Tools”. I’ve been shopping for a new dust collection system for 2 years. With your intro, and a bit more research, I was sold. My new G700 was delivered 2 days ago. I’m am really impressed with its quality construction, very low noise, and tremendous performance. Thank you for featuring it.

Thank You! This is an Exceptional Video! Extremely Well Thought out and done!

Your comments about each tool are concise and informative. I enjoyed just hearing you talk even though my last woodworking project was eons ago!

Drool-tool- Candy ... all I need is 3 times my normal retirement / SSI checks to live in tool-drool heaven. However, just seeing where technology has taken our hobby is something even those of us on fixed incomes can dream about!! Thanks for giving us an old mans version of 'pinup dream fodder" ... cheers! I found myself watching this again, (you'll find when you get to be my age that memory issues are real), and I just had to mention again just how much I appreciate what you do for everyone in this wonderful community. Your experience, innate ability to communicate and obvious passion for woodworking makes your content second to none. Again, thanks for what you do, Cheers!!

I had the honor of owning the first metric dowelmax in 10 and 8 mm. Still use it often. Remarkable tool.

Even if I don't break down & buy new expensive equipment there are tips we can all use to make what we have somewhat better. Thanks James!

I have a Dowelmax and it is a stunning tool at a great price. The pieces I've built with it are super strong, rigid, and perfectly aligned. Reveals are a snap. I've tried many other joining systems and this one has the all beat for speed, strength, and ease of use. The fact that it is only ~$250 makes it a steal.

I really like that Mattias's pantarouter was used an example picture.

It is great to see a review of the jointmaker I have been wanting one for awhile. the price was too high, but since harvey tool bought in, the capacity increased and the price is cut in half to $600. beautiful quiet tool. Thanks stumpy

I bought the DowellMax based on this video and I love it. I almost completely discontinued using pocket screws.

I love the simplicity and quality of dowel max

We need a Shop Build of a Jointmaker!! Man, that thing looks awesome!

Wonderful collection of tools I didn't know I can't live without until about 20 minutes ago. Well done - and I am looking similar to a happy bulldog, or wet St. Bernard.

James, Thanks for posting this! I've added a couple of your recommendations to my tools wish list.

That Jointmaker Pro is so interesting. Thanks for showing us!

I love Matthias! Glad to see his pantorouter getting some attention

the best tools always "hurt to buy" it would seem . Thanks for the years of good information in the world of woodworking tools .

thanks for a quick reply, and the reasons. I shall keep watching

can't wait to get my woodshop. I miss making stuff. I use these videos as course reminders.

I've been watching you Jay & Matthias all about the same length of time. Well for some time now. It was exciting to 1st learn about his Pantarouter go commercial. Equally exciting to see it on your channel. I still have it on my list of wood tools to build. Wood? Well I just think a home made tool in my shop whenever I can just does something for me. I like looking at it. I know I'd show it off more. Great show thanks for the years of enjoyment. Have yourself a cold one.. You earned it.

I have a Dowelmax and it is simply impressive , it is my go to for most joinery

I could imagine a few of these in my small shop, and want the dowelmax even more. Thanks

Love the tools and video. Just want to point out that the info panel introducing the Festool dust extractor is actually the info for the Tormek sharpener.

Very informative. Thanks James.

great review of 10 "drool tools" ... great content !!!

This is one of the few channels I'll upvote before I even see it.

Why would anyone downvote this? It's the usual top-notch content from Stumpy. Granted, it makes me sad that I'll never have these tools, but it's nice to know they exist.

The Harvey G700 is an absolute beast. It's got the same HP rating as my old JET cyclone, but it's got quite a bit more suction. The variable speed control and the much lower noise are quite nice as well.

I wanted every one of those tools, some for the curiosity, like the first one. Then the last three maybe even 4...well I really want those. Thanks for the fun video.

Excellent James. I own the Midi (older version) and have. been very happy with it. Keeps these cool tools videos coming

Always nice to drool over tools, thanks for the video.

Those are definitely drool-worthy. Being a home hobbyist, I don't see myself buying any of these, but it's cool seeing them nonetheless. Now, that cylinder thingy gives me an idea for a DIY version using the two big burly server rack fans I have, which run at 1,100 cfm combined.

Thank you..this was an eye opener.

Thanks for sharing your information James, good video.👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Nice stuff, thanks for the continued great content!

Thanks for sharing keep up the great work look forward to hear from you by 4 now Ken, God bless

Very informative and interesting presentation. Great stuff indeed. I sometimes just get a slight feeling of boredom when it comes to all these high end tools of micrometer precision, packed with electronics in a woodworking shop. The more complex and unique the device and its attachments the more you depend on the manufacturer’s assistance and parts when some maintenance or repair is due.

Niiiiice! Drool tools is the right name for this segment.

Because you say that you read all your comments, I wanted to stop and say thank you. I am legally blind and I will star studying cabinetmaking this coming fall semester. I was looking for videos regarding digital tools (which are a game changer for someone like me). I ran into one of your old videos that touch on that subject and now I am hooked with your videos. You offer a lot of valuable information and I just wanted to say THANK YOU. Greetings

Just really starting some carpentry now - I realize I have a long way to go. Hopefully one day I’ll own something nice from Festool 😏 Love your videos and appreciating them all the way from the South of Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦

Some neat stuff. When I want to dream big I look at Northfield. Love to have a shop full of it but never will.

I absolutely love your shop and all of the awesome tools!!!!! Some day I will have my work shop!!! But until then thank you for posting awesome content!

I own that dowelmax, and it is very fantastic, it reminds me of my drilling jigs we used when building aircraft. The tight tolerance of the drill guides is great to quickly get straight and accurate holes. I would recommend getting one and skip all of the home depot versions

Great Tools. Great info. Thank you for sharing.

Had a dowelmax for a few years now, i would never use any other dowel tool again, it’s a top quality tool!!

Fantastic list! This will become a tool checklist for me to chip away at.

An excellent presentation I’m gonna have to remember to save enough money to buy a bib when I buy all those great tools you showed us every one of them could have a place in my shop even if I don’t need them they just look neat and useful.

Excellent, thanks Stumpy.

I thought the Stratus air filter was going to be a lot more, that is now on my list! As always, awesome job!

I’m in the market for a new shop vac and have been considering Festool. That combined with the Mirka sander seems like the answer. Guess I better keep saving up! ;). Thanks for all the great content. I always appreciate your videos for the content and the delivery. You’re also a great motivator!

I hope one day to get one of those tormek diamond stones, they seem really neat.

Vacuum technology has long been intentionally designed to be loud, so we perceive it to be powerful. Glad to see praise for a quiet dust collection system

From the list I have the CTM Midi Festool, Dowelmax and Domino (if we count it). First that Dowelmax is absolutely beautiful and beyond well made tool. It is slow, but very precise and makes strong joints like you said. You need to mark a lot of stuff and not confuse it before proceeding to drill holes. Festool domino is another very well made tool and since I got it the Dowelmax (sadly) collects dust. I love everything about domino except for its initial price, but that can be redeemed with couple of good paid commissions. You can save money by quickly making your own dominoes if you wish to save money. I made few thousand in an afternoon and they last me quite some time. Finally the CTM/CTL Midi. I had the same reaction for it - too expensive vacuum cleaner. Until I started to see the details. It is square with flat top! This has to be my favorite about it, because you can place other sustainers or use it to lay down tools. Hepa filter is top notch and the bag is easy to clean for few times before you have to throw it. There is reusuable bag available, but costly. Also do yourself a favor and buy the bluetooth hose adapter. This will allow you turning it on without having to go back to the vacuum and bend over. I'm not lazy, but this saves so much time especially when you are 9ft away from the vacuum. Mine is CTM which has the alarm when the bag is full, not worth additional $100, go with CTL. You'll notice when the bag is full (no/low suction). I don't have the Mirka sander, but I have Rotex 150 and it is an incredible and very powerful sander, dust collection is phenomenal. Buy good quality sand paper, that is also the key. Now I believe all the other tools mentioned here are top notch and I'd love to own some of them soon. Tormek is catching my eye for a long time now. Also that chip extractor looks interesting. Ahhh just take my money.... Happy woodworking!

I never knew I needed a router table so much

I have the Dowel Max, I was able to get it on sale and decided I'd try it. Although I wasn't a big dowel fan, I have to say, it's worth it. It's incredibly precise, accurate and very versatile. i've used several dowel systems over the past 30-40 years, and this one is the best by a wide margin.

Excellent video. Thank you.

I dont even have a woodworking shop, heck i haven't even done woodworking in a couple of years but i think im addicted to these videos

As always, brilliant, thanks, Greetings from the UK

I attended a Woodworking Show sharpening class a while back. The guy asked who had a Tormek and then belittled us that had one for spending all that money. Then he gave his class where he dropped a plane blade and whacked it with a nail after which he used a Tormek to restore it … but yeah, we were dopes for getting one

Another great video. Thankyou!

Ok, I am drooling. Thanks!

Enjoy the free vids. Keep em coming

I love these videos, they make me very happy 😁. I have the Festool CTL midi for on jobsites and the big Festool CTL 48 E LE EC/B22 for the shop. Good tip for all Festool dust extraction machines you can buy the Longlife dust bags. They cost a bit but you can empty the bag and use it over and over again, good worth of money. I also didn't buy the Mirka, I have the Delmeq it's basically the same machine, but cheaper, and a bit harder to find. Both are worth their money anyways. Keep up the good work 👍

Beautiful presentation of “drool tools” in a “drool shop”! Best wishes!

More drool tools please!!! I am now working on how to hide the purchases from the missus. Seriously - a really good video.

I'll start saving today!

Pretty interesting tools, dude! Thanks a lot! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I've used festool AND mirka sanders professionally for many years now. They are both great machines. Spesifically the festools "mirka style" sander has even little less vibration than the mirka has. Both are powerful and biggest difference is the on/off switch. Mirka has a pedal and festool has a button. Personally i like the pedal more. Festool extractor bags arent cheap but you can get the expensive version of the bag which you can empty yourself and it last forever. I have one and its made from very tough materials. Its not cheap but its the cheapest option on the long run if you use the extractor alot.

Great job. Thanks

If I only had ... looks like a great list to give to my wife for Christmas present suggestions, although she is great about giving me gift cards so I can pick what I want as opposed to her guessing. I'm blessed to have an awesome wife, thank God!

Thank you for the informative content.

I found your review of the Bridge City Joint Maker Pro (JMP) interesting. I owned one for about 10 years, including all of the accessories, before selling it. Every few years, I'd start from scratch with it, thoroughly reviewing the instruction, assembly and use instructions. Each time, I would come to the same conclusion, that it was a fascinating idea but incredibly poorly implemented. As a mechanical engineer and long-time woodworker I found it to be a just awful tool, right down to the stand that supports it. I found it inaccurate, non-repeatable and with many truly badly designed features. I have several pages of notes of its design and implementation shortcomings. I found it very odd that in the decade and a half since it was first commercially released, there is nearly zero discussion of it by actual owners and users. For example, one can count on one hand the number of RU-vid videos that exist of people using one. (Most of those videos were early videos by Bridge City Tools.) The Mark Adams woodworking school once offered a course on using the JMP with the intended outcome of the course being a published book on the JMP's use. No book was ever published. For such an expensive and innovative tool, one would expect buyers to want to share what they've done with it. Very little has been shared by actual users. Most of the discussion has been by woodworkers who have not tried using the JMP but wanted to. Over the years, I've purchased and used a number of Bridge City tools with very mixed results. Some were good, cleaver tools, others marginally functional, but all were expensive. Discussions with the then owner of Bridge City did not resolve some of the deficiencies in design. The good news is that since Harvey purchased Bridge City and is now manufacturing the tools in China, the prices have become much more reasonable. The quality of the manufacturing is as good as the much more expensive U.S. made ones. However, the designs, good and bad, remain the same.

I have the Dowel Max and it's brilliant

That Tormek...your version is sweet!!

our school has 4 of those exact festool vacuums (and the matching festool ROS) and they are GREAT

Thank you!!!

I am drooling over many of those tools. The side mounted router looks amazing for joinery. Facing a sanding job right now and so wish I had that sander. My hand had a blister and my wrist is aching because my sander has a side grip instead of an over the top grip. My dust collect for it is a shop that I duct taped to it. As my shop is also a garage that I need to put a car in, everything has to be on wheels and my tables all fold up for storage . . . maybe someday.

Recently found your channel and I must say I love the detail and professionalism that you explain each part of the project that you're working on plus the description of the tools as well. Recently had to cut back on my woodworking abilities and had to sell the majority of my tools as I was suddenly overcome with cancer. But now hoping to get back start fresh and start building new projects although I realized that it will take some time to get most of my tools back. Just wanted to say thanks. Jack

The table saw was really awesome. I’ve seen one before on another video, but it really got the drool a flowing seeing it again.

I recently purchased a new miter gauge with a fence attached to it for very nice accuracy. I used the stop block on it today also and oh my goodness it was beautiful.

James, thanks, now I've got even more tool envy. ;-) When do we get a tour of the corner shop?

I always learn a lot, but as a "newcomer", most of what you discuss is above my skillset. It is still cool to know.

Santa, I have been really good this year!

Thank You! I have been looking at the Mirka sander for a while now. I must admit the high price has kept me away. But now after burning up several other sanders and wanting better dust collection, I'm ready to give it a try.