The tools, finishes, and supplies I actually use in my shop.
This is everything I reach for on a regular basis. Every product on this page has earned its spot by being something I actually use, not something a brand sent me or something that looked good on paper. Nobody is sending me free stuff. If I recommend it here, it is because I bought it with my own money, put real hours into it, and it is still in my shop. Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support.
Power Tools
Festool Domino DF 500
This is the tool that changed how I build furniture. Loose tenon joinery in a fraction of the time, with dead-on accuracy. A set of table apron joints that used to take two or three hours now takes 20 minutes with the same strength and easier alignment.
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Festool Domino DF 700 XL
The big brother. Same concept as the DF 500 but handles larger tenons for timber frame joints, thick slab work, and anything structural. If you are building big furniture or doing commercial work, this is the one.
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Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander
Light, quiet, and the dust extraction is unreal. I use this for final sanding on every project. The 125mm pad gets into smaller areas better than the bigger models.
The triangular pad gets into corners and edges that round orbital sanders cannot touch. Finish sanding on drawers, inside frames, and tight joints is where this thing earns its keep.
Delivers Festool Rotex-level performance at a fraction of the price. Dual-mode switching between fine finishing and aggressive stock removal, 7.5 amp variable speed motor, and the multi-hole pad gives solid dust extraction.
BOSCH GCM12SD 12 inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
My go-to for crosscuts. The axial-glide system is smooth and accurate, and the 12 inch blade handles wide stock without needing to flip the board. Dust collection is decent for a miter saw, which is saying something.
Variable speed, top-handle, minimal vibration. I use this for curved cuts, sink cutouts, and anywhere a band saw or track saw cannot reach. The toolless blade change is a nice touch when you are swapping between wood and metal blades.
Auto filter clean, HEPA filtration, and it pairs with the Festool and Bosch tools. If you are running any kind of sander or router in the shop, a real dust extractor is not optional.
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Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Saw Kit with 55 inch Guide Rail
A track saw that makes you wonder why you ever used a table saw for sheet goods. Straight, clean cuts every time with zero tearout. The kit comes with one 55 inch rail, but grab an extra for longer cuts.
The oscillating drum means no burn marks and a consistently flat surface. I run slabs, cutting boards, and panel glue-ups through this before final hand sanding. The 16 inch capacity handles most of what I build.
Folds flat, sets up in 30 seconds, and supports full sheet goods. I use this for cutting, assembly, and finishing when the main bench is occupied. The storage bag keeps it out of the way.
This is how I flatten every live edge slab that comes through the shop. The Pro version with the extended rails handles slabs up to 48 by 134 inches, which covers pretty much anything short of a conference table. Integrated dust collection, solid aluminum construction, and dead-flat results every time. It is not cheap, but if you are doing slab work seriously, there is no substitute.
The starter assortment with multiple sizes. If you are buying a Domino, start here and figure out which sizes you burn through fastest before buying individual packs.
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Festool 5mm x 30mm Domino Tenons (300 pack)
The small ones. Face frames, small boxes, and light-duty joints. I go through these faster than any other size.
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Festool 8mm x 40mm Domino Tenons (130 pack)
My most-used size for general furniture joinery. Table aprons, cabinet sides, shelf supports. Strong enough for structural joints in most hardwoods.
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Festool 10mm x 50mm Domino Tenons (85 pack)
The heavy-duty size for the DF 500. Thick table legs, bed frames, and anything that needs to handle real load. The 10mm tenon in a hardwood joint is incredibly strong.
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Finishes and Oils
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C
Not cheap, but worth it. Stains and seals in one coat, saving time while giving a durable, matte finish. The White 5% tint looks incredible on quarter-sawn white oak. Eco-friendly and 650 square feet per can means you will not run out anytime soon.
Like ranch dressing for wood, I put it on everything. Easy to apply, super durable, and the smooth satin finish feels great to the touch. Low-VOC and brings out the wood's natural beauty without looking overly shiny. If I need a reliable finish that holds up, this is what I reach for.
What I grab when it is time to keep cutting boards and charcuterie boards looking their best. The oil soaks in to protect from moisture, the wax adds a smooth finish that makes the wood pop. Simple, food-safe, works on everything from butcher blocks to wooden spoons.
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Walrus Oil Furniture Butter
100% natural, VOC-free paste wax for a natural matte finish that still feels like real wood. Perfect for furniture where you want the grain to pop without a glossy look.
Stone Coat Countertops Clear Epoxy Resin Kit (1 Gal)
My base epoxy for countertops and bar tops. UV, scratch, and heat resistant, food safe, and self-leveling. One gallon covers roughly 12 square feet at 1/8 inch thick.
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Stone Coat Countertops Ultimate Top Coat Epoxy (Glossy)
What I used on the 3 Stone charcuterie board. Extra scratch resistance, UV protection, and high heat tolerance. If the piece is going near food or hot dishes, this is the top coat you want.
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Stone Coat Countertops Art Coat (1 Gal)
Formulated for alcohol ink, acrylic, and decorative pours with zero VOCs and extended working time. If you are doing artistic or colored epoxy work, this is the one built for it.
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TotalBoat ThickSet Deep Pour Epoxy
For thick pours where you need two to four inches of crystal-clear resin. River tables, deep molds, and casting projects. Slow cure gives you time to work and lets bubbles rise out.
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TotalBoat Crystal Clear Epoxy
A solid all-around table top epoxy. Good clarity, reasonable working time, and holds up well for bar tops and counters.
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Liquid Glass Deep Pour Epoxy Resin
My go-to for thick pours and crystal-clear finishes. Flows well, UV resistant, food safe, and durable. Great for river tables and anything that needs that perfect glassy look.
What I use for filling checks, cracks, and holes in wood when I do not need a deep pour. Crystal clear, self-leveling, and cures rock solid. Blends in seamlessly so the wood still looks natural.
Accurate measuring is everything with epoxy. These cups have clear markings and are cheap enough to toss after each use.
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Bernzomatic TS4000 Torch
The fastest way to pop bubbles in epoxy. A quick pass with this after pouring and the surface goes glass smooth. Also useful for heat-bending and a dozen other shop tasks.
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Nitrile Gloves
Epoxy on your hands is no fun. I keep a box of these at every station in the shop. Cheap, disposable, and they hold up to solvents better than latex.
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Consumables and Shop Supplies
220 Grit Hook and Loop Sanding Discs (5 inch)
Heavy-duty film-backed discs that last longer than the cheap paper ones. I run through these on the random orbital for final sanding before finish.
Thick viscosity black CA for filling voids, cracks, and knot holes. Cures fast, sands well, and the black color works perfectly as a natural-looking fill on dark woods.
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