Ever wonder what I’m working with in the shop? Well, allow me to share it with you. Here are some of the essential tools and equipment that I rely on to bring my creative visions to life.
This is the gear we actually use in our shop, and we’ve linked it here for anyone curious. Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, we get a little kickback—at absolutely no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support!
BOSCH GET75-6N Orbital Sander, Polisher - 7.5 Amp, Corded 6"
The Bosch GET75-6N delivers Festool Rotex-level performance at a fraction of the price. Its dual-mode system switches between fine finishing and aggressive stock removal (up to 5x faster), powered by a 7.5-amp variable speed motor. With a multi-hole pad for superior dust extraction and pro-grade build quality, this sander punches well above its weight.
Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide Rail
A track saw that makes you wonder why you ever wrestled with a table saw for breaking down sheet goods. The Makita SP6000J1 gives you laser-straight, splinter-free cuts with zero drama. The plunge action is smooth, the depth adjustment is dead simple, and paired with the 55” guide rail, it turns plywood breakdown into an effortless task. Way cheaper than the Festool, but still a beast.
Makita 199140-0 39" Guide Rail
A shorter guide rail for when 55” is overkill or your workspace is tight. The Makita 39” rail is perfect for cross-cutting plywood, trimming doors, or any job where a full-length track is just too much. Pairs seamlessly with the Makita track saw for the same dead-straight, splinter-free cuts, just in a more compact size.
BOSCH GCM12SD 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
The Axial-Glide System gives you smoother, more precise cuts while saving 12” of workspace. It has huge cutting capacity (14” crosscuts, 6.5” vertical, and crown) and easy adjustments with clear bevel and miter scales. The quick-release fence stays square without constant tweaking, and upfront bevel controls mean no more reaching behind the saw. Plus, it has top-tier dust collection, keeping cleanup to a minimum.
JET 16-Inch Oscillating Drum Sander, 1-1/2 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWDS-1632OSC)
Perfect for thin boards, wide panel glue-ups, and flattening stock up to 32” wide, though slower than a planer. The adjustable conveyor and oscillating drum ensure smooth, even sanding, making it ideal for refining surfaces when a planer isn’t an option. I use this almost every day and mine is over 20 years old. Fantastic tool
Festool 574432 Domino Joiner DF 500
If you know, you know. This is one of the most hated and revered tools—but haters gonna hate. The Festool Domino DF 500 uses a unique oscillating and rotating cutting action to create perfect mortises every time. Adjustable mortise width makes panel alignment easier, and the pivoting fence allows for angled mortises up to 90°. With dust extraction for cleaner cuts and precise indexing pins for quick alignment, it’s a tool that once you use, you’ll never want to be without.
BOSCH VAC090AH Portable 9 Gallon Dust Extractor with Auto Filter Clean and HEPA Filter
Not made of money, so this is the next best thing to a Festool dust extractor. The Bosch VAC090AH offers strong suction, auto filter cleaning, and a HEPA filter at a much lower price. With a 9-gallon capacity and solid dust collection performance, it gets the job done without draining the wallet.
Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus
Probably one of the best sanders you’ll buy and a great entry-level Festool tool. It’s light, crazy smooth, and doesn’t leave your hand numb after extended use. The dust collection is ridiculously good, so you’re not sanding in a cloud of your own regret. It’s not the cheapest sander out there, but once you use it, you’ll see why Festool fans refuse to shut up about it.
Festool Sander DTS 400 Plus
A detail sander that doesn’t make you hate sanding. The DTS 400 Plus is lightweight, smooth, and perfect for getting into corners and tight spots without leaving swirl marks. The dust collection is so good it feels like cheating, and it won’t shake your hand to death like cheaper sanders. If you do a lot of finish work, this one earns its keep. I actually bought this one for a gift for the wifey, I wish i was joking.
BORA Centipede - 4x8ft Mobile Work Station with Storage Bag
A worktable that sets up faster than you can think about building one. The BORA Centipede unfolds into a rock-solid 4x8 work surface in seconds and holds up to 6,000 lbs—way more than you’ll ever need (unless you’re sanding a car). Perfect for breaking down sheet goods, it gives full support without wrestling plywood on the floor. No assembly, no hassle, just instant workspace that packs down small when you’re done.
Bosch Power Tools Jigsaw Kit - JS572EK - 7.2 Amp Corded Variable Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw
A jigsaw that actually cuts straight—what a concept. The Bosch JS572EK is powerful, smooth, and has almost zero blade deflection, so your cuts stay true instead of wandering off like cheaper saws. The variable speed and tool-free blade changes make life easier, and the low vibration means you’re not fighting the tool the whole time. If you need clean, precise cuts in wood, metal, or anything in between, this one delivers.