Tools We Use in Our Shop
This is a full list of the tools we use in our shop! These links are affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission if you purchase a product, but there is no extra cost for you!
Saws
Miter Saws:
Dewalt 15 Amp Corded 12 in. Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This DeWalt saw is the one that both Dylan and I learned on! Very trusty, powerful and ready for any job. We would highly recommend getting a sliding miter saw so you can tackle bigger boards without having to default to a circular saw, because honestly this is more fun. I will say though, this does have a little jump to it when you press the trigger, so just a small heads up.
The Ridgid saw is the one we have currently and couldn’t say enough good things about it. It has never failed us and having the light on here for lining up measurements is so helpful.
Circular Saws:
Makita 18-Volt X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36-Volt) Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
This circular saw is the one that goes everywhere with us. We’ve been using this one for over 2 years, maybe 3, and has been such a comfortable saw. The only downfall I would say is having to get 2 batteries for it, but if you can swing it, get it!
Dewalt FLEXVOLT 60-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 7-1/4 in. Wormdrive Style Circular Saw
Throwing this one in here for all the DeWalt fans. This is a very smooth saw, but if the price tag scares you, we understand. This is a more construction style saw, so if you are serious about the DIY game or framing to renovate your home, check this one out.
Ryobi 14 Amp 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with Laser
If you’re like us and when you see or hear Ryobi, you think DIY. Which is TOTALLY cool! This saw is smaller than the rest and a great all around DIY saw, but not as powerful as the rest. If you are planning on building larger, bulkier furniture with more dense wood, I would skip this and see the others. For your everyday 2x4 projects this could be for you!
Jig Saws:
Ridgid 18-Volt OCTANE Cordless Brushless Jig Saw
Hands down this is the jig saw you need. Strong, accurate, and has dust collection attachments.
Reciprocating Saws:
I know reciprocating saws are totally DIY in the sense of building furniture or cute frames, etc, but if you plan on doing any type of renovating your home by taking down walls, here’s a few to consider.
Drills
Drills and Drivers are more or less personal preference. The size, price, brand, it all depends on your needs. These are listed from drills that are good for light work to harder work (lots of construction).
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver
Milwaukke M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill / Driver
Ridgid 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 1/2 in. Compact Hammer Drill/Driver
Sanders
Dewalt 20-Volt MAX XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 5 in. Random Orbital Sander
One of our favorite features of this sander is when you turn the sander off, it stops spinning. Makes work go faster when you need to set this tool down and move to another quickly. This sander is not the end all be all, it’s not the strongest as far as getting material off but still a good sander.
Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 in. Random Orbit Sander
This one is step up from the DeWalt in our opinion. Sanding sucks regardless, but this is is a little bit better.
Ryobi 6 Amp Corded 3 in. x 18 in. Portable Belt Sander
When it comes to reallly sanding, this is our recommendation for a belt sander. We’ve bought multiple Ridgid ones and they always break in the first week. To our surprise there’s really not a lot of belt sanders on the market and this is a fairly decent one we have found.
Router
For your typical round over edges or creating a small shallow channel, this little palm router is great. We have also had this one for about 3 years and it’s a great tool to have for that detailed look.
Vacuums
I am all about cleaning and keeping the shop or garage clean. With vacuums, you basically get what you pay for. We have found all of these to be good shop vacuums for hooking up tools, but don’t expect to keep your garage spotless with these. The Ryobi vacuum is great for taking indoor when working on a project or if you need to take it in the car with you for some reason. We used to do installs in retail spaces and we would take this one all the time because of the size.
Ridgid 9 Gal. 18-Volt Cordless Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum (Tool Only) with Filter, Hose and Accessories
16 Gal. 6.5-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Detachable Blower, Filter, Hose and Accessories
Ridgid 14 Gal. 6.0-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum with Filter, Hose and Accessories
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry Vacuum with Accessory Storage
Nailers
Ryobi 18V Cordless AirStrike 23-Gauge 1-3/8 in. Headless Pin Nailer
I don’t care who you are, what you are building, or to what level, you NEED a pin nailer. We use pin nails all the time as normal nails along with some glue or as a holding tool to keep things in place so we can come back and use screws.
Jigs
Get one. You’ll need it, or just want it at some point. Trust me! If you don’t want to get into fancy joinery like using a Domino, this will be your best friend!
Bits
Milwaukee Steel Impact Duty Drill and Screw Driver Bit Set (120-Piece)
I can’t explain to you how frustrating it is when a bit breaks. With this kit, it has never ever ever happened and there’s every bit you can every need here.