Toggle clamps are the go to clamps when it comes to jigs and fixtures for hobby woodworking and even large scale manufacturing. Their ability to secure your workpiece in just a matter of seconds is what makes them ideal for many clamping needs. However, toggle clamps do have a downside, they do require a bit of setup time to get the clamps adjusted to the size of material you are clamping. If you need to change from one size of material to another, you are better off just build a jig for each size.

All of adjustments downsides of toggle clamps are no more thanks to the new self-adjusting toggle clamps from Bessey Tools. The new clamp uses technology similar to my favorite self-adjusting LockJaw Clamps and has me thinking that Bessey is actually licensing the auto-adjusting tech. The Bessy Auto-Adjust Clamps come in three different types; they have both high and low horizontal clamps that allow for different material thicknesses, as well as a vertical clamp. All three clamps have adjustable clamping pressure of 25 to 550 pounds that is easily configured via a thumb screw.

The three clamps run about $20 each and cost only a few dollars more then similarly weight rated non self-adjusting clamps. The slight added cost really seems like a bargain to me for the speed gained.

Bessey Tools via ToolGuyd
Bessey Toggle Clamps - Woodcraft

I like tools that make my life easier, and as a finish carpenter you wouldn't think a portable band saw would be one of these tools, but on rare occasion they really are. You might be surprised by the amount of metal I have to work with on any give job. For instance I might have to cut down a 1/4" think angle-iron L-bracket that it too long, or cut down a support post, or more commonly, cut metal closet rod to length. When reviewing the Stout-X band saw back in 2009, I discovered how valuable these tools really are to anyone cutting metal, but they cut with such ease. Because the blade is moving in one direction and pushes your material into a small table, the band saw has very little vibration, and unlike cutoff wheels, they throw almost no sparks.

Bosch has recently introduced a compact portable cordless band saw to their 18-Volt line up which should make a lot of people happy. There are other cordless models on the market today, but each one is different. What I like about the Bosch BSH180 Band Saw is that it is one of the smaller cordless units on the market, similar in size to the Stout-X, and has a similar 2-1/2" cutting capacity. What really impresses me about the Bosch BSH180 is it's claimed 150 cuts per charge in 1" conduit. That, coupled with two batteries, should make the Band Saw a great portable metal cutting solution.

The BSH180-01 is retailing for around $400 and includes two of the Bosch FatPack batteries, 30-minute charger,and carrying case. A tool-only option is also available for Bosch battery owners for around $200.

[:cicn:] BSH180-01 - CPO Bosch
[:cicn:] BSH180-01 – Ohio Power Tool

BSH180 - Bosch Tools

Even though I have never used them, I still believe Rockler's Bench Cookies are one of the best tool inventions for woodworkers and finish carpenters. I always assumed I would pick up a set, but thus far I have not needed them; but now thanks to Fastcap, I might not ever own a set. Why? Because Fastcap's new TracPad lets you make your very own router cookies brownies.

I always thought the Rockler cookies were a tool that could easily be DIY'd with some pieces of a router mat, a few blocks or circles of wood, and some glue. Fastcap TracPad is very similar to my DIY method, using some type of non-slip router mat with a self-adhesive back. The TracPad could be as simple as a router mat and Fastcap's double sided tape. Either way, this should be a cheaper, more customizable option. You can even use Fastcap's blind nails to turn your new brownies into a simple painting/finishing setup. For under $5 + shipping you get eight 2-3/8" pads to make 4 double-sided bench brownies, and four blind nails.

[:cicn:] Fastcap TracPad
[:cicn:] Rockler Bench Cookie

If I could afford it, the one Festool at the top of my list is the Domino joiner. The Domino takes the idea of the biscuit joiner, but instead of using thin football-shaped pieces of wood, it uses small wooden tenons that fit into a Domino-cut matched mortise. Tenons have been used for thousands of years so we know they are strong, and the fact the the tenons run perpendicular to your wood rather then parallel to it like biscuits, is sure to make a difference.

Festool is giving us a chance to win one of their Domino joiners as well as rather large assortment of their tenons (including storage Systainer). To enter, just head on over to FestoolSweepstakes.com and fill out the entry form. The retail value of the prize is over $1000. Be sure to enter the giveaway before it ends at 11:59p Eastern Time on 7/31/2011 11:59:00 PM

FestoolSweepstakes.com