There is nothing like the joy you experience when you look through a new tool catalog for the first time. You flip a page, see the tool of your dreams, then imagine all of the things you could build if only you owned it. Sure it sounds pretty pathetic, but it does make us happy.

Sears is taking the catalog to an all new level with their new interactive online catalog. While their typical print catalog features 2,500 tools that we would all love to own, their enhanced online interactive catalog has more then 40,000 tools to choose from and 1,200 online exclusives. Sure we can be happy with just a bigger catalog, but the Sears Interactive Catalog is much more; also featuring handy instructional videos, tool selectors, garage planers, etc. I was even surprised to see a video from TheWoodWhisperer about an Earlex HVLP sprayer in the catalog.

Be sure to Check it out for yourself. Sears Interactive Catalog

ToolGuyd Blog has news of a pretty darn good deal going on over at American Hammer. It turns out that the makers of American Hammers are not too happy with some of the price gouging that has been going on with their hammers from some of their retailers. The word is that some retailers feel the hammers are under-priced and have used this as an excuse to make a few extra bucks. American Hammer is not happy with what is going on and have decided to offer a direct sale to us simple folk.

This [promotional price] will serve as a wake up call to those suppliers who feel our hammers are just too good to be priced so low for the average tool buyer and forcing them to buy cheap imports. – Ted Leitter

Now until the end of March American Hammer will sell you any brass, bronze, or copper hammer under 2 lbs for only $25 shipped. This is a great deal considering these same hammers are listed on Amazon for between $40 - $70. You must be thinking that there must be a catch, well there is. American Hammer is asking that in exchange for such a good deal, you write an honest review about their hammers somewhere online. Isn't it handy that Tool-Rank has a place already set up for hammer reviews? When you are ready to order, send over your request via their contact form, and have your Paypal information ready.

[:cicn:] American Hammer via ToolGuyd

We all know Festool tools are expensive and priced out of the reach of many users. Granted they are designed as high end tools that should last a lifetime, it is hard for many people to justify the initial wallet shock. One of the main reasons people decide to give Festool a chance is because of the great reviews their tools receive, as well as the free advertising known as word of mouth. Another great way to get some cheap advertising is by running a contest.

Festool is sponsoring a contest over at Fine Home Building, where they will be giving away over $10,000 worth of Festool tools and accessories. There will be a total of three prize packages that will total approximately $10,715. To enter is easy, simply head over to the contest page and fill out the entry form. The contest is open to the legal residents of the U.S. and Canada except for Quebec and Puerto Rico, who are at least 18 years old. Be sure to enter by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 31, 2010.

Check out what is in the three prize packages after the Read More.

Contest Page

There is no question that I love a good looking tool, as do many people, but it is probably not a good idea to base your tool purchases on looks alone. The good thing is that the tools from Veritas not only look good, but according to the woodworking community, they work great as well.

As you would expect, the new rabbet planes from Veritas look good, likely work great, and have a price you would only spend if you were looking for high quality. The body of the plane is made out of cast iron, and the handle is made out of hand friendly polished brass. The 30 degree blade is made of oil hardened tool steel, and is set to 45 degrees in the tool body.

Rabbet planes, as the name implies, allow its users to cut rabbets or dados into wood. Veritas has five sizes (6mm, 1/4", 5/16" (8mm), 3/8", 10mm) for you to choose from, but any serious hand tool woodworker would probably want to buy the complete set; that is if you credit will allow it. They are individually priced at $65 or you can buy one of the sets of three for $149, or five for $239. Please note that these are introductory prices for the sets, and the prices will increase after March 25th 2010.

[:cicn:] LeeValley via ToolGuyd