Finding Inexpensive Tools

Finding Inexpensive Woodworking Tools

We all want to have a shop full of tools. It gives us peace of mind knowing we can walk
into our shop and be able to do any project that we want because we have what we
need. Paying for all these tools is another thing. Harsh reality sets in here when you
see the price of good quality tools. I try to buy as much tool as I can afford. I do have a
process that I use that has served me well. I ask myself this question.

How often will this tool get used?

If you are unsure of the answer or the answer is “this is an occasional use tool”, then
buying an inexpensive tool maybe a good tactic for you. I am not referring to the
workhorses of the shop, such as the table saw, the router table or the miter saw.
There are some great places that you might not think about that offer pretty good tools
at a very reasonable price.

Ebay

Ebay is growing and growing and people are realizing that it is a good source for tools.
Buying a name brand used tool can also be a very good alternative as well. There are
a lot of tool vendors here and some of them are strictly sellers. Be careful of these and
ask questions. If you find someone selling tools that is knowledgable about them, or is
even a woodworker, then you have some good opportunities. Make sure you look at
the completed listings tab on the left so that you can get an idea of what the selling
prices are before you bid.

Harbor Freight

Harbor is in the importing business. They have aligned themselves with several asian
tool companies and offer their goods on the internet, in a paper catalog and through a
retail store. They offer a ton of inexpensive tools, some are better than others. I would
not recommend them for major power tools but for accessories they definetly are a
good consideration. You can find some really neat items that the major tool
manufacturers do not carry. I recently bought a socket set organizer for my tool box
that has really helped me organize my tools. I can find what I want quickly, and for $15
it was a steal.

Northern Tool

I get Northern’s catalog and they carry some items that you cannot find in other
places. They are not woodworking specific, but they do carry some tools in there that
would interest you. The tools are mostly imported but they do have a few brand names.

Ace Hardware

Ace definetly has some advantages over Home Depot and Lowes. They carry name
brand new tools and also carry a lot of hand tools. Where they really shine for me is
the hardware section. If you read a lot of woodworking plans, you will find that a lot of
projects call for knobs or unusual bolts and screws. Ace has them, and they will help
you find them too. Try that at Home Depot. You do pay a bit more, but for me the
service is worth it. Its not really the place to find a table saw, but there are lot of items
there that make it worth stopping. Over the holidays they seem to always have some
very interesting tool specials. They tend to feature or carry something they do not
normally sell. Ace is the place for me.

Price Cutter.com

I love price cutter, they are definetly into woodworking. They send a paper catalog as
well as maintain a website. They have a nice variety of stuff and you can buy brand
names as well. They really shine in the accessories area. You will always find new
products each month and you can find an endless supply of router bits. Make sure
you sign up to get a free catalog.

2006 Copyright protected by Router Table Depot. This article may not be reprinted
without specific permission.

Home

Router Tables

Top Selling Tables

Build it Yourself

Extra's

Resources