19/38 Drumsander and 8” Helicalhead Jointer
During COVID, I got a drumsander. In the past when I’ve needed this resource, I’ve paid one of the cabinet shops in town to sand large panels for me. I finally bought one during COVID and it is by far one of the most used tools in my shop. In addition to sanding large panels, it can do a million other things, like take down the size of an ⅛” spline so it will fit perfectly in my saw kerf. I don’t know what I ever did without it.
Also few years ago I started saving for a new jointer — not just any jointer but a Powermatic 8” helicalhead jointer and it was worth ever penny I saved. It arrived at the end of May right after I retired. The story of getting that 450 pound hunk of cast iron in my shop is a bit crazy and long but the short version is a three large men and a Harbor Freight wagon made it happen.
These two tools while not necessarily “changing the game,” have made me faster and improved quality on a number of my recent projects. It took me years to feel like I had earned them and I’m proud being able to wait and get the right tools.
