As the clock ticks down on 2024 we’ve been highlighting some of the most innovative tools that came on our radar this year. In this article, I’m taking a look back at a few of the most exciting and interesting woodworking and carpentry tools that got my attention.
Don’t forget to check out all of the winners from the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Awards!
Rockler Quick-Release Multi-Clamps
Clamps are essential tools in woodworking, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Rockler Quick-Release Multi-Clamps are compatible with three distinct interchangeable heads—an F-style, T-shaped for use with T-tracks, and a round post head.
These clamps feature a quick-release mechanism that makes it easy to swap out the heads or adjust the jaws to the right size. It makes them an excellent choice for securing complex workpieces, clamping small assemblies, and even holding down sacrificial fences and positive stops on a table saw. Plus, the T-shaped head is perfect for working on a router table jig or a dedicated woodworking table.
If you think a clamp is a clamp is a clamp, Rockler is here to change your mind! A pair of these clamps retails for $40 and comes with all three interchangeable heads.
Hilti Nuron Miter Saw SM 60-22
As Hilti’s first miter saw, the SM 60-22 turned quite a few heads around our shop. Powered by Hilti’s Nuron battery system, this saw can make up to 450 cuts per charge using a B 22-255 battery. Thanks to the compact forward sliding dual-rail design, it’s perfect for working in tight spaces.
Thanks to its upfront controls for mitering and beveling, you get a safer, more convenient working experience that keeps your hands away from the blade. It sports a 6-speed dial that allows you to tailor the speed to match the material, including use with a metal-cutting blade. I also love the shadow cut line because it stays accurate regardless of the blade’s kerf. Additionally, the back fence and side plates move easily and don’t require additional tools to adjust.
This saw retails for $869 as a bare tool.
Red House Tools EZ-Wings Pro EZP-36
If you’ve never experienced the joy of cutting long dimensional lumber on a miter saw by yourself, well, you’re not really missing out! However, Red House Tools EZ-Wings offers a major upgrade to your workstation, extending your saw’s table beyond its normal limits.
The built-in T-track channels make it compatible with a wide array of accessories and clamps, and the universal fit allows it to work seamlessly with any saw, regardless of brand. Furthermore, this system is infinitely expandable (within reason), giving you much needed support no matter the material size.
We believe that with the right mix of clamps and accessories, this system will make you an unstoppable force on the jobsite and in the shop.
Since this system is scalable, prices do vary. The baseline kit retails for $409.99.
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Belt Sander DCW220
Designed with the Pros in mind, the DeWalt 20V Max XR 3×21-inch belt sander is their first offering in this category. It features a brushless motor, variable speed trigger, lock-on button, and 25 speed settings ranging from 650 to 1,050 SFPM.
This sander is equipped with a quick-release belt change lever and a tool-free dust port swivel that’s compatible with DeWalt’s AirLock system. Additionally, the tool body and auxiliary grip feature textured rubber overmolds for added control and comfort.
The DCW220 retails for $299 as a bare tool.
Rockler Dust Right 4-Inch Wall-Mount Cyclone Dust Separator
Folks like to say that there are only two certainties in life—death and taxes. Well, I submit that when it comes to woodworking, there’s a third option—dust! There are dozens of portable solutions for dust collection, but Rockler has a pretty cool system for our friends who spend most of their time in the workshop!
The Rockler Dust Right 4-inch wall-mount cyclone dust separator transforms a single-stage system into a more efficient 2-stage system. The Dust Right pulls up to 20 gallons of larger wood chips and debris into a separate collection bag before hitting the main collection bag. By separating the debris, you ultimately reduce the time of times you need to empty the fine collection bag. Additionally, since this system is mounted on the wall, you save floorspace and reduce tripping hazards.
This system retails for $250.
