Best drills for woodworking

[tjbnwi]

There are 5 benches, two CXS drills per, I carry two for service work, two in the office just incase. Each bench has a ETS 125 R, DTS and ETS 125EC. All the block sanders are Festool. There is a wall in the shop that has around 100 Systainers of various tools.

Miter saws, 1 Omga on a Tiger Stop and 3 Kapexs.

I also come from the automotive field, I have 50+ years of automotive tools, some highly specialized ones. How many here have a rod stud/bolt stretch gauge? I own the machine shop equipment and tools. Cutting tools/tips can add up fast.

Tom

So, you supply everything? If a guy quit or got fired, in the middle of the day, all he needs to do is grab his jacket and lunchbox?
That is quite literally the way it is, for 95% of the guys where I work.

For me, it is very different. I own everything in my area, essentially an entire cabinet shop, minus a table saw. It's all about efficiency. I never have to search for a tool, never have to adjust it for my situation, etc. That's why all the routers, multiple track saws, even as far as 2 router tables.
Now, no one ever forced me into this, totally my choice, but just part of my thinking/experience.

There is no official apprentice program, except maybe with unions? I only know of one union cabinet shop, but it is just a part of a much larger construction company.

As far as the bolt stretch gauge, yes. Well, I used to, but it was specific to connecting rods in engines. I sold it, to a friend, when I left that job.

I like the C style, for the small assembly drill. I thought about buying a T style unit as a spare, but decided against it. The Makitas to everything else I need. I may end up having to go with a CXS12, eventually, but I really don't need more power. I usually have the clutch set to around 6, on the small one.

Yep, I supply everything. It is very rare they need a tool that is not in their bench. For those times walk over to the wall.

If it is a “special” project that the CNC does not machine everything there are router tables. routers and track saws in their respective areas.

Today we needed a stemware holder, the designer forgot it on the plans so it was a do by hand job. I pulled Dale aside for 30 minutes of training on something he had never done before (I don’t think anyone in the shop has ever fabricated one). Taught him how to size it, lay it out, layout the angle and how to calculate the angle. Had him assemble it, take it apart, I sprayed the pieces and it was reassembled by 4. The owner was due there today to pick it up, not sure if they showed up or not. I had to leave a little early today.

If someone wanted to supply their own tools I’m fine with it as long as they understand they are not insured at the shop.

Tom