DEWALT DW9096-2 18V XR+ PACK Extended Run-Time Battery Combo Pack
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $276.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

All batteries are not equal. DeWalt did some thinking and rebuilt these beauties, so the XR+ units offer extended run time with 2.4amp hour Cobalt NiCD cells. It’s a high-capacity battery that actually gives you up to 40 percent more run time, and in our book, time is money. We noticed the new battery latch design and think that’s an improvement, too, for faster, easier battery change-out on DeWalt’s entire line of 18-volt cordless tools. If you don’t have one, you’ll want to pick up the updated 9116 charger, too.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Two 18V NiCd Batteries
• High capacity cells provide 40% more power that XR batteries
• Powers entire line of 18V DEWALT tools

Reviews (3)

Great price and delivered before the estimate
I was looking for replacement batteries after the originals failed to perform.I looked around and found a another brand that has a direct replacement.Then I found this offer for two DeWalt replacement batteries at the super low price, I had to purchase these.

So far, the batteries have performed as I expected.In my case, the batteries were delivered before the estimated delivery date.

EXCELLENT VALUE
THESE ARE A EXCELLENT VALUE. AFTER A LOT OF SEARCHING LOCALLY AND ON THE INTERNET SINGLE 18 VOLT BATTERIES WERE RUNNING REAL CLOSE TO $80 DOLLARS. WHEN YOU CAN BUY TWO FOR $55 DOLLARS WHY SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE AND SPEND MORE FOR QENUINE 18 VOLT DEWALT BATTERIES.

Great Price on DeWalt Batteries
Presumably, each DW9096 in the pack works as well as the single item (see reviews on DW9096).This is a great price for a pair.I was looking for cheap batteries for my DeWalt equipment and found a 1.4 Amp hour battery for $54, but at only a buck or two more (per battery) for these, I will get the genuine, high-capacity thing!As soon, that is, as I scrape the money together. ... Read more

Asin: B00009YUI0
Subjects:  1. Cordless Tools    2. Battery Packs    3. 18 Volt    4. (18V)    5. (18Volt)    6. (V)   

DEWALT DC500 Multi-Volt Cordless/Corded Vac
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware (20 September, 2003)
list price: $180.00 -- our price: $99.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Light, portable, versatile, and powerful, DeWalt's new little vac is a great invention. We love that it's powered by a 12- to 18-volt battery, allowing for use when the power's off or you're too far from an outlet, and that you can also plug it in for continuous use. If you're a DeWalt fan, it's likely you already have the 12- to 18-volt batteries and the charger, so the fact that this is sold without those won't affect you. But that's a change we'd like to see DeWalt make. Other than that, it couldn't be better. The five-foot hose is flexible, and the cleaning tools fit on board. The suction's impressive, whether on AC or DC power. Unlike other wet-dry vacs, you don't have to change out the filter innards when switching from wet to dry, and we just love that. Just rinse it off to clean it. Its high-efficiency filter is listed at trapping 99.7 percent of dust, and in our book, less dust in the air is a good thing. When you're wet-vacuuming, just empty the tank through the drain port. It's light as a feather, super-portable, and plenty powerful.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes crevice tool and wide nozzle
• Runs off of 12-18V DEWALT battery packs or 120V AC
• Heavy-Duty rubber hose provides durability and flexibility
• Wet/dry filter eliminates change overs
• High efficiency filter traps 99.7% of dust

Reviews (33)

There's no end to its usefulness...
Though I have an excellent Fein shop vacuum, I get tired of dragging it all over the house for what amounts to light clean-up jobs.I decided to leave my Fein in the workshop and give this vac a try as my "portable" unit.I am extremely pleased with this decision!I have found that this vacuum operates equally well when plugged into the wall or when it is running off of my 14.4v battery pack.I was worried that suction would diminish if I used the battery option, but it does truly seem to have the same suction power with both power sources.As for the suction, it is of course not as strong as a quality, full sized shop vac - but for what it is intended, it does a great job.Remember, what you lose in suction you gain in mobility.I have had no problem sucking up sawdust, drywall dust, dirt, dead bugs, etc.Honestly, the longer I have this thing the more uses I come up with for it.By disconnecting the hose and attaching it to the exhaust side of the vacuum, you have a small blower.Though I wouldn't say it is powerful in this capacity, I am able to blow all of the grass clippings off of my patio after mowing the yard (in cordless mode of course).All in all, this is a very useful and well designed tool that I highly recommend.

Great mini vac
Handy little vac for impromptu small pick-up chores. I keep it in a cubby near the kitchen for quick crumb and dust pickup, and nailing those pesky red beetles that accumulate in the ceiling corners. The wand, brush, etc from my Hoover up-right all seem to fit well on the DC500 hose. I bought an extra filter but it was a waste of $$, as the filter cleans easily with a tap, or blow it off with compressed air. Best tool I ever have had for drawers, closet corners, cabinets, all those little clean up chores that wipeing and dusting don't do the job. Also handy for electronic equipment. Consider it as a Dust Buster on steroids. ShopVac it aint!

A Must-Have for your DeWalt cordless tool collection
I have one of these units at work.It gets used on a daily basis cleaning computer shelves, cabinets, and keyboards.Let me state that it is perfect for that type of application.It holds more debris than your typical cordless handheld vacuum.The suction power is also more powerful.This unit has dual power source capability.Meaning, you can use the attached power cord to run it off of AC power, or you can insert a DeWalt power tool battery to run it as a cordless vacuum cleaner.

This unit would be a very nice addition to your DeWalt cordless tool collection.It is a perfect tool for light clean up jobs around your home or work place.However, like the previous reviews have stated, "this is not a replacement for your heavy duty shop vacuum".The motor is simply too small for heavy duty work.Anyway, that is not its intended purpose.Removing water out of a flooded bathroom is probably too much to ask from this vaccum.However, it will do nicely for cleaning your car's carpet and upholstery.

This vacuum uses the same battery as the DeWalt heavy duty cordless drills.It will use a 12, 14.4, or 18 volt.Naturally, the bigger the battery, the more run time you can expect.At work, I have access to an unlimited number of 18 volt XRP batteries.Our maintenance shop has dozens of them constantly charging at any given time.I do not have to worry about running out of battery power.I can expect at least 15 minutes of continuous usage out of an 18 volt XRP battery.That is more than plenty for my light usage.The ability to use AC power is always there.That is the advantage of the dual power source capability.The one feature that is lacking in this area is that the unit does not recharge the attached battery even when the power cord is plugged.To recharge the battery, you must use a DeWalt charger.

Batteries and chargers are not included.This vacuum would be more beneficial to those who already own a set of DeWalt batteries and a battery charger.DeWalt batteries are expensive.But, if you already own a DeWalt drill, then it would be relatively inexpensive to add this drill to your collection.

I highly recommend this DeWalt cordless vacuum cleaner.It is another brilliant and innovative product from the folks at DeWalt.At this time, I know of no other similar product. ... Read more

Asin: B0000CCXTN
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. Vacuums    7. Wet-Dry Vacuums    8. (Vacumes)    9. (Vaccuums)    10. (Vaccums)    11. (Vacums)   

DEWALT DW735 13" Thickness Planer
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware (15 September, 2003)
list price: $860.00 -- our price: $499.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Sometimes, half an inch makes all the difference. But that's not the only reason to step up to the 735. Its powerful 10,000 rpm motor will handle anything you feed it--oak, walnut, exotics--with absolute ease. The three-knife cutterhead will make 96 or 179 cuts per inch, depending on which speed setting you choose. Mess is minimized with the fan-assisted chip ejection, which literally vacuums chips off the cutter-head and blows them out the exhaust. The 735's automatic carriage lock will save you from snipe by reducing the movement that causes it--what a great idea. We also love the redesigned thickness scale--it's big and super-visible, even in poor lighting. Those who do repetitive cuts will appreciate the turret depth-stop; set your most-used cuts to it once and you're always assured of accuracy. The home woodworker will be thrilled, and the professional's expectations will be more than met. This is a winner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Solid 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base provides for rigidity
• Three knife cutter-head for superior surface finish
• Fan-assisted chip ejection system aids in the removal of debris
• Two-speed gear box, 96 or 179 cuts per inch for the finest finish
• Automatic carriage lock minimizes the movement that causes snipe

Reviews (53)

Good Little Planer
I got my DW734 on sale at a great price and have used it in my shop with great success. I have used it on all kinds of wood hard and soft and it has done an excellent job. So far no need to sharpen or replace the blades, although I would not have expected to at this point

I wouldn't even consider purchasing this planer without the optional infeed and out feed extension tables. I think Dewalt should consider including them as part of the package rather than as an option.

Bad design backed up with terrible support
The planner arived and I was able to use it right away.The snipe was not bad and the finish was fairly good.There is barely any noticable finish diference between the two speeds on hardwoods.After less than 100 board feet, this all changed.

The sprockets are made from sintered hardened powder metal.They break under light loads and are expensive to replace, even though they are probably purchased for under 20 cents by Dewalt.Dewalt has now changed to a different material sprocket that so far is holding up.It is too bad that they did not stand behind their product and issue conversion kits or issue a recall for the known design flaw.

The rollers are also weak.Even when removing 1/64" on narrow boards, they do not have the force needed to push the wood past even brand new knives.I'm forced with manually pushing the boards thru the planner.That is until I purchase a new one - not Dewalt.

The knife design is poor and prone to breaking down the knifes.They can not be sharped.They have an edge on both sides, so you can use them twice at $45 a pop.

The on-line service is a joke.The narrest service center is an hour away for me and will require taking a days vacation due to their limited hours of operation and no weekends.

Save your self the headache, and don't by this piece of junk.

Kevin - Appleton, Wisconsin
Decent planer, but very lousy knives.Planing less then 100 board feet on hemlock and white pine and the blades are already junk, plus they're expensive to replace.DeWalt should really construct some better knives
... Read more

Asin: B0000CCXU8
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Planers    4. Bench-Top Planers    5. (Planners)    6. (Plainers)    7. (Surface Planers)    8. (Portable)   

DEWALT DW723 Miter Saw Stand
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $392.00 -- our price: $199.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Tired of transporting a bulky miter saw stand from one job siteto the next? The DeWalt DW723 may be the answer. Lightweight and rugged,the all-aluminum stand measures a mere 5-1/2 feet out of the box andweighs in at just 38 pounds. However, when fully assembled, it cansupport boards up to 16 feet long and a full 400 pounds of weight. Thekey to its strength lies in the stand's retractable legs, which locksecurely in place then tuck away when not in use, as well as its slidingcam-lock extensions, which provide a full 16 feet of length whenassembled. A carrying handle makes the stand easy to transport whenfully retracted. Just throw it in the back of your pickup and it's goodto go. Assembly is quick and easy, too. We had ours up and running in amatter of seconds. Mounting brackets adjust to fit most miter saws, makingthis the ideal workspace for the professional or do-it-yourselfer on thego. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Non-marring feet on tool mount won't scratch floors
• Lightweight aluminum construction (35 pounds) allows for easy transport and storage
• 5-1/2-foot beam extends to support up to 16 feet of material
• Legs provide superior support and fold for easy storage
• Work stops and supports can be repositioned quickly anywhere along the rail

Reviews (74)

DeWalt Mitersaw stand
I love the stand it does everything you could ask. It's easy to
setup and take down, solid easy to square.
cutting mdf molding is a pain with any stand, a set of plastic
saw benches that are adjustable and the 12in slide mitersaw from
DeWalt solves all problems with mdf. I am an inside trim carpenter and I use it everyday.

The ultimate convenience
I've been looking at miter saw stands for a couple years now.So far I've been cutting long boards in my shop on the floor with a homemade box to hold the end of the board up.

Finally broke down and purchased the DW723 stand.Already my back thanks me.I did some trim work in my basement and what a difference.Took me 5 minutes to setup and it's portability makes it easy to move around where needed.Outstanding design.There are other stands out there, but save your money and get this one, you won't be disappointed!

Made very well (china?)
Stand is very sturdy and well balanced, you wont regret this
purchase. I own a 12 inch dewalt miter and saw sit's on this
stand like it is one piece. ... Read more

Asin: B00005RHPY
Subjects:  1. Stands    2. Saw Stands    3. Miter Saws    4. (Mitre Saws)    5. (Mitersaws)    6. (Mitresaws)    7. Work Support   

DEWALT DW682K Heavy-Duty Plate Joiner Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $300.00 -- our price: $149.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

One of the first companies to design plate joiners, DeWalt makes one powerful slot-cutting tool. Some people argue that joiners are joiners, and while it's true that a slot is a slot, how you cut it makes a heck of a lot of difference. What impresses us about DeWalt's plate joiner is the stout, dual rack-and-pinion fence. Operating with striking smoothness, the fence locks tightly in place and ensures that the joiner's blade and fence are always parallel--which means accurate joints every time. The DeWalt is also the only plate joiner on the market with a fully adjustable tilt fence: the face plate tilts 0 to 90 degrees, so you can join work at whatever angle the job requires (22-1/2 degrees, say, if you're working in octagons). Cabinetmakers will appreciate the convenience of being able to make flush cuts at 0 degrees without having to remove the fence. The 6-1/2 amp motor spins the tool's carbide blade at 10,000 rpm, making remarkably quick, clean cuts. We found the gauges easy to read and easy to set, a big plus (there's nothing worse than wrestling with or squinting at a tool every time you make adjustments). DeWalt's joiner also has preset stops for all common biscuit sizes and there's a handy vacuum adapter that allows you to hook up suction to keep dust in the shop to a minimum--always a good idea. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Includes dust bag and vacuum adapter
• 6.5 amp 10000 RPM motor
• Dual rack and pinion fence for accurate joints every time
• One piece fence is adjustable and tilts 0 to 90 degrees
• 45-degree locating notch in fence allows indexing off the outside surface of a mitered joint

Reviews (72)

best choice for moderate use
I won't bore you with repeating the specs or features of the biscuit joiner as the other reviews cover them quite well. I've had this tool for about 6 months now and am delighted with it. I had the porter cable model which is quite a bit more expensive. I found it to be bulkier to use than the DeWalt and a lot more likely to slip away from your alignment marks than the DeWalt. This cutter has pins on both sides of the blade that go a long way to help keeping the cutter in line with the wood.. The only drawback is that the dust chute will clog with the dust bag installed when cutting into long grained softwoods.
Having owned both the porter cable and the Dewalt I must give a big nod to the DeWALT. Smaller and easier to use and a few $$ less.

Suprise, suprise
Just received my DW682K.Opened the main shipping box and I was plesantly suprised to find a box of 1000 Porter Cable assorted biscuits.Then I opened the actual Joiner case, and found a set of four Dewalt wood chisels inside in it's own handy carrying case.There was no mention of either of these in the product writeup.Haven't plugged it in yet, but for $149.00, free shipping, and my added "bonuses", how can I go wrong?Not sure if everyone has or is going to get the extras, but I'm one happy camper right now.

Accurate First Time, Every Time
Didn't think I needed one of these ... but boy was I wrong.This baby is worth every cent.It's fast, accurate, and durable.DeWalt has an excellent product here! ... Read more

Asin: B00002232S
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Plate Joiners    4. (Jointers)    5. (Biscuit Joiners)    6. (Biscut)    7. (Cutters)   

DEWALT DW618B3 2-1/4 HP 3-Base Router Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $598.00 -- our price: $265.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Once in a while, we come across a tool that just makes us want to shut down the computer and hit the shop with renewed passion---and this is one of those tools. DeWalt has made such a fine router to begin with, but to package it with the bases you'd find yourself wanting later is a great move. The router itself has a super-smooth variable speed 2-1/4 -orsepower motor with a load range of 8,000 to 24,000 rpm and soft-start for virtually no twist. Kudos to DeWalt for giving this model a flat top and not the scalloped edge we've seen on their models before; this makes bit-changing a much better experience. For table use, the fixed base can't be beat. For freehand use, the D-handle offers unparalleled control and comfort. And of course, the plunge base is essential in any workshop, but we like this one for its integrated in-column dust removal (and it really works). An adjustable turret is great for repetitive work, and this turret's got five positions. We also like the placement of the plunge lock, right where you want it. For novice router-users, this is the perfect purchase; if you've been around the collet a few times, you still can't do better than this.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes router motor, D-handle base, fixed base, plunge base, 1/4" and 1/2" one-piece self releasing collets, wrench, sub-base concentricity gauge, vacuum adaptor, large hole sub-base, and kit box
• 2-1/4 HP (max. motor HP), for smooth routing in toughest hardwoods
• Quick release motor latches, to change from fixed to plunge base
• Electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm
• Micro-fine depth adjustment ring in 1/64" increments

Reviews (10)

I love this router kit!
All these reviews are right except for the Clown from Anchorage who give it a 1 star because he didn't get his free router bits(can you believe that, I 'am sure he lost them in the snow)But you can't go wrong with this kit.I also just bought the recon.2-1/4 HP VS router for $130 which is brand new without a mark on it and added to the kit and the extra motor fit into the case.So for the price this is the router kit to get and you won't be sorry unless you lose your free bits.

An upgrade from PC
I started out with the bar set pretty high, my first real router was a Porter Cable 693 Variable Speed, fixed and plunge base kit.That is a fantastic router, but I wanted a little more power and a pistop grip base.

I went back and forth on getting the new PC 890 series kit, but ultimately, the Dewalt went on sale and I just could not resist.It is tough to imagine for me, but I like this route better than the PC 693, which is practically bullet proof.

The motor is relatively quiet, but everyone should be wearing hearing protection in the shop anyway, so noise shouldn't be a big factor.

One of my favorite features is the soft start.The PC has soft start, but the Dewalt actually has a 1/2 second to a second delay from the time you pull the trigger to when the motor starts spinning.This threw me at first, I am used to hitting the switch, and having the motor start immediately, but I like the delay.Accidentally hit the trigger on the pistol grip base, and if you don't hold it down, it won't fire up.

The base is smoother going over wood that the Bosch pistol grip router I have.The Bosch is going to be a permanent dovetail router going forward.

The single wrench bit change is very nice, easy to use, you just need to position the motor in the base where you can get your finger to it.

I did not receive the chisels that were advertised with the router kit, but a quick email to Tool Crib, and then a call to Dewalt and they were on the way.

Without a doubt, I would suggest that anyone needing a true full use router kit purchase the Dewalt.Why no one else has a fixed, plunge and pistol grip base kit offering is beyond me, but the competition is missing out.

If you need it, buy it, you won't be sorry.

Nice features
Getting the three bases is great.One for the router table, and then having the plunge and d-handle for hand work is great.

Soft-start makes it easier to control when starting, no more jerking when starting.Variable speed controller another nice feature when working with easily burned woods.

This was the perfect replacement for my DW610.As with most tools, its only as good as the cutting bit/blade/knife.Stay away from the cheapo HSS bits.I stick with carbide tipped, anti-kickback bit with 1/2" shank whenever possible and have always had excellent results. ... Read more

Asin: B0000CCXU3
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Routers    4. D-Handle Routers    5. Fixed-Base Routers    6. Plunge Routers   

DEWALT DW911 Job Site Radio & Battery Charger (7.2V-18V DEWALT NiCd Batteries)
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $223.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Wimpy radios break down on the job site after a few weeks of bumps and knocks. That's why it's time to step up to DeWalt's brawny radio/battery charger with its tough-guy, dune-buggy-style protective roll bar. Winner of Business Week's Silver Award for Consumer Product Design, DeWalt's AM/FM boom box not only rocks the house, it also charges your 7.2- to 18-volt ni-cad batteries in just one hour. Built tough with cushioning rubber stops, DeWalt's radio can take a 6- to 8-foot drop without skipping a beat. The guts are completely weatherproof against rain, snow, dust, and debris, while a silicone coating on the speakers resists cracking and keeps dust from building up. The bendable antenna resists destruction. Is there a downside? Not really. The reception isn't quite what we'd like inside metal or concrete buildings, but that's it. The radio/charger plugs in with a standard cord, and out of reach of a convenient power source, the radio will also run off 7.2- to 18-volt DeWalt batteries. (Note: this radio does not accept DW 9051, 9050, 904, or 9046 batteries.) If CDs and tapes are more your style, plug your Discman or tape deck into the auxiliary port. Is it time to get rid of that beat-up blaster and crank your tunes with a tool that's designed to be job site tough? --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• One hour charge time, listen while charging battery
• Charges 7.2- to 18-volt DeWalt batteries
• AM/FM stereo radio
• Protective roll cage and steel grille for durability
• Auxillary port for CD and cassette players

Reviews (40)

Ok radio with charger
My well-intentioned wife bought me the DeWalt radio/charger for Christmas (thinking all my tools were DeWalt). Little does she know I am a Milwaukee loyalist since picking up my first Milwaukee tool. :)

I really liked the DeWalt radio, but when my wife found out almost all my cordless tools were Milwaukee (only DeWalt I have it the 9.6V drill), she said I could exchange the DeWalt radio for the Milwaukee if I wanted. Since I am fairly sentimental, I really wanted to keep the DeWalt. However, I just couldn't resist a "listening competition" between my radio and my neighbor's Milwaukee. Unfortunately for my wife's gift, my sentimental side isn't quite as strong as my audio side. Given the side-by-side comparison, the choice was clear - Milwaukee.

If you really need the DeWalt charging function, then the Milwaukee isn't a choice for you.However, if you are looking primarily for a job-site radio, then go with the Milwaukee instead.Plus the Milwaukee has other nice features like easier to use digital tuning, a stereo/mono switch, longer cord, a 12V outlet, a pass-through plug, and a nice bag to hold various items.

Neither of these radios are going to provide high fidelity sound, but the Milwaukee will come much closer.

Suitable For Jobsites Only
OK, the audio is pretty scratchy, and the little antenna will not pull in weak, distant stations.But let's remember what this radio/charger was designed to do:provide audible music above the noise level of saws, drills, compressors, etc.For this mission, you will find it more than adequate.The high- treble audio, while perhaps irritating in the living room, is a plus to cut through loud jobsite noise.. and let's remember that this unit, with a built-in charger and drop-proof construction, basically costs little more that a charger itself.No, it will never win any audio awards, and if you need high-fidelity bass response (despite the jobsite noise), then the Milwaukee is your choice (without a charger).But if you have DeWalt cordless tools at the jobsite anyway, and if your priority is getting the work done (as opposed to listening to the finest music), this unit not disappoint you.Just be sure you are within 50 miles of a strong station!

Can you spell J U N K?
If you intend to bounce this radio down the street then you picked the right one but for listing purposes forget it! JUNK! I've bought radios at the 99 cent store that have better reception than this battery charger with a roll bar. Your workers willspend more time trying to find a station than working on their project. Unless you're in a situation where you need to defend your life by beating someone to death with this radio... make another choice! ... Read more

Asin: B0000222ZW
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Radios    5. Portable Radios    6. (Jobsite Radios)   

Family Handyman
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $29.90 -- our price: $19.97
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (16)

Perfect for do-it-yourselfers
This is one of the best sources for ideas on home improvement.Beyond the great ideas, they also give you detailed directions on projects along with a good number of pictures.I have learned how to do a great number of things I used to hire others to do because I thought I didn't have the skills - they make most projects around the house seem accessible, but not by oversimplifying the process.Some may argue that they give too much detail, but this is essential for anyone new to a project and can be breezed through for those that are more experienced.

The only downside is that they give you ideas for things you never knew you needed!

The Best of the Bunch
I am a DIY'er and have not yet found a better home improvement magazine than "The Family Handyman." An easy read with easy instructions for weekend projects, along with many tips and tricks.
When and if I find a better magazine I'll be sure to let you know.

Great for DIY stuff...
My only complaint - only 10 issues per year!!!That means twice a year I have to wait TWO whole months in anticipation for the next issue!!!!

That should about sum up how much I appreciate this magazine...... ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7Q1
Sales Rank: 171
Subjects:  1. Home (Houses, Homes)    2. Home Improvement   

American Woodworker
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $27.65 -- our price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (5)

There are better ones
If you want a great all-purpose woodworking magazine go with Fine Woodworking or Popular Woodworking.If you want all sorts of project plans get Wood.

Here's why I don't really like this magazine:
1) Very little content, compared to its peers
2) They use models rather than the authors in the pictures (or at least this is my assesment since all the people seem to be clean-cut, twenty-somethings with large muscles, which does not seem to fit the profile of the average woodworker).I'm not sure why this bothers me, but it does.Plus, they always seem to have this Ooops! side bar on most of the projects, which shows you how to fix problems that arise during a part of the project.But it really seems contrived, and they always show the model grimacing as if it really was an accident.
3) Their reviews seem to be incomplete.For instance, this month's reviews of bandsaws did not even include the Ridgid bandsaw, which is probably one of the most accessible to purchase (it's available at Home Depot), and in other reviews in other magazines it has received "Editor's Choice"

Great for ideas
I looked over most of the wood working magazines and this one seemed to have the most hands on information.If you get just one wood working magazine this is the one to get.

There is usually one large project and several other smaller projects in each issue.The also do some of the best tool reviews of any magazine.

Not much for the money
The material in this magazine is veryspread out with lots of white space. The projects are few, and the illustrations lack detail. The annual tool issue is a waste. Big pictures, little meat sums up this magazine. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7OI
Sales Rank: 742
Subjects:  1. Crafts (Craft)    2. Woodworking   

Woodworkers Journal
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
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Reviews (3)

Just the Right Approach
There are two good ways to tell what audience at which a woodworking magazine is aimed.The first is the type of advertising, and the second is how much skill do the projects expect you to have.It is pretty clear right away that Woodworker's journal server home woodworkers who are already of moderate skill.The advertised 'big toys' run in the 500 to 1500 dollar range, although there are a couple of high end combination machines in the adds as well.

Articles expect you to know how to use the tools of the trade but not sure about the 'best' way to do something.A recent issue makes a study of an intarsia backed high chair with some interesting joinery, and instructions for making a genuinely exotic angle jig for a table saw.Writing is solid and reasonably illustrated, but they devote little space to what you should already know, which can make these projects a stretch for a tyro.

The Magazine is very tool oriented.There isn't a lot of space devoted to hand tools or history.Expect articles comparing nail guns and helping you decide whether stationary or bench top equipment is right for you.However, traditionally manual tasks like finishing also receive their due.I found the Woodworker's Journal suited me quite well, and I expect to continue reading it.

A balanced approach to woodworking - tools, techniques, proj
Woodworkers Journal has attracted some of my favorite woodworking experts from the other magazines. Michael Dresdner, Ellis Wallentine, Shondor Nagaslaski are all great tool and woodworking experts and give me the information that I need to advance my skills and keep working in the shop interesting. I can hardly wait for the next issue to arrive. It will have shop tips, jigs, finishing tips and projects. No other magazine has this well rounded approach to woodworking.

Advanced work
I subscribe to several woodworking magazines and have subscribed to Woodworkers Journal since 1990.Each magazine has a character of it's own with a woodworking level reflected in the complexity of the projects it presents.This magazine is a bit more complex than, say Wood magazine.It should be understood that some style and esthetics are usually compromised when a project is simplified.I have one of Woodworking Journal's projects in my living room.It is perhaps the most beautiful piece I have ever made.If you have become an advanced amature (sp?) this magazine will give you projects that you will take pride in making and showing to others. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7TN
Sales Rank: 339
Subjects:  1. Hobbies & Games    2. Hobbies    3. Handicrafts. Arts & Crafts    4. Crafts (Craft)    5. Woodworking