The Brands I Use the Most
Below are the brands I recommend most. I chose them for this list because I have used their products for years. Nobody bought their way onto this list. I turn down sponsors every day. But when I find folks who are worth supporting, with tools that I actually use when the cameras are not rolling, I add them to this list. Most of these are small businesses because I think it’s important to support great innovators who don’t have the reach and name recognition of a large corporation. A handful are larger companies that I have come to trust over the years. All of them are supporters of the free content I provide for the woodworking community and I hope you will say thank you by visiting each of their sites.
-Jim Hamilton (Stumpy Nubs)
3M - The makers of my favorite sandpaper (Cubitron II). I’ve worked with 3M products my whole career. I buy them from a small business in Missouri called Taylor Toolworks.
Bridge City Tool Works - A high-end hand tool company started by John Economaki in Seattle. John now works with Jack Lu of Harvey Tools to make a new generation of precision tools that are as wonderful to look at as they are to use.
Dungarees - An employee-owned business in Missouri that sells quality workwear. This is where I get all my shop clothes because I think these sorts of businesses are worth supporting.
DuraGrit - Makers of carbide sanding discs and other abrasive tools that last much, much longer than standard sandpaper. Great for shaping and leveling. I especially like their sanding blocks! Save 10% when you use the code STUMPYNUBS at checkout.
Harvey Machinery - Harvey made tools for other well-known manufacturers for decades until they decided they wanted to make something better. Their focus is on quality and innovation. Almost every tool they make will blow you away. I own several.
iGaging - I usually shy away from inexpensive tools, but this brand’s digital gauges, measuring devices, machine setup tools, combination squares (and more) are of good quality, are truly useful and often specifically designed with woodworking in mind.
ISOtunes - A small, family business in Indiana that makes Bluetooth earbuds which also function as ANSI certified hearing protection. I love these because I can listen to music or a podcast and when the time comes to use a noisy tool or machine, I don’t even have to think about protecting my ears. Save 10% when you use the code STUMPY at checkout.
Milescraft - This is another of my favorite small businesses because they are dedicated to making good ideas affordable. I have used their router accessories and other clever tools for over a decade, before I even thought about making videos.
M-Power Tools - They began as a three person team with a couple good ideas, and today they make some of the smartest tools I have ever used. Their multi-function router base and their diamond sharpening stones are my favorites, but they have lots of clever tools and seem to be constantly working on something new.
My Wood Cutters - This is my go-to place for jointer and planer blades. They have the hard to find HSS versions, and they have the best prices on top-quality helical carbide cutter heads. They also have a wood finish that cures in TWO MINUTES! (Amazing!) Based in Canada, this is another small business worth supporting.
Taylor Toolworks - Anytime I have a tool to buy, I check this site first. Mike Taylor offers all sorts of things, including jig and project kits that he designed himself. Located in Missouri, Taylor Toolworks is simply a great small business run by great people. Some businesses are just worth supporting.
Tormek - It is rare to see a company focus on one thing for 75 years, but that is what makes the Tormek such an iconic sharpenign system. They simply perfected it. Others have tried to copy it, but nobody can match it for quality and versatility. This is a “buy once” type of tool. Many of their first machines are still being passed down from one generation to the next.
Trend - They’re a top brand in the UK, and growing fast in the US. Their dust mask is my hands-down favorite and they have other great tools, as well. Their saw blade cleaner is amazing.
Whiteside - This family owned business has been making router bits in the USA for decades. I don’t know of any that are better. Anytime I need a bit, I check to see if Whiteside makes it. Usually they do. My cabinet is full of them. Buy the best and support the folks who make it.
WoodTurners Wonders - The name is fitting! They offer some very clever wood turning products, such as they Kodiak grinding system (better than the Wolverine), their sanding products are designed with the turner in mind, and Ken is the industry-wide guru on CBN grinder wheels.
Do you have a product to recommend?
I am always looking for ways to help my viewers get the most from their shop time. If you have a product that you think my audience will benefit from, I want to know about it! (Please be aware that I turn down more products than I accept for review and top quality is a must!)
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