When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.
Whether you're just starting out or have been shaping hardwood for decades, the tools you use directly impact the quality, consistency, and efficiency of your work. At Cap’s Artistry, we rely on a core set of tools that help us bring our high standards to life every single day. These tools fit our workflow (at this point in time), work environment, and the level of detail our clients expect.
Here’s a look at the everyday essentials in our shop and why they matter so much. Keep in mind these may or may not be the right tools for every shop, but we consider these top notch choices.
Festool Domino: Precision Joinery Made Simple
The Festool Domino might look like just another joiner—but it’s far from ordinary. This tool creates strong, accurate mortise and tenon joints with ease, replacing the time-consuming and error-prone traditional methods. For us, the Domino is a cornerstone of reliable, repeatable joinery, especially when building custom furniture pieces that are made to last for generations and contribute to brand identify for businesses.
Why we love it:
- Speeds up production without sacrificing strength
- Provides consistent alignment for clean glue-ups
- Ideal for high-end furniture that demands durability and precision
Festool Track Saw: Clean Cuts, Every Time
A track saw may seem like a niche item, but once you use one, it’s hard to imagine working without it. The Festool Track Saw gives us the ability to break down large panels and slabs with precision and minimal tear-out. It’s our go-to tool for clean, straight cuts—especially when a table saw just isn’t practical.
Why we love it:
- Portable yet accurate
- Saves time during layout and breakdown
- Pairs perfectly with a dust collection system for a cleaner shop
Festool Sander: A Finish Worth Talking About
Sanding is one of those steps that separates good work from great work. The Festool Sander provides powerful yet controlled sanding with virtually no dust, making it safer and cleaner for both the craftsman and the shop. Whether prepping a surface or giving it that final finish, this sander helps us keep our quality consistent.
Why we love it:
- High-quality finish with less effort
- Dust extraction keeps the workspace clean and breathable
- Ergonomic and built for long hours of use
Jorgensen Clamps: The Extra Set of Hands Every Woodworker Needs
No matter how fancy your tools are, clamps are still the unsung heroes of the shop. We use Jorgensen clamps daily to secure glue-ups, hold parts together during assembly, and keep things aligned as they dry. Their strength, reliability, and range of sizes make them indispensable. Though we have a variety of different brands in our shop on any given day, these are the current go-to especially for larger projects.
Why we love them:
- Strong, even pressure for better glue bonds
- Easy to adjust and reposition
- Versatile enough for nearly any project
Sample 73: A Finish That Works as Hard as You Do
When it comes to wood finishes, we’ve tried them all—and few hold up like Sample 73. Designed for both protection and beauty, this finish goes on smooth and holds up to everyday life. Whether we’re working on a large tabletop or detailed joinery in tight corners, Sample 73 makes the finishing process more efficient and enjoyable.
Why we love it:
- Protection that lasts: With just one coat, Sample 73 delivers the same durability as some of the best hard oil finishes on the market. It’s tough enough for daily wear and tear, yet brings out the natural beauty of the wood.
- Effortless application: From broad surfaces to hard-to-reach corners, it applies evenly and easily—saving time without sacrificing quality.
- Exceptional results: It leaves a rich, natural look that only gets better with each coat. The finish enhances our craftsmanship rather than covering it up.
In short, Sample 73 is our go-to for a reliable, beautiful, and simple finishing process—perfectly suited for the handcrafted furniture we build every day.
*Available for purchase through Qwerk Tools.
Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You
No tool fits every hand, and no brand fits every shop. What matters most is finding the tools that align with your values, your workflow, and the type of work you do. At Cap’s Artistry, our tools help us deliver heirloom-quality hardwood furniture with confidence—and they make our work more enjoyable along the way.
Whether you're building your first bench or outfitting a full-scale woodshop, invest in tools that work for you. It’s not about having the most tools; it’s about having the right ones.
