WOOD INNOVATION AWARDS 2026

Despite a challenging year, manufacturers continue to create new products that help woodworkers take our craft to new levels.

- DAVE STONE

COUNTERSINKS STAY SHARP WITH CARBIDE CUTTERS

Countersink drill bits aren’t glamorous, but are indispensable workhorses for building projects with screws. Like all bits, they eventually get dull, resulting in ragged countersinks and tear-out.

Make It Snappy Tools’ iCARB countersinks are designed to remain sharp twice as long thanks to reversible, replaceable carbide inserts that handle the conical cutting. Titanium-nitride coated twist drills help ensure clean shank holes. Four sizes are available for use with #7 through #12 screws.

ICARB INDEXABLE CARBIDE COUNTERSINKS

Make It Snappy Tools, snappytool.comm No. 43607-43610, $40 each; no. 43622 replacement cutters (pair), $20

CONVERTIBLE PLANE TACKLES MANY TASKS

Multifunction planes aren’t new. But we award the Bridge City HP-10 Foxtail Plane for adeptly accomplishing multiple functions thanks to its well-designed interchangeable bases and irons. The plane comes equipped for shoulder planing and easily converts to rabbeting. Cove bases and irons, as well as crown bases and irons, are each available in four diameters.

Setting up the HP-10 for all of its configurations will set you back serious money. The investment will reward you, though, with serious capabilities.

FOXTAIL CONVERTIBLE PLANE

Bridge City Toolworks,bridgecitytools.com

No. HP-10, $799

MITERSAW BLADE BRAKE BOOSTS BATTERY CHARGING