No matter the project or pastime, whether woodworking, jewelry making or 3-D printing, having the right tool in hand helps you craft a product to be proud of.
1 of 9
Innovation station
Scan objects in 3-D on a Sprout by HP desktop computer, then digitally redesign the scan as you wish. When it’s perfect, bring your 3-D creation to life by printing on a Dremel 3D Idea Builder. $2,700 for 3D Makers’ Bundle including Sprout, 3-D scanner and 3-D printer. (800) 565-9917; sprout.hp.com.
2 of 9
3-D dreams
Whatever you can imagine, be it toys, customized dog tags or replacement parts for machines, create it with a ROBO 3D R1 Plus printer. It features automatic leveling, the ability to print with various materials, and a short video to get you printing within minutes of opening the box. $800. (844) 476-2633; robo3d.com.
3 of 9
Clean cut
Right angles, loops, curves and even bevels are easily managed with a Craftsman 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw (21602). Create soft-metal holiday ornaments or wooden children’s puzzles, while a dust blower keeps the cutting area free of debris. You can even connect the dust-extraction port to a shop vac. $113. (800) 697-3277; sears.com.
4 of 9
Searing style
Walnut Hollow’s Creative Versa-Tool is perfect for burning wood or leather, but its 11 tips and variable temperature control also make it handy for calligraphy, soldering, embossing, pattern transferring or stencil cutting. $30. (800) 642-4235; michaels.com.
5 of 9
Lightweight power
A tiny diamond bit in the Proxxon GG12 glass engraver offers accuracy and speed for detailed work on glass, metal, wood or plastic. The head spins at 20,000 rpm, and at just four ounces, the compact tool prevents hand fatigue. $25. (877) 776-9966; shop.prox-tech.com.
6 of 9
Handy versatility
Dremel upgraded its most popular rotary tool to make the 3000 Series Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit more ergonomically friendly. With easier tip changes, it cuts, grinds, sands, carves and polishes small projects with precision. $69; kit includes two storage cases and 25 accessories. (800) 466-3337; homedepot.com.
7 of 9
Tight bonds
Jewelry makers have just what they need at their fingertips to secure beads, jump rings and other findings with a Bead Landing Soldering Tool Kit. Included are a 60-watt soldering tool, metal stand, 80-gauge solder, clamps and more. $42. (800) 642-4235; michaels.com.
8 of 9
Shine on
Bring a sheen to dull jewelry and other small items with the Benchtop Polisher from EURO TOOL. The compact machine needs little workbench space; it’s smaller than a computer mouse pad. $67; includes two each of spindles, abrasive wheels and motor brushes. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
9 of 9
Micro management
With eight different sanding tips, Micro-Mark’s reciprocating Micro Power Sander fits where your fingers won’t, making it ideal for tiny projects like building models or crafting dollhouse furniture. $93; comes with 60 sanding pads. (888) 263-7076; micromark.com.