eztension.com, $39.95

The bandsaw is one of my favorite machines in the shop, but swapping out blades of different sizes and retensioning them can slow my workflow. The built-in tension guides on most machines are notoriously inaccurate, and traditional third-party bandsaw tension gauges can cost hundreds of dollars. So when I heard about Mark Juliana’s EZtension gauge, I was pretty excited. The tool attaches to your un-tensioned blade using two rare earth magnets. A set screw in the middle of the tool, which you adjust based on the blade’s width, deflects the blade (as shown). As you slowly increase tension, one of the magnets pops off the blade when the proper tension is reached. The tool doesn’t give you an exact numerical measurement; it just tells you when the tension hits 15,000 PSI, the proper tension for most bandsaw blades on the market. And it should be noted that the EZtension gauge only works on carbon steel blades, as bi-metal blades have differing magnetic properties. But this tool is so simple, quick, and well-engineered, I can no longer imagine my shop without it.
—Sarah Marriage

Knobs and Pulls Made Easy

True Position 1934E Cabinet Hardware Jig

truepositiontools.com, $239.00

I used to approach hardware day with trepidation. One tiny miscalculation or slip of the drill and all those hours spent on a cabinet job could be wasted. Then I tried out True Position’s Cabinet Hardware Jig. Hardware day quickly became less stressful and a little more fun. The U.S.-made tool features precisely machined and marked rulers, stops, and drill guides that make drilling holes for cabinet hardware a snap. I have their mid-range model that accommodates pulls with bolt spacing up to 12". To use the jig, simply set the hole spacing using the pull to be installed, and set the placement with the included fence and stops. Then hold the jig in place and drill the holes. It’s fast and repeatable, just what you want when installing a kitchen’s worth of pulls. The molded case is also well-made, with snap-in places for all the parts and drill bits, plus room for optional accessories. If you spend much time installing cabinet hardware, you’ll appreciate this tool.
—Ken Burton