Drool For ToolsJerry's bench · Rocko, chief inspector

Tools and projects from Jerry's bench

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Drawing: Rocko, a German shorthaired pointer, sits by the workbench and looks over a tagged drill. Tags on the pegboard read we own and spec sheet. WE OWN SPECSHEET

Jerry runs Drool For Tools, bringing his firsthand knowledge of woodworking, fabrication, electronics and shop infrastructure to the tools on this bench.

Rocko is Jerry's German shorthaired pointer and shop companion. He gets a treat when Jerry finishes a task. When he's out of the shop, he's in the pasture chasing birds and squirrels.

Explore Jerry's collection, compare listed specs, and read research that connects the details to the job. Firsthand notes are attributed to Jerry; research conclusions link to their sources.

Explore projects Browse the bench

Meet Jerry and Rocko · How we write about tools

Jerry's projects

From the drawing board to the shop

A mobile workbench, a welding setup and a home for the shop's network gear. Follow the ideas as they develop into plans and builds.

See what's taking shape

Keep the whole build together

Each project has a place for build photos, plan files, materials and the tools used. The current projects start as ideas on the drawing board; build records will grow with the work.

Fabrication

3D printers, welders and welding tables

The machines, work surfaces and process choices behind a fabrication setup, with research to help you understand the tradeoffs.

Explore fabrication

Shop tech

Computers, servers, storage and networking

Bring the digital side of the shop into view: design workstations, the parts that hold project data, and the connections between them.

Explore shop tech

Kickstarter tools

Campaigns a year later

Look back at tool projects launched at least a year ago. Follow the original campaign, later reviews and the evidence behind what happened next.

Read the project research

Building materials

Engineered lumber, panels and composites

Compare material systems using original maker specifications, guides and installation documents.

Explore materials

Drones and tech

Aerial views and a closer look at the build

Camera drones, FPV aircraft and compact camera gear, with DJI specifications and documents to start the research.

Explore drones and tech

From Jerry's shop

Rocko at five in the morning

Jerry was working in the shop at 5 a.m. when Rocko came in smelling like a skunk. Read the short shop note.

Jerry's tool bench

146 tools on 11 shelves: 108 we own and 38 spec sheets. None is tagged tested yet.

DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT

All 17 on the shelf page

Milwaukee M12

All 10 on the shelf page

Ryobi 40V

All 8 on the shelf page

Saws, routers, nailers and air

All 8 on the shelf page

Clamps, jigs and benches

All 20 on the shelf page

Hand tools, bits and drivers

All 21 on the shelf page

Measuring and layout

All 17 on the shelf page

Electrical and test gear

All 8 on the shelf page

Yard and outdoor

All 12 on the shelf page

Shop gear, storage and safety

All 17 on the shelf page

Shop tech: power, network and office

All 8 on the shelf page

Experience, research and the tag on each tool

Jerry's firsthand notes describe what he has told us about using a tool. Research sections draw conclusions from linked sources and explain where the evidence runs out. The tag records ownership or measurement status.

  • We own this oneAn ownership record is on file. Jerry's notes, when available, are identified on the page.
  • Spec sheetListing facts and sourced research. This tag makes no claim of firsthand use.
  • TestedMeasured, with the gear and the date shown. No tool has earned this tag yet.

Read the whole method