China can produce things to just about any quality required, it’s just that a lot of companies and sellers want the cheapest price possible. Someone recently told me that when you go to China to get something manufactured the Chinese will ask you how much are you willing to pay and they will manufacture your item to that price. I don’t know if that’s true but it sounds reasonable. Great video too.
It is true. I'm not sure about how it's now but few years ago they looked at item to produce, don't ask what it is, and suggested few prices at witch it can be made. Upper middle range is usually comparable to European made quality.
This is so true. I work in automotive for some premium german brands. 75% of the components are made in china. Those guys have a LOT of production knowledge and can make great stuff. It's just a matter of if you want to pay for it. You pay shit, you get shit. I also have quite some bang good and Aliexpress stuff in my shed and if you know what to avoid you can get quite good stuff for a nice price that is good enough for 90% of us.
I watched a video on fake Rolex and that was the gist of the video you can buy cheap ones that look fake or expensive ones that look identical to the real thing
Yep that about sums it up. Those who still claim if it's made in China it's junk are behind the times. While China got rich manufacturing cheap quality for the west who wanted cheap products. These days China will make any quality you like, it's just a question of what you want to pay for it to be manufactured, and who you get to manufacture it.
I bought a desktop laser machine from Banggood, thinking that I most probably wasted my money. Once I started using it, I was so impressed, that I bought the upgraded version also from Banggood, and both these machines have paid for themselves ten times over already, and they are still as good as they were three years ago when I bought them. Most of the well known brands are made in China in any case. Just the logo make them carry a bigger price tag.
I own a few Hongdui, Enjoywood and Veiko tools like the dowel jig, pocket hole jig and edge plane and they are beautifully made, precise and great value.
Hei, great content, you just got a new subscriber from Norway. About the need to drill a 90 degree hole now and then, I just make a small drill jig out of 2 short wood pieces that I screw together making a perfect 90 degree inner corner. To make the 90 degree hole just align the jig over the mark, clamp it or hand hold it, place the drill in the corner and make it stay in the corner as you drill. Easy and cheap to make from scraps, no assembling or adjusting, and most important, it take a small space when stored.
Thanks for making a good, honest review, and a video title that is not over-the-top like so many we see on RUclips these days. I generally avoid any video that has "insane", "changes everything", "shocks" etc. in their title.
It's unfortunate that the algorithm of YT requires certain behaviours in order to compete for clicks. Some of the best woodwoorkers and others in Fields not woodworkign have made videos lambasting the regressive influence of this. Honestly it devalues the entirety of the YT media archive by decreasing accurate accessibility. Imagine having accurate titles? Aside from that I appreciate like you the presentation of this fellow because he isn't being an over the top hyped up and potentially drug fueled wanker like too many are.
Adter seeing the HONGDUI miter and fence, i immediately returned the incra that i had just gottwn for Christmas. That thing is the absolute best miter gauge ever! Worth every penny and i use it all the time. I ended up then filling out a lot of holes in my tool lineup with other things and ive now made three purchases from banggood. Very very happy with them. Though HoW really helps by wading through the chaff for us. Oh, and i also just picked up Jessems new dowling jig
Thanks for such a wonderful review video. Really enjoyed. And I agree with you concerning abysmal state of table saw miter gauges. The one you bought hit multiple buttons with me. I like it. Thanks so much, John Willis
Hi Pierre! I also had the experience, that you can buy decent quality from China at a reasonable price. Of course that needs some experience and judgement to tell the raw-diamonds from all the scrap. Doing DiY for almost 50 years now helps a lot - as do reviews e.g. by Dennis from Hooked on Wood. So far my ordered tools never upset me (as some electronic components from China did). Even the heavy metal stuff like an X-Y cast steel vise for my drill press was OK. What I generally do is replace all screws, nuts and bolts with decent material manufactured in Europe according to DIN-ISO standards. And also if I have to applay some strokes with a file to the quick-clamps in order to make them slide easily in the T-track doesnt bring me to tears if I save 75% compared to the price I spent for the Festool screwclamps. From your selection I would buy everything except this drill press replacement thingo - for three reasons: 1. The construction is far too lightweight to take force that bends it from the right path (err angle), especially if you extend the lever with a drill attached. 2. It keeps you from learning to drill holes at a 90° Angle freehand without help. It is just like these trainig wheels on a kids bike. The kids learn riding a bike much quicker without them. If you need some assistance to get the right feeling for 90°, try the CD trick. 3. If I really need exact holes (e.g. for the benchdogs in my workbench), I have one of these old fashioned drill press stands for my corded electric drill, where I can flip over the ground plate and mount it face down. So I can put it on the surface and drill through the hole in the middle of the ground plate. I got mine used on ebay for about 10 Euros. A tip for saving money: presently the platforms are flooded with good older tools because so many "early adopters" reach the age where they have to leave home and search for a pension home and the relatives try to sell the house - so the workshop has to go. Sad, but OTOH nice if some of these old jewels make it into the next generation. The subscription you have earned well. Your channel was brought to my attention here in Germany by a reaction video on your IKEA Table conversion video. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Germany Andreas
I've been using Bangoods' metalworking tools, carbide endmills, 1-2-3 blocks, squares, etc. They are great. I'll have to look at these table saw accessories once I've finally aligned my table saw blade with the table. I actually had to enlarge the holes in the fence to align it with the blade, it is so far out of square...
This is my first time watching one of your videos and I enjoyed it. I will definitely watch more. I bought the Vieko clamps and t-square from Banggood and have not regretted it.
Of course! Thanks for people honestly like you. I am very beginning this work as wood worker interests in cabinets so. Tanks and grettings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.
I like the drill guide. I have something similar I use for quick metalworking. I use the centering feature a lot - with the two pins it is very fast to hit a centerpoint on a piece of stock.
The quality of the tools you get from Banggood is generally quite good, I have bought a few. They are relatively cheap but I don't agree with the 'insanely cheap' conclusion based on a comparison with Woodpecker. I don't buy tools at that price level. A word of warning however, if you don't get the right thing, undamaged and nicely packaged, their after sales is not good and 'resolution' is normally some Banggood points, where you have to spend more to use them. Having had a couple of bad experiences, I would certainly hesitate buying anything beyond some hand tools.
I have the clamps, the T-rule and the drill stand, whichi I don't use much but which at times comes in very handy. I've had them for a number of years now and I've had no problems with them. Out of everything I bought from Banggood only once was I disappointed. Never expected it because it was a Veiko piece and Veiko normally churn out high quality tools..
Thanks for posting this, and your follow up, about Chinese tools. I have a Veiko T-Square, it’s superb. I have been looking at Mitre but my Schlep table saw has a 13mm channel, not 19nmm standard, gso until I work out how I’m going to source a good 13mm mitre bar I’ll have to hold off. I was great to hear someone else rather than just Hookedonwood review these tools. I’m now subscribed to your channel. Please keep up your content. Ken Myerscough, Southport UK.
I started buying a few tools from China recently. It didn't take me long to regret it. The tool was usually not what I thought I was ordering and the quality was poor on cutting tools like chisels and so forth. More trouble than is was worth to send back as well. Never again.
Half the fun of woodworking for me is accumulating quality tools that save me time and effort. Saving money on my purchases just adds to the joy I feel. Anyway, thanks for the honest assessment. Cheers!
First time seeing one of your videos. Really good! I so relate to the accidental hole in your bench. Especially where you said “I won’t tell my wife”, and then (if you’re like me) you thought… “but this is too funny. I have to tell somebody! I want tell my wife.” That’s happened to me so many times. Even if that’s not how it went, it speaks to the strength of your relationship that you wanted to tell her about it. Fixing it straight away is even more OCD than me, though! And that’s saying something. Anyway, great video. I’ll be checking out your other stuff and watching for new ones!
Enjoyed your balanced and fair review. The Chinese, Indian, or many other Asian countries can make most if not all of the fancy products that Westerners are used to for far lower price as long as there is no strong patents and other proprietary know-how owned by someone else is involved. All modern tools are pretty much the form&functional variations except with the added dimension of aesthetics, convenience, and consistency in use with price points that cater to the user base in different markets. All consumers have benefitted from the wide-spread globalization in being able to afford most goods including tools that are "GOOD ENOUGH" for their needs
I accidently stumbled across this video while searching for something else. The name of your channel excited me. When I think of Swedish tools I think of Husqvarna and the like, in other words "High Quality." That makes your review of Chinese alternatives all the more trusted. I immediately subscribed to your channel. I don't think I'll be disappointed because of your well made, high quality videography as well as the intellect with which you judge. Thanks.
I am in the US, and I have found that TEMU gives me good quality for what I looking for. I do not buy tools with motors, at least not yet. I am happy with the quality and the price, and it sure beats Amazon prices! I am careful, and realize that there is real junk, but if you shop a bit, you will be rewarded. If you go for the cheapest, Buyer Beware! Just my experience.
I like Adam Savage's rule about buying tools. Buy the cheapest you can- and when it breaks replace it with something a little better. If that breaks, then spend a lot on a top-tier one. This way you ALWAYS spend the least you need to for what you use or abuse the most.
But that approach easily leads to buying 3 times the same tool. We built our own house, and have a strict rule not to buy cheap tools, because they do not perform well, break in the middle of a hectic and critical project during a weekend, have no warranty, and so on. In addition, when you are learning a new technique, you do not want to struggle with a tricky tool or low quality wood, because it makes you think it is difficult or awkward, although with a nice tool it would be a task you enjoy. Then there is also the question how to recycle the broken tools. My husband's friends call him to help when they have a problem in renovating or building, he takes his own tools, gets the job done, and I can see each of these friends at some point begin to buy better tools... but it takes years to enter that learning curve. We would have been the same unless we spent a lot of weekends taking broken power tools to shop and getting a replacement, which is a nuisance because schedules get messed up and the warranty eventually ends... So buying good quality really pays off. We buy Bahco, Makita, Bosch - not the most expensive but reliable and good value for their price. We have Wolfcraft clamps and really love them. Similar cheaper clamps don't last. I also bought a lathe and was delighted to find a European made brand Record Power - feels great to be able to support the industry here. Actually bought a grinder and air filtration system too and really think their price/quality-ratio is great. Plus the tools look beautiful, a bit traditional. The price of the lathe was 10 times the cheapest lathe on a super market, but I would have the experience that I cannot learn it (vibration, unstability, manual speed adjustment, lightweight construction etc all pretty much prevent getting good results). In addition, the extras cost two times the price of the lathe, and those I would have needed anyway. I could have saved 50% by buying unbranded chucks and chisels, but since these last a lifetime it does not make sense. Other brands would have been twice the price, so Record was a good deal. Laguna is expensive because of their motor technology, JET lathes are ok but made in China. From this video I really liked the miter gauge and will probably buy that at some point, thanks for the review. Also the ruler looked practical, especially the holes for marking. I have looked at the same drill press and good to know it is not that sturdy... I have a Dremel drill press and I am a bit disappointed on its plastic parts. I have ordered drilling guides from China and from the same manufacturer, and they are sturdy, precise, and idiot-proof. 😅
Hi Swedish Maker. I like your approach to being satisfied with these chinese tools. You took a risk and it paid off, so we'll done! I watched another one of your videos where you were talking about moving house and being able to spend more time in the garden and with family. I did exactly that 10 years ago. I was school teaching and feeling burnt out. Now I've taken a pay cut but I have everything I could ask for, more or less. I love my workshop too, so you have a kindred spirit here mate. Keep up the good work. Cheers for a million years, Rohan.
@@TheSwedishMakerI have a wife and three boys named Hugh, Lucas and Will. We all watched a couple of your videos around the dinner table tonight. The bunk bed one and the Mario bros one. Three thumbs up.
I purchase tools and other supplies from China all the time. Especially pieces that I do not use often, but they are nice to have when needed. It seems that return policies with these companies have dramatically changed and made easier to return items if damaged or dissatisfied.
I have the hongdui stock guides that roll the piece into the fence of your table saw. I am extremely impressed with the quality. I have the miter gauge in this video too and that is also very very nice.
Best drill press for the money is Milescraft. $30’ish USD, stable, very accurate for a modular piece. My only modification to it was a $1.50 combo of locking collar and thumb screw for a solid depth gauge…which you just may benefit from!
I bought some chisels from China. Just small chisels and I though the steel quality wouldn't be that important as a keen edge is easy to achieve on fairly soft steel. To my surprise the steel was quite hard. I was not surprised the cutting edges were bad. However they had been machined so badly that it took me a long time to get through all the burrs and grooves in the edges when sharpening them. I easily wasted any savings in money in extra effort making them good. Also just today I bought a 27mm socket from 'Machine Mart' which was 'Laser' branded (A UK tool company selling Chinese tat, rebranded) and that socket was 27.5mm! I need it to remove timing gears from a Mercedes M271 engine... Done up to 170ft/lbs so a loose socket was not going to result in a good day. Took the thing back. Bought some replacement sockets from Halfords also Chinese, these were acceptable and we got the job done. I have been noticing the prices of Chinese tat is climbing fast. Most of it is crap but as you say if you use your head you can do OK. My Chinese digital calipers lasted almost a year... Before going mad and exaggerating wildly.. I replaced them with Mitutoyo. Real ones! There are Chinese fakes of those 😀
Thank you for this video, it's good to see some critical reviews of tools that I might want to buy. Especially the miter gate(s) caught my eye, since, as you said, most affordable circular bench saws come with - let's say - rather basic ones, and so did mine. I've seen another one from banggood reviewed somewhere else and it also looked very good. It's a shame that the clamps were out of stock, I'd say the veiko-clamps (I have a bunch of them) still look a tiny bit better than the ones you've got. At least they've got plastic caps so they dont leave marks on softer wood. I use them a lot and they're really great. Other than that they seem to be identical.
I have been ordering a lot of stuff from China, specialy tools and handy things for my shop. Yes, sometimes you buy absolute crap. But as you mentioned, if you pay a little bit more then the absolute minimum, you can get great stuff for way less money. Do not expect to get really proffesionel tools and other things, but all the things you use sometimes and not regular, are good enough to do a good job. I am a hobby woodworker and have saved a lot of money buying stuff from China. It just keeps the hobby fun.
I agree in part with Michael Graff's comment below. When someone says 'make a saving'.. The reality is, it might cost less to you but ultimately cost the planet more. In making that saving of a few $'s you're buying tools approximately 4,831 miles away. That's a lot of air/sea miles. It might cost more buying tools from the 'little guy' or even from the not so little guys like Woodpecker but in my opinion it's probably worth considering paying that bit more to keep the cost to the planet down.
The problem with Chinese stuff isn't necessarily quality. It's the unfair competition,environemntal, labour and human rights problems. That being said, since a lot of EU companies keep insisting in buying subpar quality stuff from China and selling them at a premium, cutting out the middle man and trying to find the gems makes sense, if your willing to take the risk.
I really like the Table Saw Miter gauge and the quick clamps. As for the drill guide. not so much. Still a lot for a 90 degree guide that may not be 90 degrees.
I own a pair of similar trigger clamps purchased from Banggood ...i think they were from Veico. The clamps are great....i use them all the time with my Makita Tracksaw.....you'll be surprised by their dependability ....fit and finish. I also saved alot from buying odds and ends from Banggood. Keep up the great videos...and if you do buy more products from Banggood...please let us know...we also would like to know your thoughts and save us some headaches and money as well.
I would really like to see how you used that fence with your miter gauge, from all the angles. did you remove that built in stop (which I think is for box joint? Thanks in advance.
Stihl is perhaps the world’s best chainsaw manufacturer and some of their saws are made in China. Many of the name brand carburetors are also made in China. IMO you get what you pay for no matter where it’s made. Great video!
Great reviews and advice. I had already purchased a few of those T-squares and the drill guide before I found your video. The drill guide has come in very handy (and reliable) for several uses, one of which was cutting vertical dog holes on the top of a new workbench - something I couldn't do with my drill press.
My dad drilled into the kitchen table a few times before picking up a piece he was working on and my mother never stopped mentioning it for the last 35 years.
My neighbor had probably one of harbor Freight first table saw. I think he got it for like $25 but used the coupon. And he made very nice furniture with it. Now that Dewalt u have cost like $600. You just have to have the passion & desire there’s no substitute.
Hey (fill in your name here since I'm not sure what it is 🙂), nicely done with the video. I notice that your T square had holes down the middle in 2 rows. I don't supposed they're aligned with the measurement markers are they? Just the right size for a pencil lead maybe?
Very cool stuff and man I loved that ad spot for PCB ways it was integrated perfectly actually instead of skipping it I watched it twice 😂 and I had no idea they did that kind of thing I definitely want to see more custom tools designed by you and made by them.
Thanks for the great reviews. If you don't have a lot of money this could be a way to get tools without going into the hole. Or at least avoid going into the hole too deep.
Thank you for the video. As others have said, just because something is made in China (or any country) it doesn't mean it is inherently bad or good. I have 2 electric bikes made by a Chinese company. I chose that company because (at the time) they were the best Electric bike manufacturer in the world. They are not cheap nor are they mass-produced but people turn their noses up when they hear they are a Chinese company. When I was a kid, all the "crap" came from Taiwan and then Japan and now China. China is going through the transition from copying stuff and making cheap versions to making their own quality items. Just look at the EVs that are coming from China. They will be probably making some of the best Evs in 10 years. It's more dependent on if people are willing to buy a "quality" item from China than if they are capable of making it. We know they are capable.
Also thanks to Hooked on Wood, I too have many tools from Banggood. TBH, the quality of these tools can be hit or miss but your assessment is right: buying up a level gets you surprisingly great quality! I don’t quite know why China is dismissed given every single woodworking tool is manufactured there.
I’m a landscaper. Working outside 95% of the time, I can’t afford the “best” tools available. I often do exactly what you did here, or try to find tools with multiple uses. Thanks
Well, you're right in that many people are quick to dismiss Chinese tools as low quality. But the thing is, China is the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. They make cheap junk sold on Chinese web shops, but also the high quality stuff sold by reputable brands. And in order to manufacture all that stuff, they need tools. Tools they, themselves, produce. So obviously, they are perfectly capable of producing quality tools; it's what they use in their own factories.
I'm surprised that everything you ordered actually arrived with no major disappointments! The only item I question is the drill guide. Looked unstable considering the price paid. The miter gauge is really nice ! I'd like to purchase one of your squares if that's possible , be perfect for the keepsake boxes I make and sell. Good video and you have my subscription!
Most of the "name brand" tools we can buy are actually made by contract manufacturers in China. So, in reality we are buying "Chinese tools" more often than not. These name brand companies have given the know-how to Chinese factories which can in turn make essentially the same tools without the famous name on them.
Yes , you are absolutely right and the silly sod that made this video is perhaps blissfully unaware of this. Buy chinese once and it will cost you twice .
G'day. I bought some 90 degree clamps which were less than half the price of the name-brand ones and they have been awesome. Great quality. I think if you don't buy bargain basement then you will get a decent tool for the money. I really want one of those T-squares...
While the JessEm guage has a vernier, the Hongui doesn't. That's a significant difference. Worth the difference? The eye of the beholder and all that. My router slipped (actually the wood piece) and I routed into my bench. A little epoxy and it's all better. Add some white pigment and you'll be all set. While I've bought a few of the Chinese tools, I feel guilty because it is China. Thank your sponsor. I'm very familiar with PCBWay. I've had them make many printed circuit board but didn't know they did steel and aluminum. I'll look into that further. Thanks for all...
like 90% of things that you perceive as high quality are made in china, the big difference is with the name tacked onto the item you expect proper qc and all products in a range to be generally pretty good, especially when priced as they are. But if you go onto the majority of these chinese marketplaces like Alibaba, Alieexpress and Banggood you can usually find the same tools just without the names slapped onto them or missing proprietary features for half the price, big risk you take with that though is being uncertain of the quality of the product and potentially getting a back product because of less strict qc.
It's not surprising that Chinese made stuff is improving over time. It happened with Japanese, Korean, etc. Some of the musical instruments now are very good quality at affordable prices.
I actually have the T square already and the quick clamps, and while I think my tsquare might be slightly off I can check again to see if I did something stupid but the quick clamps are super easy to durable. so nice products can be made anywhere and junk products can be made anywhere
The tools I have bought from Bangood are usually great. Temo, not so much... I will say one thing for them and that is that they package things well... Almost to well!!! A package inside of anther package, wrapped with bubble wrap and a ton of tape. Forgot the plastic bag...
It's always nice to hear somebody in woodworking saying 150$ is a lot of money. Because it is. At least for most of us humans. On the other hand, if we just use our brains, China is one of the most developed countries in the world, with amazing technological development. To believe China can't do good tools is like believing Germany can't start a war.😂 Nice vídeo. By the way, i've bought a few tools from bangood and they seem to be very nice, indeed.
Well said. I’m Chinese I often buy stuff directly from China and wait for a few weeks to ship to North America because I don’t like to spend a ton of money on the same quality stuff just because it’s North America branded. In fact, China had a lot of contract manufacturing companies produce for western brands uses their extra production capacity to produce their own brand or unbranded items that’s why they look similar to the name brands. I wouldn’t buy the cheapest made in China item on the shelf either because I know that the company squeezes every bit of profit from the manufacturer so they have to use low quality materials.
China can produce things to just about any quality required, it’s just that a lot of companies and sellers want the cheapest price possible. Someone recently told me that when you go to China to get something manufactured the Chinese will ask you how much are you willing to pay and they will manufacture your item to that price. I don’t know if that’s true but it sounds reasonable. Great video too.
It is true. I'm not sure about how it's now but few years ago they looked at item to produce, don't ask what it is, and suggested few prices at witch it can be made. Upper middle range is usually comparable to European made quality.
This is so true. I work in automotive for some premium german brands. 75% of the components are made in china. Those guys have a LOT of production knowledge and can make great stuff. It's just a matter of if you want to pay for it. You pay shit, you get shit.
I also have quite some bang good and Aliexpress stuff in my shed and if you know what to avoid you can get quite good stuff for a nice price that is good enough for 90% of us.
@@FritsBlaasbaard Absolutely spot on.
I watched a video on fake Rolex and that was the gist of the video you can buy cheap ones that look fake or expensive ones that look identical to the real thing
Yep that about sums it up. Those who still claim if it's made in China it's junk are behind the times. While China got rich manufacturing cheap quality for the west who wanted cheap products. These days China will make any quality you like, it's just a question of what you want to pay for it to be manufactured, and who you get to manufacture it.
I bought a desktop laser machine from Banggood, thinking that I most probably wasted my money.
Once I started using it, I was so impressed, that I bought the upgraded version also from Banggood, and both these machines have paid for themselves ten times over already, and they are still as good as they were three years ago when I bought them.
Most of the well known brands are made in China in any case. Just the logo make them carry a bigger price tag.
I own a few Hongdui, Enjoywood and Veiko tools like the dowel jig, pocket hole jig and edge plane and they are beautifully made, precise and great value.
Hei, great content, you just got a new subscriber from Norway. About the need to drill a 90 degree hole now and then, I just make a small drill jig out of 2 short wood pieces that I screw together making a perfect 90 degree inner corner. To make the 90 degree hole just align the jig over the mark, clamp it or hand hold it, place the drill in the corner and make it stay in the corner as you drill. Easy and cheap to make from scraps, no assembling or adjusting, and most important, it take a small space when stored.
Thanks for making a good, honest review, and a video title that is not over-the-top like so many we see on RUclips these days. I generally avoid any video that has "insane", "changes everything", "shocks" etc. in their title.
I appreciate that!
Let's not forget the infamous ". . . then THIS happened!!!".
I swear RUclips has just become Buzzfeed - Video. Totally agree with you. Also, number 6 will surprise you!
"Cheap Banggood tool DESTROYS Woodpecker!!!"
It's unfortunate that the algorithm of YT requires certain behaviours in order to compete for clicks. Some of the best woodwoorkers and others in Fields not woodworkign have made videos lambasting the regressive influence of this. Honestly it devalues the entirety of the YT media archive by decreasing accurate accessibility. Imagine having accurate titles?
Aside from that I appreciate like you the presentation of this fellow because he isn't being an over the top hyped up and potentially drug fueled wanker like too many are.
Adter seeing the HONGDUI miter and fence, i immediately returned the incra that i had just gottwn for Christmas. That thing is the absolute best miter gauge ever! Worth every penny and i use it all the time.
I ended up then filling out a lot of holes in my tool lineup with other things and ive now made three purchases from banggood. Very very happy with them. Though HoW really helps by wading through the chaff for us.
Oh, and i also just picked up Jessems new dowling jig
Thanks for such a wonderful review video. Really enjoyed.
And I agree with you concerning abysmal state of table saw miter gauges.
The one you bought hit multiple buttons with me. I like it.
Thanks so much,
John Willis
I just bought the Hongdui miter guage. It was $130. Have not recieved it yet, but from what I've seen(and what you say)it's a beauty. Thanks.
Hi Pierre! I also had the experience, that you can buy decent quality from China at a reasonable price. Of course that needs some experience and judgement to tell the raw-diamonds from all the scrap. Doing DiY for almost 50 years now helps a lot - as do reviews e.g. by Dennis from Hooked on Wood.
So far my ordered tools never upset me (as some electronic components from China did). Even the heavy metal stuff like an X-Y cast steel vise for my drill press was OK. What I generally do is replace all screws, nuts and bolts with decent material manufactured in Europe according to DIN-ISO standards. And also if I have to applay some strokes with a file to the quick-clamps in order to make them slide easily in the T-track doesnt bring me to tears if I save 75% compared to the price I spent for the Festool screwclamps.
From your selection I would buy everything except this drill press replacement thingo - for three reasons:
1. The construction is far too lightweight to take force that bends it from the right path (err angle), especially if you extend the lever with a drill attached.
2. It keeps you from learning to drill holes at a 90° Angle freehand without help. It is just like these trainig wheels on a kids bike. The kids learn riding a bike much quicker without them. If you need some assistance to get the right feeling for 90°, try the CD trick.
3. If I really need exact holes (e.g. for the benchdogs in my workbench), I have one of these old fashioned drill press stands for my corded electric drill, where I can flip over the ground plate and mount it face down. So I can put it on the surface and drill through the hole in the middle of the ground plate. I got mine used on ebay for about 10 Euros.
A tip for saving money: presently the platforms are flooded with good older tools because so many "early adopters" reach the age where they have to leave home and search for a pension home and the relatives try to sell the house - so the workshop has to go. Sad, but OTOH nice if some of these old jewels make it into the next generation.
The subscription you have earned well. Your channel was brought to my attention here in Germany by a reaction video on your IKEA Table conversion video. Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Germany
Andreas
I've been using Bangoods' metalworking tools, carbide endmills, 1-2-3 blocks, squares, etc. They are great. I'll have to look at these table saw accessories once I've finally aligned my table saw blade with the table. I actually had to enlarge the holes in the fence to align it with the blade, it is so far out of square...
This is my first time watching one of your videos and I enjoyed it. I will definitely watch more. I bought the Vieko clamps and t-square from Banggood and have not regretted it.
The hole in the table earned you a subscriber !!!!
I purchased sharpening guide with angle guide and setup block. Seems to be really well made and works just as it should.
I really liked the t-square. Thanks
Of course! Thanks for people honestly like you. I am very beginning this work as wood worker interests in cabinets so.
Tanks and grettings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.
I don't think I've ever seen a beautiful miter gauge before. They really did a nice job on the design.
China usually put a lot of bling in there design. Pity they don't put some thought into the quality.
Both the quick release clamps and the red T square seem excellent. Poor documentation is sometimes a problem.
I like the drill guide. I have something similar I use for quick metalworking. I use the centering feature a lot - with the two pins it is very fast to hit a centerpoint on a piece of stock.
The quality of the tools you get from Banggood is generally quite good, I have bought a few. They are relatively cheap but I don't agree with the 'insanely cheap' conclusion based on a comparison with Woodpecker. I don't buy tools at that price level. A word of warning however, if you don't get the right thing, undamaged and nicely packaged, their after sales is not good and 'resolution' is normally some Banggood points, where you have to spend more to use them. Having had a couple of bad experiences, I would certainly hesitate buying anything beyond some hand tools.
I have the clamps, the T-rule and the drill stand, whichi I don't use much but which at times comes in very handy. I've had them for a number of years now and I've had no problems with them. Out of everything I bought from Banggood only once was I disappointed. Never expected it because it was a Veiko piece and Veiko normally churn out high quality tools..
Thanks for posting this, and your follow up, about Chinese tools.
I have a Veiko T-Square, it’s superb.
I have been looking at Mitre but my Schlep table saw has a 13mm channel, not 19nmm standard, gso until I work out how I’m going to source a good 13mm mitre bar I’ll have to hold off.
I was great to hear someone else rather than just Hookedonwood review these tools.
I’m now subscribed to your channel. Please keep up your content.
Ken Myerscough, Southport UK.
Thanks a lot!
I started buying a few tools from China recently. It didn't take me long to regret it. The tool was usually not what I thought I was ordering and the quality was poor on cutting tools like chisels and so forth. More trouble than is was worth to send back as well.
Never again.
Have the exact same mitre gauge and t-square myself. The mitre gauge is exceptional quality for the price.
thanks for the demonstration, we all live and learn in mysterious ways...
Miter gauge looks amazing, I didn't ever think I would say that...I want one
I have those track clamps and mitre guide, been using them for a year and they are excellent quality.
Half the fun of woodworking for me is accumulating quality tools that save me time and effort. Saving money on my purchases just adds to the joy I feel. Anyway, thanks for the honest assessment. Cheers!
First time seeing one of your videos. Really good! I so relate to the accidental hole in your bench. Especially where you said “I won’t tell my wife”, and then (if you’re like me) you thought… “but this is too funny. I have to tell somebody! I want tell my wife.” That’s happened to me so many times. Even if that’s not how it went, it speaks to the strength of your relationship that you wanted to tell her about it.
Fixing it straight away is even more OCD than me, though! And that’s saying something. Anyway, great video. I’ll be checking out your other stuff and watching for new ones!
Enjoyed your balanced and fair review. The Chinese, Indian, or many other Asian countries can make most if not all of the fancy products that Westerners are used to for far lower price as long as there is no strong patents and other proprietary know-how owned by someone else is involved. All modern tools are pretty much the form&functional variations except with the added dimension of aesthetics, convenience, and consistency in use with price points that cater to the user base in different markets. All consumers have benefitted from the wide-spread globalization in being able to afford most goods including tools that are "GOOD ENOUGH" for their needs
I accidently stumbled across this video while searching for something else. The name of your channel excited me. When I think of Swedish tools I think of Husqvarna and the like, in other words "High Quality." That makes your review of Chinese alternatives all the more trusted. I immediately subscribed to your channel. I don't think I'll be disappointed because of your well made, high quality videography as well as the intellect with which you judge. Thanks.
thanks a lot!
I am in the US, and I have found that TEMU gives me good quality for what I looking for. I do not buy tools with motors, at least not yet. I am happy with the quality and the price, and it sure beats Amazon prices! I am careful, and realize that there is real junk, but if you shop a bit, you will be rewarded. If you go for the cheapest, Buyer Beware! Just my experience.
I like Adam Savage's rule about buying tools.
Buy the cheapest you can- and when it breaks replace it with something a little better. If that breaks, then spend a lot on a top-tier one.
This way you ALWAYS spend the least you need to for what you use or abuse the most.
But that approach easily leads to buying 3 times the same tool. We built our own house, and have a strict rule not to buy cheap tools, because they do not perform well, break in the middle of a hectic and critical project during a weekend, have no warranty, and so on.
In addition, when you are learning a new technique, you do not want to struggle with a tricky tool or low quality wood, because it makes you think it is difficult or awkward, although with a nice tool it would be a task you enjoy. Then there is also the question how to recycle the broken tools.
My husband's friends call him to help when they have a problem in renovating or building, he takes his own tools, gets the job done, and I can see each of these friends at some point begin to buy better tools... but it takes years to enter that learning curve. We would have been the same unless we spent a lot of weekends taking broken power tools to shop and getting a replacement, which is a nuisance because schedules get messed up and the warranty eventually ends... So buying good quality really pays off. We buy Bahco, Makita, Bosch - not the most expensive but reliable and good value for their price. We have Wolfcraft clamps and really love them. Similar cheaper clamps don't last.
I also bought a lathe and was delighted to find a European made brand Record Power - feels great to be able to support the industry here. Actually bought a grinder and air filtration system too and really think their price/quality-ratio is great. Plus the tools look beautiful, a bit traditional. The price of the lathe was 10 times the cheapest lathe on a super market, but I would have the experience that I cannot learn it (vibration, unstability, manual speed adjustment, lightweight construction etc all pretty much prevent getting good results). In addition, the extras cost two times the price of the lathe, and those I would have needed anyway. I could have saved 50% by buying unbranded chucks and chisels, but since these last a lifetime it does not make sense. Other brands would have been twice the price, so Record was a good deal. Laguna is expensive because of their motor technology, JET lathes are ok but made in China.
From this video I really liked the miter gauge and will probably buy that at some point, thanks for the review. Also the ruler looked practical, especially the holes for marking. I have looked at the same drill press and good to know it is not that sturdy... I have a Dremel drill press and I am a bit disappointed on its plastic parts. I have ordered drilling guides from China and from the same manufacturer, and they are sturdy, precise, and idiot-proof. 😅
You bumped your head if you think even 1% of folks will read your entire rant. Yes, rant.@@MelkeinMaalla
Hi Swedish Maker. I like your approach to being satisfied with these chinese tools. You took a risk and it paid off, so we'll done! I watched another one of your videos where you were talking about moving house and being able to spend more time in the garden and with family. I did exactly that 10 years ago. I was school teaching and feeling burnt out. Now I've taken a pay cut but I have everything I could ask for, more or less. I love my workshop too, so you have a kindred spirit here mate. Keep up the good work. Cheers for a million years, Rohan.
thanks! Great to hear from someone who did the same thing. Glad your enjoying it - it seems like the right path to take.
@@TheSwedishMakerI have a wife and three boys named Hugh, Lucas and Will. We all watched a couple of your videos around the dinner table tonight. The bunk bed one and the Mario bros one. Three thumbs up.
Pay attention to the lightning, people - Teal and orange. Winning concept.
I purchase tools and other supplies from China all the time. Especially pieces that I do not use often, but they are nice to have when needed. It seems that return policies with these companies have dramatically changed and made easier to return items if damaged or dissatisfied.
Hongdui makes some really great tools. I've been really impressed with their manufacturing quality.
seems really good!
I have the hongdui stock guides that roll the piece into the fence of your table saw. I am extremely impressed with the quality. I have the miter gauge in this video too and that is also very very nice.
Best drill press for the money is Milescraft. $30’ish USD, stable, very accurate for a modular piece. My only modification to it was a $1.50 combo of locking collar and thumb screw for a solid depth gauge…which you just may benefit from!
I bought some chisels from China. Just small chisels and I though the steel quality wouldn't be that important as a keen edge is easy to achieve on fairly soft steel. To my surprise the steel was quite hard. I was not surprised the cutting edges were bad. However they had been machined so badly that it took me a long time to get through all the burrs and grooves in the edges when sharpening them. I easily wasted any savings in money in extra effort making them good. Also just today I bought a 27mm socket from 'Machine Mart' which was 'Laser' branded (A UK tool company selling Chinese tat, rebranded) and that socket was 27.5mm! I need it to remove timing gears from a Mercedes M271 engine... Done up to 170ft/lbs so a loose socket was not going to result in a good day. Took the thing back. Bought some replacement sockets from Halfords also Chinese, these were acceptable and we got the job done. I have been noticing the prices of Chinese tat is climbing fast. Most of it is crap but as you say if you use your head you can do OK. My Chinese digital calipers lasted almost a year... Before going mad and exaggerating wildly.. I replaced them with Mitutoyo. Real ones! There are Chinese fakes of those 😀
Thank you for this video, it's good to see some critical reviews of tools that I might want to buy. Especially the miter gate(s) caught my eye, since, as you said, most affordable circular bench saws come with - let's say - rather basic ones, and so did mine.
I've seen another one from banggood reviewed somewhere else and it also looked very good.
It's a shame that the clamps were out of stock, I'd say the veiko-clamps (I have a bunch of them) still look a tiny bit better than the ones you've got. At least they've got plastic caps so they dont leave marks on softer wood. I use them a lot and they're really great. Other than that they seem to be identical.
I have been ordering a lot of stuff from China, specialy tools and handy things for my shop. Yes, sometimes you buy absolute crap. But as you mentioned, if you pay a little bit more then the absolute minimum, you can get great stuff for way less money. Do not expect to get really proffesionel tools and other things, but all the things you use sometimes and not regular, are good enough to do a good job. I am a hobby woodworker and have saved a lot of money buying stuff from China. It just keeps the hobby fun.
I agree in part with Michael Graff's comment below.
When someone says 'make a saving'.. The reality is, it might cost less to you but ultimately cost the planet more.
In making that saving of a few $'s you're buying tools approximately 4,831 miles away.
That's a lot of air/sea miles.
It might cost more buying tools from the 'little guy' or even from the not so little guys like Woodpecker but in my opinion it's probably worth considering paying that bit more to keep the cost to the planet down.
The problem with Chinese stuff isn't necessarily quality. It's the unfair competition,environemntal, labour and human rights problems.
That being said, since a lot of EU companies keep insisting in buying subpar quality stuff from China and selling them at a premium, cutting out the middle man and trying to find the gems makes sense, if your willing to take the risk.
Yeah I mean what's a bioattack between ideologies anyways? People on our side were in on it too.
I really like the Table Saw Miter gauge and the quick clamps. As for the drill guide. not so much. Still a lot for a 90 degree guide that may not be 90 degrees.
Great video. Honest opinions & the best is your designing skills put to work. Best of luck.
I own a pair of similar trigger clamps purchased from Banggood ...i think they were from Veico. The clamps are great....i use them all the time with my Makita Tracksaw.....you'll be surprised by their dependability ....fit and finish. I also saved alot from buying odds and ends from Banggood. Keep up the great videos...and if you do buy more products from Banggood...please let us know...we also would like to know your thoughts and save us some headaches and money as well.
Thanks for making this video, and a big thanks to all the comments. I think I’m convinced to try alternative options👌🏻
Carpenter/woodworker for 30+ yrs...I bought many Chinese tools that worked just fine and the quality of these tools did improve over the years.
I would really like to see how you used that fence with your miter gauge, from all the angles. did you remove that built in stop (which I think is for box joint? Thanks in advance.
I also have that Hongdui Mitre Gauge and I agree its extremely good!
oh I didnt know. what type of fence do you use with it? The one I got seems okay, but I would like to upgrade sometime.
Stihl is perhaps the world’s best chainsaw manufacturer and some of their saws are made in China. Many of the name brand carburetors are also made in China. IMO you get what you pay for no matter where it’s made. Great video!
The hole in the table was actually pretty funny, I can relate lol
were you including all the extra costs? Of shipping, import, handling, VAT etc.?? Thanks!
I’ve bought the hongdui mitre gauge,it’s great,very accurate and solid. My work’s still shit,I can’t blame my mitre gauge anymore. Pity.
Those tools look great.
Im looking for a good dowel maker and plug maker.
Hi, nice video. I also bought similar chinese mitre gauge, which uses exactly the same aluminium extrusion. Works perfectly on my dewalt table saw.
ive always freehanded miter cuts on table saw, usually too big a piece to use that miter gauge, but it lookss nice
YES!! wwe will buy the ruler and clamps .... thanks for sharing your experience.... OORAH!!
Great reviews and advice. I had already purchased a few of those T-squares and the drill guide before I found your video. The drill guide has come in very handy (and reliable) for several uses, one of which was cutting vertical dog holes on the top of a new workbench - something I couldn't do with my drill press.
I found a new drill guide on Amazon, it's 130$ but it has all/more features than the rockler, I might have to get one. Entirely made of metal, too.
@@jjoohhhnnDo you have a link to the Amazon one? Looks like BangGood removed/no longer offers the drill guide featured in this video.
@@DavidGunter the brand on Amazon is 'Crystalberry Portable Drill Guide'
My dad drilled into the kitchen table a few times before picking up a piece he was working on and my mother never stopped mentioning it for the last 35 years.
GReat video! How did you find the tools in the first place? There must be thousands of choices!
Those clamps look great.
Are they all metal?
If so I may get some for my welding kit.
You can never have enough clamps.
I agree with what you say about RED. I hate having everything red in the shop!!!!
About the T ruler - the test method is not sound. Think about a parallelogram - if you rotate it 180 you get the same shape.
My neighbor had probably one of harbor Freight first table saw. I think he got it for like $25 but used the coupon. And he made very nice furniture with it. Now that Dewalt u have cost like $600. You just have to have the passion & desire there’s no substitute.
usually use triangles with t-square aside from straight edges
Great video. Love that 3d printed MFT Clamp rack! Have you made it available for download anywhere?
thanks! I havent but I should upload them to my website - I´ll get to it
Hey (fill in your name here since I'm not sure what it is 🙂), nicely done with the video. I notice that your T square had holes down the middle in 2 rows. I don't supposed they're aligned with the measurement markers are they? Just the right size for a pencil lead maybe?
Very cool stuff and man I loved that ad spot for PCB ways it was integrated perfectly actually instead of skipping it I watched it twice 😂 and I had no idea they did that kind of thing I definitely want to see more custom tools designed by you and made by them.
thanks Chad! haha my first really good integration :)
Yep, didn't even know they did that sort of stuff. Handy to know.
My Delta came with a really good miter gauge.
Great video first time I’ve watched one of your videos can’t wait to see what you do next
Thanks for the great reviews. If you don't have a lot of money this could be a way to get tools without going into the hole. Or at least avoid going into the hole too deep.
I am going to check out the T square after watching your video. I like new tools but can't afford all the fancy brand names.
Thank you for the video.
As others have said, just because something is made in China (or any country) it doesn't mean it is inherently bad or good.
I have 2 electric bikes made by a Chinese company. I chose that company because (at the time) they were the best Electric bike manufacturer in the world. They are not cheap nor are they mass-produced but people turn their noses up when they hear they are a Chinese company.
When I was a kid, all the "crap" came from Taiwan and then Japan and now China. China is going through the transition from copying stuff and making cheap versions to making their own quality items. Just look at the EVs that are coming from China. They will be probably making some of the best Evs in 10 years. It's more dependent on if people are willing to buy a "quality" item from China than if they are capable of making it. We know they are capable.
Also thanks to Hooked on Wood, I too have many tools from Banggood. TBH, the quality of these tools can be hit or miss but your assessment is right: buying up a level gets you surprisingly great quality! I don’t quite know why China is dismissed given every single woodworking tool is manufactured there.
correct! they are often dismissed, and yet most things are made there
China is always dismissed because they make a $2 thing and it's compared with a $20 made in USA thing.
Nice that You fixed table! :D
I’m a landscaper. Working outside 95% of the time, I can’t afford the “best” tools available. I often do exactly what you did here, or try to find tools with multiple uses. Thanks
Well, you're right in that many people are quick to dismiss Chinese tools as low quality. But the thing is, China is the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. They make cheap junk sold on Chinese web shops, but also the high quality stuff sold by reputable brands. And in order to manufacture all that stuff, they need tools. Tools they, themselves, produce. So obviously, they are perfectly capable of producing quality tools; it's what they use in their own factories.
Nice video, thank you for sharing your finds.
I'm surprised that everything you ordered actually arrived with no major disappointments! The only item I question is the drill guide. Looked unstable considering the price paid. The miter gauge is really nice ! I'd like to purchase one of your squares if that's possible , be perfect for the keepsake boxes I make and sell. Good video and you have my subscription!
Thank you!
To be fair, you won't be drilling all the way from the top so it's more stable than what it seems.
Most of the "name brand" tools we can buy are actually made by contract manufacturers in China. So, in reality we are buying "Chinese tools" more often than not. These name brand companies have given the know-how to Chinese factories which can in turn make essentially the same tools without the famous name on them.
Yes , you are absolutely right and the silly sod that made this video is perhaps blissfully unaware of this. Buy chinese once and it will cost you twice .
I liked the machinist square you made and produced on PCBway- could we get the the Fusion 360 files and more information on the PCBway process?
Instant Like on the drilled hole on the table!
G'day. I bought some 90 degree clamps which were less than half the price of the name-brand ones and they have been awesome. Great quality. I think if you don't buy bargain basement then you will get a decent tool for the money. I really want one of those T-squares...
I got the T-squares from Veiko in 400mm and 600mm. They are super wel built and precise!! Great quality for the money!
While the JessEm guage has a vernier, the Hongui doesn't. That's a significant difference. Worth the difference? The eye of the beholder and all that.
My router slipped (actually the wood piece) and I routed into my bench. A little epoxy and it's all better. Add some white pigment and you'll be all set.
While I've bought a few of the Chinese tools, I feel guilty because it is China.
Thank your sponsor. I'm very familiar with PCBWay. I've had them make many printed circuit board but didn't know they did steel and aluminum. I'll look into that further.
Thanks for all...
Hello, interesting tools thanks for the reviews
To check a square squareness, you have to trace both line from the same edge of your wood piece
Great video. I need a miter gauge like this. Where go I get the matching fence that you mentioned in your video?
I think it's linked down below as well
like 90% of things that you perceive as high quality are made in china, the big difference is with the name tacked onto the item you expect proper qc and all products in a range to be generally pretty good, especially when priced as they are. But if you go onto the majority of these chinese marketplaces like Alibaba, Alieexpress and Banggood you can usually find the same tools just without the names slapped onto them or missing proprietary features for half the price, big risk you take with that though is being uncertain of the quality of the product and potentially getting a back product because of less strict qc.
It's not surprising that Chinese made stuff is improving over time. It happened with Japanese, Korean, etc. Some of the musical instruments now are very good quality at affordable prices.
Just found your channel love the show would like to see more of items on a budget
Great video! But I'd like to know what it cost to get the machinists square made.
What's that noise?... Oh it's my bank card starting to cry as I buy more stuff! Great video Pierre!
😂 sorry Craig
Is the cogs made off steel and what are the slots on the mitre gauge made of hopefully not aluminum if so it will wear out
I actually have the T square already and the quick clamps, and while I think my tsquare might be slightly off I can check again to see if I did something stupid but the quick clamps are super easy to durable. so nice products can be made anywhere and junk products can be made anywhere
Great video. I've had my eyes on that veico square on bangwood.
thanks!
The tools I have bought from Bangood are usually great. Temo, not so much... I will say one thing for them and that is that they package things well... Almost to well!!! A package inside of anther package, wrapped with bubble wrap and a ton of tape. Forgot the plastic bag...
Any good deals on a table saw fence that'll fit a Milwaukee M18?
Very good and even entertaining! Thank you.
Welcome to today's episode of tools I really need.
It's always nice to hear somebody in woodworking saying 150$ is a lot of money. Because it is. At least for most of us humans.
On the other hand, if we just use our brains, China is one of the most developed countries in the world, with amazing technological development. To believe China can't do good tools is like believing Germany can't start a war.😂
Nice vídeo. By the way, i've bought a few tools from bangood and they seem to be very nice, indeed.
Well said. I’m Chinese I often buy stuff directly from China and wait for a few weeks to ship to North America because I don’t like to spend a ton of money on the same quality stuff just because it’s North America branded. In fact, China had a lot of contract manufacturing companies produce for western brands uses their extra production capacity to produce their own brand or unbranded items that’s why they look similar to the name brands. I wouldn’t buy the cheapest made in China item on the shelf either because I know that the company squeezes every bit of profit from the manufacturer so they have to use low quality materials.
I guarantee you this video won’t get many views because you shouldn’t say anything good about China even it’s the fact lol. RUclips knows it!