JessEm Just Changed Wood Joinery Forever (Perfect for Beginners)

If you’ve ever struggled to make clean, tight box joints, you’re going to love what JessEm just released. Their new Box Joint Jig makes joinery dead simple — even if you’ve never cut a joint in your life. In this post, I’ll walk you through why this jig is a total game-changer for beginners, plus several other incredible tools I tested that are shaking up woodworking in 2025.

🛠️ Shop the Tools Featured in This Video

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The JessEm Box Joint Jig: Perfect Joints Made Simple

Box joints are one of those woodworking challenges that can test your patience — they look simple but demand absolute precision. JessEm’s new Box Joint Jig changes all that by making the process fast, repeatable, and perfectly accurate every single time.

This jig includes everything you need straight out of the box:

  • A solid base and top frame

  • Three precision fences

  • Three interchangeable keys

  • Matching Whiteside router bits in small, medium, and large sizes

Setup takes only minutes. Pick your joint size, install the correct key and fence, and you’re ready to start cutting. Even on a homemade router table like mine, it clamps securely using track clamps and glides buttery smooth for dead-on accuracy.

The first time I used it, my box joints fit perfectly — no fine-tuning, no guesswork. If you’ve ever tried to make your own jig and struggled with loose or tight fits, you’ll appreciate how dialed-in this setup is.

👉 Shop the JessEm Box Joint Jig

The Oliver 15-Inch Planer: Pro Power in Your Shop

The Oliver 15-inch Helical Head Planer is one of the most talked-about woodworking machines in 2025. With a 2.5 HP motor, dual feed speeds, and a digital thickness readout, it delivers precision and power that serious woodworkers love.

Key Features:

  • 15-inch width capacity (most benchtop planers are only 13”)

  • Helical cutter head for quieter cuts and smoother surfaces

  • Digital readout (DRO) for exact repeatability

  • Dual feed rates for fine or rough planing

The only drawbacks are its weight (135 lbs) and the $400 shipping fee, but the results speak for themselves.

💰 Want to save a few bucks? The Grizzly 15-inch Planer is made in the same factory but runs on 120V power instead of 230V, making it great for home shops.

The JessEm Quick Angle Square: Precision That Grips

This is no ordinary square. The JessEm Quick Angle Square combines laser-etched accuracy with an innovative, grippy surface that keeps it from sliding on your stock.

✅ Magnetic wall mount for quick storage
✅ Positive stops for common angles
✅ Parallel scribing notches for layout work
✅ Laser-etched “grip” texture that holds without scratching

That patented grip texture alone makes layout faster and safer. Just press down slightly, and the square holds firm — no more chasing your mark across the board.

👉 Also handy: Small Tool Setting Gauge | Large Tool Setting Gauge

DeWALT Chisel Set: A Hidden Budget Gem

I used to avoid budget chisels after one bad experience with cheap steel that folded over on the first cut. But the DeWALT 3-Piece Chisel Set completely changed my mind.

They come sharp right out of the box, hold an edge well, and cost a fraction of premium sets. With a quick hone, these perform like tools twice their price — perfect for trimming joints or cleaning corners.

If you’re a beginner, this set is a no-brainer.

Mirka DEROS Sander: Dust-Free, High-Tech Sanding

When I saw the Mirka DEROS Sander in person at AWFS Fair, I was blown away. It adjusts power automatically based on how hard you press — making it ideal for both aggressive removal and fine finishing.

Pair it with Mirka Ligno Sandpaper for nearly dust-free sanding. It’s quiet, efficient, and built to last — one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your shop.

DeWALT 20V Multi-Head Drill: The Ultimate 5-in-1 Tool

The DeWALT 20V Multi-Head Drill might be the most versatile drill released this year. It comes with four interchangeable heads — offset, 90°, drill chuck, and driver — that can be combined for five total configurations.

It outperforms the Milwaukee M12 Installation Driver in both power and speed, making it a must-have for cabinet builders or anyone working in tight spaces.

The Kreg Rebel: Pocket Holes Made Smarter

The Kreg Rebel brings pocket holes into the cordless era. Running on Kreg’s new 20V Blue Ion platform, it’s fast, clamp-free, and incredibly easy to use.

Just press down lightly and drill — the built-in grippy base keeps it steady. It’s the fastest, most beginner-friendly pocket hole system I’ve ever tested.

Festool TSV 60 KEB: The Cleanest Track Saw Cuts Ever

The Festool Dual-Blade Track Saw uses a scoring blade in front of the main blade to eliminate tear-out, especially on melamine and veneer.

For alternatives:

Table Saw Upgrades You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner

Vevor Miter Gauge

A killer value for the price. This gauge cuts dead-on at 90°, miters up to 70° in both directions, and includes a micro-adjustable stop block with an extendable fence.

Canyon Fire Tools Micro Adjuster

Tired of tapping your fence too far? This magnetic micro-adjuster lets you fine-tune fence movement with total control — no more “bump, bump, oops” moments.

Coming in 2026: The Harvey “Sniper” Drill Press

Harvey Tools previewed one of the coolest upcoming tools at AWFS: the Sniper Drill Press. It uses smart centering technology to automatically align your bit to your mark — no more off-center holes.

It also features a touchscreen control panel, powered height adjustment, and the same rock-solid precision Harvey is known for.

Final Thoughts

Woodworking in 2025 is next-level. Between tools like JessEm’s beginner-friendly Box Joint Jig and innovations from brands like DeWALT, Kreg, and Festool, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your shop.

If you’re ready to take your woodworking to the next level, check out my other posts on tool reviews, beginner projects, and shop upgrades — and don’t forget to sign up for my Daily Tool Deals Email List to get the latest discounts straight to your inbox.

Stay safe, keep those fingers clear, and make some sawdust today.

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