Where Are Woodworking Tools Made? (10 Most Popular brands)

The short answer is that woodworking tools are made worldwide, but for many woodworkers, there is hesitation about purchasing tools manufactured outside of the U.S.A. 

Some brands of tools are made exclusively in the U.S.A., while others are manufactured in the U.S.A. So what’s the difference?

As a general rule of thumb, manufactured products are typically assembled in the place specified; however, the parts and such may be from elsewhere. 

Meanwhile, “made” refers to a product that has been completely made in the U.S.A.

Here’s the Answer to Where Woodworking Tools are Made:

iTECH woodworking tools are made in the U.K. Channellock, DeWalt, Briggs & Stratton, Delta and Baileigh, were initially made in U.S.A., now, many of the parts are made in other countries with woodworking machines being assembled in the U.S.A. Powermatic, Jet and Grizzly are made in Taiwan, China.

Which Woodworking Tools Brands are Made in the USA?

The Federal Trade Commission created an established rule set regarding what sort of steps must be taken to be regarded as “made in America.” 

Generally, these rules require that the assembling of the tools must be done primarily in the U.S.A., with the materials also coming almost exclusively from the U.S.A.

Some more commonly known brands which are made or at least partially made in the U.S.A. are Channellock in Pennsylvania, DeWalt tools, and Briggs & Stratton.   

Who Makes the Best Woodworking Tools and Where are They Made?

The three brands cited above are known for their quality and for being American-made. We will break them down further here.

Certain DeWalt tools are manufactured in the U.S.A. when they have the seal indicating such. Although they are manufactured in the USA, they are made from materials sourced internationally. 

DeWalt has 7 manufacturing locations in the U.S.A., with its headquarters located in Maryland.

Channellock tools are located in Pennsylvania in Meadville, where they have been since the early 1900s. This company started as a company mainly for horses (*such as horseshoes) and other plier tools and expanded through the years.

Lastly, Briggs and Stratton is a huge company that has operated in the U.S.A. for over 100 years. They have several subsidiary companies and are known especially for their sanders with regards to their woodworking tools. 

Where are iTECH Woodworking Machines Made?

The company, iTECH, is a subsidiary of the company Scott & Sargeant. Scott & Sargeant first began operation back in the 1930s in the U.K. as a small company specializing in machinery for estates. 

Now they have become world-renowned producers of a variety of spindles and table saws. Although incorporated in the U.K., through its many subsidiaries, this company exports its products all over the globe. 

It is difficult to say where these tools are made because there is little information online other than where they export to. It seems they make their products at home (The United Kingdom) and export them extensively. 

Are iTECH Woodworking Machines Good?

Many reviews of iTECH tools indicate that most buyers are satisfied but not impressed with the woodworking tools on offer.

Additionally, many complained about poor customer service and assistance with setting up and learning how to use the new tool.

The iTECH manuals seem to be notoriously hard to read. From the reviews some users concluded the tools are satisfactory if all you seek is to use them for a hobby. 

Where are Harvey Woodworking Tools Made?

Harvey Tools has its headquarters in China, with their tools being manufactured here as well. The company was founded in 1999 in Nanjing, China, primarily manufacturing metal cutting tools. 

In 2004 the company headquarters was moved to Yangzhou, China, and expanded into the global market. In the following years, the company gained many international safety approvals for their various tools. 

Are Harvey Woodworking Tools Good?

Harvey Tools is well known for its quality, and many customer reviews and blog posts indicate few issues with their products.

A few reviews on woodworking blogs gave 4 to 5 stars and compared the quality of the product and the customer experience with that of Grizzly. 

The company has acquired a number of American-owned small businesses such as Bridge City Tool Works and has strived to maintain the quality that is so prized by American-owned companies in the U.S.A.

Where are Jet Woodworking Tools Made?

JET tools have their headquarters in Tennessee. Although, this company is a truly international company with headquarters in various demographic regions of the globe. 

The company has operations in Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Germany, France, and Russia. For this reason, the tools are known for being ubiquitous and many find that it is rather simple to find a retailer with replacements or replacement parts.

Are Jet Woodworking Tools good?

JET is often applauded for being the best mid-range priced tool. Often they are seen as not cheap tools, but also not the high dollar, highest of quality tools.

Many reviews online give their sanders between 4 to 5 stars and state that they are not overly expensive yet create very smooth surfaces. 

For many, there is disappointment over their customer service, and state that the multiple retail locations create some disorganization and lack of knowledge among those selling the tools.  

Where are Grizzly Woodworking Tools Made?

Grizzly tools are manufactured slightly differently from many other tools in that they pride themselves in having canceled the middle man. Grizzly operates as direct sales from the manufacturer to the consumer. 

Grizzly works with manufacturers in Taiwan to bring the products to the U.S. where they store them in massive warehouses across the nation. This allows for a cheaper purchasing price for the consumer.

Are Grizzly Woodworking Tools Good?

The general perception of Grizzly, similar to Jet tools, is that they are for a hobbyist. Although, for the enthusiast or for someone who is looking to use these tools for industrial/business work, they are not sufficient.

Many reviews cited the fact that it’s difficult to get replacement parts at times, because the warehouse may no longer carry them at the nearest location. 

Overall, the tools are rated high for their ability to get the job done, but no one seemed to be blown-away by the tool’s performance. 

Where are Powermatic Woodworking Tools Made?

Powermatic tools are operated out of Tennessee, and are actually owned by the same company which owns and operates Jet tools. JPW Industries, Inc., owns and operates Powermatic tools and Jet tools out of La Vergne Tennessee, as well as several other tool companies such as Wilton which they acquired back in 2013 from a Swiss company. 

Are Powermatic Woodworking Tools Good?

Overall, reviews for this company are positive. Many stated the customer service was helpful and were able to assist them with replacing some broken parts or with troubling shooting.

Tool quality was perceived as good, with many stating the smaller size tools were a plus when pressed for space without performance being impacted. With that being said, most thought it was primarily for smaller tasks and that it was inadvisable to use their saws for larger projects. 

One specific positive which was mentioned a few times in reviews on forums was that the dust collection method on the saw was very effective and easy to use. 

Where are Delta Woodworking Tools Made?

Delta Tools was founded in Wisconsin in 1919 and started as a small tool company and later expanded to become more industrial. The company has since been relocated to South Carolina after having been acquired by Chang Industries. 

Delta has traded hands a few times over the years, having first been purchased in 1945 by Rockwell Manufacturing, and later by Stanley Black & Decker, until finally being purchased by Chang Industries.

Through these changes, Delta was made in the U.S.A., however, since its production has been relocated to Taiwan with only a select few tools being made in the U.S.A. 

Are Delta Woodworking Tools Good?

Most reviews of Delta Tools indicated trepidation over the most recent transfer, and whether the tools will retain the quality they had when they were made in the U.S.A. Overall, most reviews indicate satisfaction, and that the tools have passed the test, so to say, in holding to their original quality. 

Where are Baileigh Woodworking Tools Made?

Baileigh has its headquarters in Wisconsin and has been added to JPW’s team. Although many of the parts come from overseas, and some newer, lighter tools also come from overseas, most of the older products are made in the U.S.A.

In particular, the older style saws and lathes remain made in America.

Are Baileigh Woodworking Tools Good?

Many reviews online indicated that Baileigh is high quality, although more expensive than their competitors. Most argue that the extra expense is definitely worth it, though, since the machines last long, are easy to assemble, and have very few issues. 

When purchased by JPW, the company was conscientious about retaining its “American-made” quality. From what has been indicated, most customers are highly satisfied by the quality and performance of Baileigh Tools.