ORIGINAL: Tony Hallo
There is no single best tool in the shop, it all depends what job you want to accomplish, you can built good with hand tools, you can build better with CNC equipment if you can afford to do so. Just keep mind it's all about fun.
I didn't realize that there was such a division between the hand tool users and the electric tool users!
I can't cut a perfect 35 degree angle with hand tools but I can get real close using a tool designed to cut angles! My razor saw miter box only has 90 and 45 slots in it. Maybe I need a new miter box.
Oh, I also have an ancient Craftsman scroll saw that was my dad's. That is great for free hand funky stuff. Much easier than a sharp xacto knife on 3/16" balsa.
I use the standard hand tools as well but I like to use the right tool for the job. My hands don't cut straight lines or perfect circles either.
Another hobby of mine is fabricating turbo systems for Mustangs. I can weld but I'm a much better grinder than I am a welder! Same goes for this hobby with lightweight sticks and stuff. I need all the help I can get!