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Power Tool Buyers Guide
Saws
Power saws are available in a variety of styles, but two criteria apply to
all. The higher the voltage or amperage of a power saw, the more powerful it
will be. Also the greater a saw blade's "teeth per inch" (TPI), the finer the
blade's cut. There are eight main types of saws, designed for both large and
small jobs
- Band saws: Choose a band saw when you need to cut large pieces of
wood stock. When equipped with a thin blade, a band saw also is useful for decorative
work.
- Circular saws: Circular saws are handheld rotary saws, featuring circular
blades. The larger the diameter of their blade, the deeper their cut. They also
can be fitted with different blades for different materials.
- Jigsaws: Jigsaws are small, portable, and versatile. With different
blades, jigsaws can cut a range of materials from soft wood to light metal.
- Miter saws: Miter saws are circular saws with a stationary attached
base. They are used primarily to cut wood to exact angles and lengths
- Reciprocating saws: Handheld reciprocating saws feature thin, straight
blades that simulate the back and forth motion of a handsaw for fast, convenient
cuts. They're an excellent choice for cutting pipes.
- Scroll saws: Scroll saws are used for highly detailed work. The thin
blade allows intricate cuts on small projects.
- Table saws: Table saws are stationary units with rotary blades that
cut long, straight lines accurately. They�re a fixture in professional woodworking
shops.
Drills
Power drills are the most common power tool. With the appropriate adapters,
they drive screws, fasten bolts, and drill holes in a variety of materials,
from wood to masonry. For ease of use, they're available as stationary drill
presses, corded drills, or cordless drills, as well as three grip configurations:
pistol, T-handle, and right angle.
- Pistol grip drills: Pistol grip drills are shaped like a pistol with
the handle at the back of the drill.
- T-handle drills: T-handle drills, the most popular variety, are shaped
like a T with the handle situated in the middle of the drill for improved balance
- Right angle drills: Right angle drills have no barrel. The drill's
bit simply extends at a right angle directly out of the drill's handle and chuck.
Hammer drills add a pounding action to the drilling, which makes a hammer
drill more effective for drilling in masonry.
Rotary hammers are typically more powerful and take specially designed
bits or chisels.
Voltage plays an important role in the selection of cordless power drills,
as drill voltage roughly equates to drill power and weight. Select a drill that
meets your needs but also is comfortable to use. If you work with a variety
of materials with different densities, consider a variable-speed drill for increased
power and accuracy.
13.2V and lower cordless drills: 13.2V or lower cordless drills are lightweight
and ideal for occasional maintenance jobs around the home
18V cordless drills: 18V cordless drills are the most common size and suitable
for most home projects.
24V cordless drills: 24V cordless drills and 24V cordless hammer drills may
be needed in situations that require much higher torque or heavy-duty masonry
work
Routers
A router is a versatile woodworking tool used for evenly grooving out areas
in a piece of wood for joints and decorative finishing. All power routers feature
a drive shaft and steel or carbide-topped router bit.
Fixed-base routers: Fixed-base routers have a drive shaft that is fixed
in place, making them less versatile but also more intuitive to use.
Plunge routers: Plunge routers feature a spring-mounted drive shaft and
retractable cutting edge. As a result, they don't have to be lifted in between
cuts. Plunge routers are more top heavy and cumbersome to use than fixed-base
routers.
Horsepower and bit-shank diameter are important criteria when selecting a power
router. Horsepower measures the power of the router�s motor. Routers with more
horsepower can perform more heavy-duty cutting. Those with larger bit shanks
can hold larger blades. For large joinery cuts, buy a router with a large bit-shank
diameter.
Sanders and Grinders
Sanders and grinders look and function similarly, but can have very different
applications.Choose sanders Sanders are used primarily to remove wood stock
or apply a smooth finish to a project.
Belt sanders: Belt sanders are useful for removing large quantities
of wood stock quickly. They are generally used for rough sanding before fine
finishing with a smaller sander.
Palm sanders: Palm sanders are ultra-portable and useful for finishing
small projects.
Orbit sanders: Orbit sanders are usually more heavy-duty than palm sanders
and appropriate for larger projects.
Explore grinders
Grinders can grind, cut, finish, or shape many different materials.
Die grinders: Die grinders use a long spindle to reach the inside of
cylinders or ports.
Bench grinders: Bench grinders are useful for sharpening tools, removing
rust from smaller objects, and shaping handheld items.
Angle or straight grinders: Angle or straight grinders are great for
projects that are too big to move to a bench. They have the grinding surface
situated at a 90-degree angle to the motor. Both bench and angle grinders accommodate
a wide variety of discs, and grind various materials.
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