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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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