You need the speed and power of power tools
to get anything done nowadays. Before you get started on any of those
big projects you have lying around, make sure you have the right tools
for the job. These are considered the essential tools by power tool
experts:
Bandsaw
Bandsaws are the old standard power tool. It's a toothed blade that runs on a band, and is good for both metal and woodworking. This is the tool that you used in shop class, and it's one of the most essential power tools. Almost every workshop has a bandsaw as its centerpiece.
Bandsaws come in all shapes and sizes, from floor standing cabinet models to hand-held cordless ones. Which is best for you depends on how big a job you are doing. Most folks working in the home prefer a smaller model that will get small jobs done as well as any bigger model. While we're talking saws, it never hurts to have a table saw, circular saw and jigsaw to work with too. Don't get too saw crazy, but make sure you have enough different sizes to choose from.
Router
A good router can mean the difference between an amateur work of garage construction, and one that is professionally done. It is used to cut grooves, hollow out wood, or make decorative touches. There are plunger and fixed routers. Both are used to achieve the same goal, but plunger routers are generally better for jobs where you are cutting in the middle of the wood. Fixed routers are better for edge work. It's not a bad idea to have both.
Small Angle Grinder
When you've got those chunks of wood hanging off here and there, what you need is a small angle grinder. This is a tool designed to shave off all the extra trim that you don't need. Nowadays, angle grinders with engines, changeable blades and geared heads make the work a lot easier. Angle grinders aren't just for wood working. You can use them with metal and almost any other construction material. You can them with varying motor powers, RPM's and disc sizes.
Power Hand Plane
Even though your grinders, routers and so forth will take care of bending your wood just the way you want it, you'll still want a good old fashioned plane. It's still the most effective tool for shaving off edges and other tiny details of your work. A plane will help you make cuts of wood at exact depths. It is perfect for a variety of detailed cuts. The power hand plane is one step up from the old hand planes your grand-dad used. These get the job done much faster and with less work.
Orbital Palm Sander
The orbital palm sander is a helpful tool for doing fine tuning. You can use it for small pieces, or things you want to have done with perfect detail. This power tool cuts your time down dramatically. One more thing... you need those tools. Be careful who you lend them to! These essential power tools can disappear in a jiffy if you lend them to the wrong person. Don't trust anyone! (Okay, the next door neighbor is probably alright).
Bandsaw
Bandsaws are the old standard power tool. It's a toothed blade that runs on a band, and is good for both metal and woodworking. This is the tool that you used in shop class, and it's one of the most essential power tools. Almost every workshop has a bandsaw as its centerpiece.
Bandsaws come in all shapes and sizes, from floor standing cabinet models to hand-held cordless ones. Which is best for you depends on how big a job you are doing. Most folks working in the home prefer a smaller model that will get small jobs done as well as any bigger model. While we're talking saws, it never hurts to have a table saw, circular saw and jigsaw to work with too. Don't get too saw crazy, but make sure you have enough different sizes to choose from.
Router
A good router can mean the difference between an amateur work of garage construction, and one that is professionally done. It is used to cut grooves, hollow out wood, or make decorative touches. There are plunger and fixed routers. Both are used to achieve the same goal, but plunger routers are generally better for jobs where you are cutting in the middle of the wood. Fixed routers are better for edge work. It's not a bad idea to have both.
Small Angle Grinder
When you've got those chunks of wood hanging off here and there, what you need is a small angle grinder. This is a tool designed to shave off all the extra trim that you don't need. Nowadays, angle grinders with engines, changeable blades and geared heads make the work a lot easier. Angle grinders aren't just for wood working. You can use them with metal and almost any other construction material. You can them with varying motor powers, RPM's and disc sizes.
Power Hand Plane
Even though your grinders, routers and so forth will take care of bending your wood just the way you want it, you'll still want a good old fashioned plane. It's still the most effective tool for shaving off edges and other tiny details of your work. A plane will help you make cuts of wood at exact depths. It is perfect for a variety of detailed cuts. The power hand plane is one step up from the old hand planes your grand-dad used. These get the job done much faster and with less work.
Orbital Palm Sander
The orbital palm sander is a helpful tool for doing fine tuning. You can use it for small pieces, or things you want to have done with perfect detail. This power tool cuts your time down dramatically. One more thing... you need those tools. Be careful who you lend them to! These essential power tools can disappear in a jiffy if you lend them to the wrong person. Don't trust anyone! (Okay, the next door neighbor is probably alright).
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