The Basics: Power Tools

Many household projects can be wrapped up using basic hand tools. But if you are like most DIYers, a few power tools can cut the time that it takes to make those weekend projects a breeze--or at least go faster than the otherwise would.

For many, a power drill is the first power tool to come out of the tool chest. A power saw--either a circular saw or a jigsaw, or both--can save an enormous amount of cutting time. Routers and sanders also help keep your projects manageable.

The two most popular sizes for power drill are 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch. The 1/4-inch is less expensive, but is can only handle a limited range of drilling, and it is the wrong tool for most heavy-duty jobs. A 3/8-inch drill can fulfill most any duty that a homeowner throws at it. Many are variable-speed drills, with a reverse feature that is good at removing screws in a hurry. Many attachments are readily available, including sanders, wire brushes, paint mixers, buffers and even a circular saw attachment.

Cordless drills are increasing in popularity and are now offered in 9.6-, 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt models. Cordless circular and reciprocating saws are also available in 14.4- and 18-volt versions. Many units are offered in kit form, which typically contain a drill (and a saw), two batteries, a charger and a carrying case. While cordless tools are quite capable, their price tag is commonly two or three times as much as a similar corded unit.

The two basic designs of circular saws are the traditional in-line saws or worm-drive saws. For in-line saws, the motor housing sits perpendicular to the blade, and a shaft runs directly from the motor to drive the blade. In-line saws are well suited to most circular saw applications and are the most common. Worm-drive saws, however, have their motor housings positioned parallel with the saw blade. The motor uses gears to increase the torque transferred to the blade, which makes the saw well suited for heavy-duty use.

A portable jigsaw is a multipurpose tool that can do the job of many others, replacing a scroll saw, bandsaw and circular saw. Although it doesn't do these jobs as well as the larger tools, it's lighter and handier, and its versatility makes the jigsaw one of the building blocks of a basic workshop. Jigsaws also play a vital role in a fully equipped workshop, because they can square off the ends of cuts that a circular or table saw leaves rounded.

A router is a handy power tool for a variety of home improvement projects and a wide selection of units is available. Generally speaking, there are three basic types: two-handed routers, plunge routers and one-handed or barrel routers. The basic two-handed router can be used for all routing tasks and is usually the lowest priced router on the market. Two handed routers will have a horsepower rating of from 7/8hp to 3-1/4 hp. Plunge routers have more advanced features and are more versatile for all types of wood working. Horsepower ratings for plunge routers are from 1-1/2 hp to 3-1/4 hp. One handed or barrel routers are primarily designed for trimming laminate material and have a power rating in amps (from 3.8 amps to 5.6 amps) rather than horsepower. A router table will greatly increase the capabilities of both two handed and plunge routers. All manufacturers offer a good selection of routers for both do-it-yourself projects and commercial applications.

Several companies now offer palm-sized finish sanders and these are a good sanding tool for both homeowners and professionals. The Mouse Sander (Black & Decker), for example, has a number of attachments that are used for polishing and scrubbing. The Profile Sander (Porter-Cable) is a handy detail sander with a variety of special heads for sanding irregular shapes. This is an ideal sander for furniture and molding refinishing. A belt sander is also a handy tool for larger sanding and shaping projects.

How to Shop

The No. 1 rule when buying power tools is not to skimp on cheap tools. Well-built tools are safer and easier to use, and they will last longer than cheap tools. Yes, you'll pay more at the register, but in the long run the quality tools will save you money. The best value in tools is usually a good, quality product that you can find on sale for a small discount.

When buying a power saw, consider the materials you're cutting and the space you're working in. The larger the blade of the saw, the deeper the cut will be. The most common blade diameter is 7-1/4". When working in areas where extension cords are difficult to use, cordless circular saws are your best bet. As they're often smaller than most corded saws, they work well in confined spaces.

Cordless saws are best suited to cutting wood and wood products, due to the limitations of their batteries, but they can cut tough materials with the risk of draining batteries quickly. Corded circular caws don't depend on batteries for power and are better suited for tough cutting jobs like masonry, steel and continuous woodcutting. Electric brakes reverse the flow of electricity in the saw motor when the trigger is released, quickly stopping the blade. Shaft locks immobilize the shaft and blade, making it much easier to change the blade. Steel blades are inexpensive and work well for cutting softwood; however, they dull quickly in hardwood. High-speed steel blades are harder than steel blades and stay sharper longer. Carbide blades have carbide tips attached to their teeth. They are more expensive than other blades, but they stay sharp much longer than steel or high-speed steel. Tile-cutting blades are specially designed for cutting ceramic tile. Better tile-cutting blades have diamond-tipped blades, and masonry blades are made of abrasive material for cutting concrete, brick, cinder block and other masonry materials.