So you need a drill, jigsaw or sander, but you've only bought hand tools and you typically avoid the power tools aisle. Well, you're probably thinking: Where do I start? Doug Mahoney of the great blog Toolsnob helped us compile a quick and easy guide to help anyone buying power tools.
The most important consideration is value -- a personal equation involving cost, durability and lifestyle. A Bosch battery drill might cost $200, and it's going to withstand the beating of daily labor. But a Black & Decker might cost a quarter of that and as long as you're not planning on dropping it from a 20' extension ladder, it might be the right choice for you. I don't buy into the idea that the most expensive tools are the best because it depends on what you're using it for and how often you use it.
Take into account these other issues before your power tool purchase.
Ergonomics
This one is really important to me. If you're going to be doing a lot of work with a tool, it's got to be easy on your hands. This ties into safety as well. An awkward tool is a dangerous one.
Cost
Like I said above, high price or low price doesn't really matter as much as what I'll be asking the tool to do. It's a trade-off. The most durable, precise tools tend to be the most expensive.
Check out this video of Master Carpenter Norm Abram being interviewed at last years AWFS show by Popular Woodworking magazine. Great insights into his favorite tools and techniques.
Tools Norm Abram Value's the Most
Table saw - because it touches each project
Joiner - straighten rough lumber
Surface Planer - required to keep everything level and square
It's an awesome little drill and perfect for around the home. Wired recently did a round-up of mini-drills and included the slightly bigger brother of our Bosch, the Bosch PS30-2A. They declared it their winner and if it shares the same attributes (which it looks like it does) with the PS20 then we couldn't agree more.
We'd also love to get our hands on the Ridgid R92008. With 240 lbs. of torque this driver is definitely a cross-over to entry-level drills.
You've still got time to make your Dad happy and enter our Father's Day giveaway for a chance to win a 4-piece Combo 18V Cordless Powertool Set from SKIL.
Our friends at One Project Closer have saved us from cracking open the box by doing a great review of the 18V cordless drill driver. The biggest assets? Lightweight and powerful! What more do you want from a powertool!
You'll never guess what he's making until the final reveal. We're curious as to what other ways he's put his bandsaw skills to use. Apparently he sells a kit that includes urethane tires and an Olsen blade which really makes your bandsaw hum.
This Father's day we've teamed up with SKIL, Home Depot, and Energizer to offer 3 lucky winners a chance to win one of these prizes and bring a smile to your Dad on his day.
In most situations a hole in the head isn't a good thing but in this case it was the only option to save a boys life. He had fallen while riding his bike and was immediately brought to the hospital where doctors diagnosed he had bleeding on his brain which needed to be relieved immediately.
They were not equipped with neurological drills but the doctor acquired a simple hand-held drill from the hospital maintenance room and with the help of a specialist over the phone he proceeded to drill into the boys skull to relieve the pressure.
As we fire up our spring projects it's clear that we need to wipe the dust off some of our power tools and give them a once over to make sure they are in good operating condition which means they are safe to use and effective.
Toolsnob brings us this miniature version of the circular saw from Craftsman. It's available from Sears and boasts a 3-inch saw rated at 2800 rpm. It can be used in 3 positions and goes for $100.
