If you are interested in becoming a do-it-yourselfer in your spare time, it is important that you have the right tools in your workshop. Here is a list of basic power tools and their uses for your guidance.
Having these tools allows you to tackle virtually any home improvement project you can think of. You can not only exercise your creativity but also save money in the long run.
Circular Saw
This portable power tool is also known as a “skilsaw” and has a variety of uses. You can use the saw to cut materials ranging from soft- and hardwood to ceramics, metals, and even brick.
When you combine the circular saw with a clamp-on straight edge, it can even be a substitute for a table saw. This adds to its versatility as you can perform tasks such as cutting medium-density fiberboard and other sheet goods.
Choose a circular saw that has more horsepower than comparable models. In addition, it should be easy to adjust the bevel and depth of the cut as well as tightening the saw so it can hold the angle or depth.
Compound Miter Saw
This power tool is used to make crosscuts, such as beveled and angled cuts, on wood. The blade of the saw can be aligned to the right angle using the bevel and miter gauges.
When choosing a miter saw, choose one with a bevel that can move in either direction. This feature allows you to cut two precise angles at the same time.
The miter gauge should also have a clearly marked gauge with stops ranging from 0 to 45-degrees. The saw should also lock to any specific miter angle required for custom angle cuts.
Cordless Drill
What makes these drills so popular, compared with the regular power drill, is their portability. Since they are powered by rechargeable batteries, you can work anywhere without being encumbered by a power cord.
Cordless drills are also powerful enough that they can handle most tasks that used to be handled by power drills. These days, you would only use corded drills for tasks that need sustained power to complete.
The most important feature to consider is the motor. It should have high- and low speeds and be reversible so you can take out any screws that have been drilled in.
Of course, you should also look at the battery. Choosing a drill with a more powerful battery gives you the versatility to drill with additional torque for tougher jobs such as driving screws into harder woods.
Table Saw
This is one of the most important tools you can add to your home workshop. With a good table saw, you can complete virtually any woodworking project.
There are two important features a table saw should have – a stable work surface and a powerful motor. In addition, there should be handles for moving the saw up and down and for adjusting the blade angle.
Since working with a table saw can be risky, there should also be safety features. The off/on switch should be easily accessible and there should be a blade guard to protect the woodworker.
Jigsaw
Also known as a Sabre, this power tool allows you to make curved cuts on plywood and other relatively thin woods. It is also highly maneuverable, so you can make precise holes for everything from sink fixtures to electrical outlets.
One important feature your jigsaw should have is orbital action. This means that the saw will not only move the blade up and down let you adjust the angle to cut different materials.
To add versatility to your jigsaw, also choose one that runs on variable speeds. This lets you speed it up to cut metal and slow it down to make more precise cuts.
Random Orbital Sander
This tool is used to smooth out wood, with the round sanding head vibrating or spinning in small circles at up to 25,000 rpm. This movement eliminates the swirling marks on the wood left by other types of sanders.
Since sanding results in a lot of sawdust and other debris being generated, the sander should have a dust collection bag. You should also be able to connect it to a portable vacuum to keep the work area clean.
In addition, the sander should have a sealed switch. This will prevent dust from getting in and affecting the functioning of the sander.
Router
This power tool is used to make decorative cuts such as grooves as well as shaping edges and hollowing wood. It has a high-speed cutting bit mounted on a base.
Since you will need to use different bits for various jobs, your router should allow bits to be changed easily. It should also have variable speeds to accommodate different bit sizes.
In addition, the router should be at least two horsepower and have a soft start mechanism. The soft start feature would allow you to better control it when it is operating at high speeds.
Conclusion
We hoped that you enjoyed this list of power tools and their uses since we also enjoyed putting it together and sharing our expertise. Please share your thoughts about the article in the comments and share it with your friends.