Power Tools Guide
Power tools are tricky equipments, not only while using but also while shopping. The two golden rules for starters are:
Buy one power tool at a time. You can even go for good used equipment.
Buy the best you can afford. Power tools get better with the figure on the price tag.
This guide tells you more about the basic power tools:
Table Saw: This is the most important power tool in your bag. The table saw can make rip cuts along the length and crosscuts across the width of a board. The three models of this power tool are: benchtop (which sits on the bench), contractor (which sits on the leg stand), and cabinet (which stands on an enclosed base). The benchtop model is obsolete and risky. Get a contractor (£175 to £500) if you cannot afford a cabinet (£1000 to £1800).
Jointer: A jointer is the power tool that removes the warp that develops in a board during the milling and drying processes. It is available in two varieties: benchtop and floor. Since a jointer determines the width of the board you can deal with at one time, get the widest your budget allows. Expect to pay £250 to £400 for a 6-inch floor model while an 8-inch one would come for £400 to £750.
Drill: This is the most frequently used among all power tools. The primary uses are drilling holes and driving screws, and the uses are not confined to woodworking. For beginners, a corded drill is the best bet since it provides more power and torque, and comes for just £10 to £50. A battery operated one costs in the range of £40 to £100.
Planer: This power tool flattens the opposite face from the face first jointed, which makes the two faces of the board parallel to each other. It comes in two versions: benchtop (£150 to £275) and floor (£500 to £800).
Tip: Buy the best power tool you can afford, and shop for one at a time!
|