Beginners power tool recommendations

[puttsy]

Hey all, after looking at some new toys, err...tools, I decided to lend a little help. I've run across countless topics/threads about people looking for recommendations on "cheap, decent ________". Well, I'm cheap and I like decent tools...well, did. I've started moving up as needs have grown BUT, started with mid-line tools.

This is greatly inspired by Stuey's

Please DO NOT turn this thread into "But the Harbor Freight ____ is cheaper". I don't buy HF tools as an investment, I buy them for one time projects that may require said tool. For anything else, I buy a decent brand.

I've gotten to thinking lately about tools I "take for granted" and tools I use regularly that I (being the son of 2 teachers) have always had access to. (Being teachers is important because they can't afford to hire people to fix things. Learn it on your own or asks friends for help!) Stuey's recent article about 12+ Essential tools for DIYers and homeowners got me thinking about this. There are obvious overlaps but, I'll try to focus on power tools here.

Some (primarily power tools. Thus, some know-how is needed) tools that, for the step-above homeowner/DIY'er that have proven very great for a small expense/initial investment:

The basics:
1. Black and Decker Jigsaw; (The standard. Cheap, effective, and few gimmicks)


Jigsaws are a great introduction to power saws/electric saws. They are effective at cutting wood BUT, forgiving for the less-than-observant/careful Joe that forgets is hand, fingers, legs, whatever, are under the medium being cut.

2. Black and Decker Cordless drill;

A cordless drill is a great tool to have. Maybe start with a corded drill if $ is a HUGE concern. I started with a Craftsman corded drill, got a B&D 18v and now, have a DeWalt Hammer Drill but, that's all come with my growing knowledge and experience and, at a greater cost every step of the way. (DeWalt was ~$200 said and done. B&D was ~$60 on sale. cman was ~$30 many years back. got it for when I was 8 years old)

3. Dremel;

I started out doing computer modification and this is the Dremel I started with. Single speed ***** BUT, when you won't use it A LOT, save the money for elsewhere. A dremel is a very versatile tool and, can come in very handy for those exploring the limits of their handyness.

4. Skil belt sander or pad sander;

I've used my old Skil belt sander countless times for jobs big and small and all in between. I've also used a similar sized sheet/pad sander however, these are hard to come by. Also, the belt will probably slowly inch off the rollers, this is common with belt sanders but, is manageable once you get the hang of "rolling" it back on

5. Cratsman Shop-Vac;

As mentioned by Stuey in the original article, a shop vac is a must for anyone doing any amount of cutting/mess making actions. These are great "beat the **** out of" vacuums that usually come back for more. From the big, yucky puddles that form in the basement to the gunk from the drain. These have you covered.

For a bit more advanced:

6. Skil 7-1/4"Circular saw:


This is for the DIYer taking it to the next step. A Circular saw IS NOT forgiving and will easily take of a careless Joe's fingers, or mangle a hand or thigh. It is however, an invaluable tool for someone constructing something from the ground up, or, for someone looking to get more precise cuts than their jigsaw affords them. Also much cheaper than a miter saw (later in the list) but, for most, just as sufficient.

7. Craftsman Router;

I still use my Craftsman Router whenever I need to...errr, route(?) something. Fixed base router can be a drag but, you can get very professional results relatively easily with this no-frills tool. Add a router table for extra options (Mines basically permanently mounted on a cman router table)
Combo:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00928180000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

8. Skli 10" Compund Miter Box Saw; (laser optional but nice!)

I have only used a Skil chop saw a few times but, they are very solid, stable tools for the money. They are better than the Menards "Tool Shop" or Harbor Freight miter saws (although, are likely mostly the same parts/components) but, are relatively inexpensive. Ryobi has decent offerings as well however, they feel more like the el-cheapo saws than the Skil.

9. 10" Craftsman Table Saw; (pardon the "Evolv")


A 10" table saw makes rips, dado's, and cuts quite well for most any project you want to tackle. This 10" is very similar to by ~1995 cman 10". I think mine was ~$300 with stand, table, and a few blades. I haven't "used" this Evolv, but I did give it a once over in store and it seems fine for the normal operator. Mine DOES feel a bit more stable but again, I do a bit more than the average homeowner may be working with.

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I can ALL BUT guarantee: The tools I am used to using are older than most ANY of these available. Mine are slightly different are all very similar and, the companies haven't changed them drastically. I have used most of the tools listed here in a minor capacity to "try them out" but, my extensive usage was with older iterations.

Also, there are a lot of lists that recommend these tools or similar but don't offer specific brands or tools. This is nearly worthless. I can find circular saws ranging from $40-$400. I don't need that $400 circular saw. Than man building my house? Well, he just might. I'm trying to offer specific recommendations for those in need of general, non-task specific tools that will work for what they will likely encounter.

 

[larry_g]

A list from a true wood butcher. Nothing wrong there but only a couple of those tools near the top of MY list. One of the surprising tools I have is the basic old 4.5" angle grinder. Gets used a lot.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[woody 73]

You can buy the best tool that money can buy, or you can buy the cheapest tool on the planet but:
IF YOU DON'T BY A GOOD SAW BLADE, DRILL BIT SET,JIGSAW BLADES,and ROUTER BITS you will be out of luck! So plan on spending some of your money on good cutting bits to go along with any of your power tools-(Words from a smart old man been there done that).

 

[sberry]

I am going to agree, its often the small stuff that really makes the big stuff work, its not always the most expensive either.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If your just starting out, many of the outlet malls have Stanley/Black Decker stores. Their prices are reasonable, but frequently you can find factory refurb for up to 50% off.

If you are a true "noob", try to find a friend who knows a little, so you don't but junk.

Also shop eBay for factory refurb/last year's model of power tools. Again, you have to know what you want before shopping.

 

[ChrisF250]

I was just wondering what tools these were compared against?

 

[plinker]

+1 on buying the quality bits & blades.

Popular mechanics frequently has comparisons on how say, 12v cordless drill stack up. I would not take it as a serious review, but it is worth reading.


A shop vac is essential to any project for clean-up before/during/after IMO it's a No. 1 item on the list. I like the Ridgid ones myself (Emerson makes them, some C-man ones as well).

In my experiance you can do alot with a miter saw and table saw.
For handheld use, A good circular saw, jig saw, cordless drill, 5" random orbit sander, recip. saw (to a lesser extent, depends on what your doing. Demo work is ideal use for one)

A belt sander is nice to have but not really essential, IMO. I have a router but have not used it enough to comment on it. My experiance has been with construction and simple furniture.

I dont know that a dremel is a must have, but I wouldnt do without one, way to useful for many things, especially detail work.

For metal working a 4.5" angle grinder is a must have. preferably more then one, each with a different wheel.


My take on power tools is they are all (especially cordless) semi disposeable anymore, they dont last like they used to because they arent made as well.
Some brands are better then others, but with the advent of the box stores the pro grade and homeowner grade are getting mixed together to where they all preform near same (depending on price point). Some are still just junk though. Just my opinion.

 

[DHCrocks]

just a couple of comments.

for a jig saw, spend a little more and get a good one like a Bosch. The cheap ones will not serve you well as they do not cut straight and tend to wander. you will hate using it but get a good one and it will be very rewarding.

as others have said blades and bits are very important, it will make a bad tool better. but a bad blade on a good tool will make it piss poor.

if you're on a tight budget just get a random orbit sander instead of a pad sander and belt sander. it's a great tool and more versitile then the others.

also, if you're on a tight budget a clamp on guide (around $50) and the circular saw will do just about anything the table saw can do except dado for a whole lot less money.

 

[kythri]

Please DO NOT turn this thread into "But the Harbor Freight ____ is cheaper". I don't buy HF tools as an investment, I buy them for one time projects that may require said tool. For anything else, I buy a decent brand.

Realize that I'm not even advocating HF here, but, you do realize that you're effectively saying "don't buy HF, it *****, especially compared to this tool here that I'm recommending but haven't actually used!", don't you?

It's odd that you would completely dismiss one item based on brand, but then advocate the purchase of another that you have no direct experience with, based solely on the brand or the fact that you looked at it in the store.

I appreciate the concept of what you're trying to do, but I think your recommendations need to be based on actual experience, not marketing or observation of a display model - otherwise, this list has as much value as the generic list you claim is worthless.

Edit: Or, barring hands-on experience with the actual recommendations, providing some context as to why these specific makes/models are being recommended over the dismissed options.

 

[puttsy]

You can buy the best tool that money can buy, or you can buy the cheapest tool on the planet but:
IF YOU DON'T BY A GOOD SAW BLADE, DRILL BIT SET,JIGSAW BLADES,and ROUTER BITS you will be out of luck! So plan on spending some of your money on good cutting bits to go along with any of your power tools-(Words from a smart old man been there done that).

VERY true. Thank you so VERY much. Great thing is, most decent tools accept most all offerings of bits/blades and quality, some lesser known brands may have proprietary fittings (Had a Ryobi Scroll Saw like that...ick. Ended up putting a lot of work in to make it use regular blades. Pretty sure most companies have (or had) their own systems for "quick-release" blades making ti a pain for some)

"..."

Take it how you want. I've looked over the Pass/Fail threads and used enough Harbor Freight tools to discount them as a viable option. I can't say there aren't gems in there, it's not just worth it to ME to try and find them. Also, this is based solely on brand. Every company (for the most part) changes the aesthetics of their products annually but usually leave the internals alone. Any that seem vastly different, I omitted.

And as to the "wood butcher" comment:

Unless I'm misunderstanding a compliment(?)

"A poor carpenter blames his tools." ~ancient proverb

Yes, I prefer to use a DeWalt 12" Sliding Compund Miter box saw. They are great BUT, with proper use and practice, that 10" Skil will works quite well for most encounters.

I also prefer my 12" Craftsman Table Saw, but again, my cheaper 10" is quite capable for most projects.

If it was meant as a compliment, my apologies if this seems snark. I take that I can use these mid-range tools and yield professional results as a testament to my ability to conquer tasks that many say is not possible at my budget/skill level. I'm no professional carpenter but, have worked along side them and held my own when necessary, or learned from them and apply said technique in a later, similar situation.

I have had hands on experience with nearly all of these tools in productive capacity (minus the tablesaw) however, because I have perfectly suitable older version that I already own, I only have used most of these while with other guys who are just getting started.

I was just wondering what tools these were compared against?

These are compared to other tools at similar price points. Generally available at Walmart. I have spent countless hours working with guys who ran down to Walmart, picked up the cheapest tool, and expected me to make magic. Most of these tools are available at Walmart but, it's to help weed through the mess. The "cheapest" tools can be BAD but, for a standard homeowner, they also don't need the $100 circular saw sitting on display either. It's actually, not all that different than the one listed. (Probably nearly identical components inside...then again, most of the components are the same as the ones in HF tools, they just passed another level of inspection...)

To those mentioning an angle grinder:
I want to second that, I REALLY do but, I don't run into a HUGE need for an angle grinder in what I am doing. Yeah, I use one to sharpen mower blades and other things here and there but, I don't *think* I would be dead in the water without mine....I do use a bench grinder for a lot of my grinding needs so that could be the reason--Again, sharpening blades...that's about where my metalwork/grinding needs stop. It is a skill(?) I plan on learning at some point though, sometime...I'll add a grinder to the list though. Any recommendations at the $40ish PP? I had a BD 4.5" and would NOT recommend it...hence it didn't make the first cut on the list. Same with the HF one (Killed 2 friends while simply sharpening mower blades!I don't like my palms getting burned by a malfunctioning grinder)

 

[kythri]

Every company (for the most part) changes the aesthetics of their products annually but usually leave the internals alone.

I'd say this is pretty far from the truth (as evidenced by a large number of posts on this very forum), but, to each their own. Brand really doesn't mean much anymore, sadly.

I'll bow out now, because I have nothing more constructive to say.

 

[iroc409]

for a jig saw, spend a little more and get a good one like a Bosch. The cheap ones will not serve you well as they do not cut straight and tend to wander. you will hate using it but get a good one and it will be very rewarding.

I have a nice Bosch jigsaw, and I loooooove it. Used it over my Skil circular saw a ton until I got a nicer circular saw. It would chew through construction lumber way faster than my Skil.

Bosch seems to make about the best jigsaw blades, too (at least the t-shank versions).

I also have a Bosch recip saw, and it's been great as well--though I've only used it on one project so far. Got it on close out at Menard's while visiting my parents, it's a higher end model and runs great.

 

[5lima30]

You can buy the best tool that money can buy, or you can buy the cheapest tool on the planet but:
IF YOU DON'T BY A GOOD SAW BLADE, DRILL BIT SET,JIGSAW BLADES,and ROUTER BITS you will be out of luck! So plan on spending some of your money on good cutting bits to go along with any of your power tools-(Words from a smart old man been there done that).

+1 good advice!

 

[ChrisF250]

These are compared to other tools at similar price points. Generally available at Walmart. I have spent countless hours working with guys who ran down to Walmart, picked up the cheapest tool, and expected me to make magic. Most of these tools are available at Walmart but, it's to help weed through the mess. The "cheapest" tools can be BAD but, for a standard homeowner, they also don't need the $100 circular saw sitting on display either. It's actually, not all that different than the one listed. (Probably nearly identical components inside...then again, most of the components are the same as the ones in HF tools, they just passed another level of inspection...)

I dont think the power tool selection at Walmart provides a big enough sample of tools. If your going to say these are the best tools for, Harry the Homeowner,you need to look at stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and yes even HF. They all have different "budget" options. Skil, Craftsman and B&D aren't the only cheap power tool companies. What about Porter cable and Ryobi. For the cordless tools how about 12v instead of 18v.

I have a nice Bosch jigsaw, and I loooooove it. Used it over my Skil circular saw a ton until I got a nicer circular saw. It would chew through construction lumber way faster than my Skil.

I find this hard to believe.

 

[iroc409]

I find this hard to believe.

I don't blame you. I bought a used one off Craig's List, just like my dad's old Skil Saw.

Got tired of it trying to go half-way through a wet 2x4. Probably needs a new blade, but wasn't in terrible shape.

Got out the jigsaw, burned right through them. Built a ton of shelves and tables with my jigsaw out of construction grade stuff. Mine has a feature that will "row" the jigsaw blade if you want, combined with an aggressive blade it cuts FAST. It's probably just as fast as my new Makita circular saw (sidewinder) with a Freud blade.

But, I use the Makita a lot now.

ETA: If you haven't used Bosch jigsaw blades, they are sharp. They also aren't that stamped steel type of many of them out there, they look like serious saw blades. They are thick metal with actual saw teeth cut into them. My jigsaw cost me more than the circular saw.

 

[puttsy]

A couple people have mentioned Bosch jigsaws. They may very well be better for the budget than the BD BUT, I have not used one so I cannot personally recommend them. However, If I needed a new one, I'd probably get one if you'all are saying they are good---especially if someone's grabbing one over a circular saw!

@ChrisF250: Yes, Walmart tool selection is very very limited BUT, it's the only place in the surrounding towns that sell moderately priced tools. I HIGHLY recommend looking at those Big Box DIY'tailers. But, if you're stuck with Walmart in the area, there are some decent tools. Take note I say decent[/I/ The only tool I've purchased at wally-world is my dremel (I was in a pinch).

Again, USE QUALITY BLADES/EXPENDABLES This is VERY important. I don't use, for the most part, the same brand blades as the tools. I have gotten cheap(ish) tools for the most part but, nice blades can make them much, much better.

@kythri
I agree, Brand doesn't mean much these days. Sadly. (Just look at some stuff Craftsman is putting out!) Many companies are using the same components as everyone else. In my budget, that's most of them.

Also, keep an eye out on refurb tools. You can get some AMAZING deals on practically new tools. A LOT of outlet shops that sell refurb tools are selling tools that had a damaged box, were over stocked, or got shipped back once the "season" (of that particular colour) is over. DO make sure to take a look at the tool before leaving the area though, some say refurb is a gamble and, to an extent, I agree.

And I am aware Harbor Freight has some decent tools, I just haven't found them. Maybe I'm just unlucky but, the Pass/Fail thread echoes with my experiences for the most part.

 

[Monte]

If you buy a jig saw look for a round lifting rod (where the jig saw blade is attached) for precise cutting (flat + square lift rods have side play)