A variety of woodworking machinery and tools is needed for both home and professional workshops. Several companies make quality woodworking machinery, including Craftsman, Rockwell, Rigid and Milwaukee.

Craftsman tools and machinery are sold in Sears stores through the country as well as on Sears' website. Craftsman has maintained a good reputation among experienced professionals and those new to woodworking. The company stands behind their tools, which come with a lifetime warranty. If a tool is defective, simply return it to a Sears store for replacement. Table saws and miter saws are two of the quality tools made by Craftsman. The table saws come in ten and twelve inch models and most have three horsepower motors. The company's portable models are convenient for carrying to a job site and can be stored in a shed or closet when not in use. Craftsman also makes great sliding compound miter saws in both ten and twelve inch sizes. These miter saws have LaserTrac, a great feature which creates a laser line for increased accuracy when cutting. The blade's dual bevel style allows the saws to tilt to either side for easier operation and beveled edges.

Rockwell is another popular company. Rockwell tools are not only superior quality but also come with a good warranty. Rockwell makes a wide variety of tools that, with regular maintenance and good cleaning, can last for many years. Rockwell saws are available in nine through twelve inch models. They are made from a strong cast iron and are very durable. Older, vintage Rockwell saws are often found to still be in good condition.

Rigid offers a complete line of power tools to make any home workshop complete. Its contractor style table saws are made with cast iron and included such features as extension rails and micro-adjusted fence dials. Other tools in Rigid's line of power tools include miter saws, lathes and drill press equipment all of which are also quality tools. In addition, Rigid is always trying to upgrade its tools to a greater quality and convenience. New features are being added to many of its woodworking tools as the new technology is developed. For example, one feature is an exact line laser on its miter saws to further improve accuracy in cutting.

Finally, Milwaukee tools are another great selection of tools for any workshop. Milwaukee routers come with either two or three horsepower motors and the motor contamination shield protects it from damage caused by debris. Other features available include variable speeds, twin handles, a 36 position dial and depth adjustment.

Many people love woodworking for its ability to help them relax. When beginning, you'll need an array of woodworking tools. However you won't need to spend an arm and a leg to get going. One great way to save is to buy used tools, and then shopping around for deals on tools that will help you start your collection little by little, project by project.

One tool that you'll love having is a quality chisel set. You'll put them to great use. An affordable type is the Rockler chisel. Go ahead and get a few different sizes that you'll need, basically from about ½ inch to 2 inches wide. When you use the chisel you can either use your hand or a wood mallet.

In order keep things sturdy and in place while you glue them together for instance are wood clamps. These will be one of your most useful tools in your collection. The great thing is that they're not that expensive at all, and many times you find them in good condition when you buy them used. As you see them offered cheap, pick them up, you'll thank yourself for it.

Squares are vital for accurate measuring. You'll need a carpenter square or a framing square. A try square is usually used when making furniture. They come in various sizes from 3 to 12 inches. Find squares that are marked in inches and metric. A combination square has two pieces: a head and a steel blade. It's a great tool for measuring forty-five or ninety degree angles.

Next you'll need drills. They come both corded and cordless. Corded drills work better and are less expensive. You'll want to look for drills that include reverse, variable speed controls and attachments for a drill press as added features. If you'd rather have a cordless drill for the freedom to roam, look for high voltage batteries to be sure it will have sufficient power. Find a model with two batteries, therefore one can be charging while you're working with the other. You'll need a variety of bits for your woodworking projects.

Hand planes are constructed of wood or steel and are used for a variety of purposes. You'll use the jackplane for rough shaping. These come in 12 to 15 inch sizes. For trimming you'll need a block plane. Use Smoothing planes for finer cuts - these are about 8 or 9 inches long.

One thought you'd want to consider is that you shouldn't just rush out and buy the cheapest tools that are out there. Be patient and wait for higher quality tools to be discounted. You'll thank yourself down the road when you're grandchildren are using the same tools that you used to create their woodworking masterpieces.

A quality set will still be around for years, unlike cheap tools, which you'll have to replace many times over the same time period.

The Internet is a great place to look for discounts on woodworking tools. As with anything buying the better known brand names that have a good warranty, which with tools can be rather outstanding. You may never have to purchase the same tool ever again through your lifetime if you're smart about your purchase.

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Marquette Student Recovering after Reported Knife Attack
A Marquette University student is recovering Monday morning after being attacked on campus by another student. Someone says another student attacked the sophomore with a knife, but that's something Milwaukee Police have not confirmed.

Cordless Drills: Picking Up a Right Tool

Cordless drills essential tools in woodwork tasks. It comes in different sizes and styles, and offers innovative features.

Cordless drills are electric drills using rechargeable batteries. They are commonly used in carpentry, construction and metalworks.

A cordless drill is a portable machine for hand-held drilling tasks. It comes in various sizes and types, each with varying features. Here are some features to consider:

The Weight of the Drill
Take into consideration the weight. Drills with lower battery voltage are usually smaller and lighter. Heavier drills though have higher-voltage batteries.

Batteries
Cordless drills are available in 9.6 to 24 volts. The capacity of the drill depends on the battery voltage. Not all 12-volt batteries are the same. A battery with a higher mAh (milliamp-hours) can hold a drill for long periods. On the other hand, battery types like Lithium-ion and nickel-metal-hydride help add more power and running time. These drills are relatively lighter and don't contain toxic cadmium.

Check the prices also. Most modern batteries sell for more than $200 or more. NiCd cells are priced lower costing as little as $25. The Li-Ion and NIMH cells cost more than $90.

Cordless drill batteries last 2 to 4 years on the average. It is recommended to use rechargeable batteries. It will be more economical in the long run.

The Brand
Generally, branded drills are more efficient and reliable in performance although more costly. There's Black & Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi and Skil to name a few. Bosch, Hitachi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ridgid and PorterCable are do-it-yourself brands that are more expensive. Search the internet for other recommended brands.

The Price
Depending on the voltage, good cordless drill costs $60 to $100. Most 9.6-volt drills cost around $100. A 12-volt model costs about $50 to $130. A 14.4-volt is usually sold for $60 to $200. An 18-volt usually sells for $100 to $300. Impact drivers are sold for $150.

Additional features:
• Smart Charger. Many recent models come with a charger that can be optimized to extend battery life. A fully-charged battery will switch into a trickle-charge mode. Some models offer a charger with built-in spare batteries.
• Chuck. A cordless drill uses a 3/8 inch chuck to hold the bits. Chucks can be 12 inches long, allowing one to use the drill bit for up to ½ inches in diameter. This includes a hammer drill feature for woodworking and for drilling holes in masonry.
• Kits. Some cordless drills come with a flashlight, circular and reciprocating saws and a carrying case.

Here are some tips on choosing the right cordless tool that will suit your budget and personal preferences.
1. Look for a drill with a work-saving feature. Most suited drills have long running power and requires fewer pauses.
2. Check out the latest sales and promos. Some drills when bought include freebies and additional kits.
3. Hold the drill and check the grip for sharp edges and bumps. The trigger should work smoothly.
4. Check if the specifications in ads and displays are true. Don't be satisfied with the speed test in stores.
Have a basic understanding of the parts and functions of a cordless drill. Buy the right drill depending on your budget and needs.

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Types Drill Bits You Can Choose From

Many a time when you are stuck during drilling a hole, you need a specific bit to get the job done. Let's understand the types of drill bits designed for specific purposes.

Adjustable bit: comes with an adjustable cutter to bore holes of varying sizes. Used for drilling holes for piping or wiring where a rough cut is acceptable.

Around-the-corner bit: to cut curved holes in tight corners with an angled cutting surface.

Auger Bits: designed to drill holes in wooden material. The drilling end has a screw head so that the bit can self feed.

Brad-point drills: similar to standard bits but have a sharpened point that makes it easier to start in wood. Drills cleaner holes than a spade bit.

Counterbore: a drill bit which permits a screw to be driven beneath the woods surface. The hole can then be filled with a plug.

Countersink bit: has an angled tip that's designed to form a depression for screw heads.

Drill Saw bit: Used to cut holes in metal and wood. Can enlarge existing holes.

Expansion bit: another term for adjustable bit. An expansion bit uses an adjustable cutter to bore holes of varying sizes.

Fly Cutter: used on a drill press to cut circles. The diameter of the circles can be adjusted by changing the cutter setting.

Forstner Bit: used to a create a flat bottomed hole in wood, a mortise can be formed by cutting overlapping holes. Also used to a create a segment of a hole at the edge of a board. Use only in a drill press.

Glass bit: has a carbide tip for drilling through glass.

Hole saws: cuts holes from 1" to 6" in diameter, have a center bit for guiding the cutting edge of the saw.
Masonry bits: have carbide tips for drilling holes in masonry, use at speeds below 400rpm.

MultiSpur bit: drills holes large enough to run pipe or conduit through. A threaded screw in the center of the cutting circle pulls the work towards the cutting edge.
Nail Spinner: used to start finishing nails, prevents wood from splintering as it is driven in. A hammer is used to finish the job.

Reamer Bit: a tapered bit that can be used to fit into an existing hole either to enlarge it.

Rotary Files: used for the same purpose as a conventional file, great for expanding holes in metal and cleaning up rough edges.

Paint Mixers: consist of a shaft with fan type blades. Put the shaft into the paint before rotating to avoid splatter.

Plastic Bit: has a tip that prevents splintering when drilling in plastic. Drill slowly and reduce pressure as you reach the other side of you work.

Plug Cutter: can be used to cut out cylindrical shapes from wood. These small cylindrical plugs are used to cover screw heads. This bit should only be used in drill press.

Screw driving bits: used for driving screws.
Screw Pilot bit: used to drill a pilot hole, body hole and countersink all at the same time.

Spade bit: has a sharpened point and used for drilling large diameter holes in wood. These bits work best at fast drilling speeds, but remember to start slowly.

Step Bit: a tapered bit with up to 13 diameters as the bit penetrates the work it drills a hole with an increasingly large diameter.

Twist drills: standard drill bits, used for drilling small diameter holes in wood and metal.

Wire Brushes: used to clean up metal, remove rust. Available as either a cup or a wheel with wire brush on the rim.

Woodscrew bit: available in a variety of sizes to match particular screw sizes. Woodscrews are used to drill a pilot hole, body hole and countersink all at the same time.

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Hassle Free Cordless Drills

A drill is used in various materials for drilling holes. It is a rotating drill bit that is commonly used in woodworking, construction and even metalworking. A cordless drill is an electric type of drill which uses batteries that can be recharged. Cordless drill became comfortable electrical machinery for home usage and carpentry work. Aside from this, more improvements in its features are being done to assure the versatility of this drill.

Body: A drill is used in various materials for drilling holes. It is a rotating drill bit that is commonly used in woodworking, construction and metalworking. A cordless drill is an electric type of drill which uses batteries that can be recharged.

In the older days, the earliest drills were called bow drills. This was used by the ancient Egyptians and Harrapans. The drill press was next one to evolve. This was then powered by different power sources. Hence, a great innovation of power machine tools was invented during the late 19th century. This was the time when drills were introduced. In 1889 at Melbourne, Australia, Mr. Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain invented the first electric drill. Hence, Wilhelm Fein of Germany was the one who invented the portable electric drill. Aside from this, a trigger-like switch was patented by Black & Decker in the year 1917.

The drill bit is then gripped by a chuck at one end of the drill. It is then pressed against the target material and rotated. The drill bit's tip actually does most of the cutting work into its target material, which it may slice off with its regarded thin shavings, using auger bits or twist drills, grinding off the small particles (oil drilling), or crushing and removing pieces of the workpiece (SDS masonry).

A cordless drill is a type of electric drill which uses rechargeable batteries. These drills are available with similar features to an AC mains-powered drill. They are available in the hammer drill configuration. They most also have a clutch setting which allows them to be used for driving screws. Another one available in the market these days would be the Right Angle Drills, which allows a worker to drive screws in a tight space. These are currently less useful than the corded version. However, this is since one of its main functions includes drilling holes through joist and studs in order to run electrical and plumbing. Plus, recent battery innovation allows significantly more drilling and large diameter holes are required (typically 1/2"-1" or larger) in order to drain current cordless drills quickly.

Hence, different materials, which depend on the required application of such drill bit, are used these days. The materials are as follows: Titanium nitride, high and low Carbon steel, Cobalt steel alloys, Tungsten carbide, and Polycrystalline diamond.

Coatings of drills also help to lengthen its life and usage. Such coatings would include Black oxide, which provides lubricity and heat resistance; Titanium nitride (Tin), which is used for coating a high-speed steel bit; Titanium aluminum nitride (TiAN), which extends tool life for five or more times; Titanium carbon nitride (TiCN), which is superior to TIN; Diamond powder, which acts as an abrasive to cuts tile or stone; and Zirconium nitride, for the Craftsman's tool.

Many types of electric drills are powered manually. They either use electricity or compressed air. Aside from this, they are driven by an internal combustion engine. Drills such as jackhammers and pneumatic drills are also usually used in masonry and hand-held drills that are for driving screws.

Types of Drill

Hand powered drills come in many variations. These types have been utilized over the centuries. It uses thinner, as well as a longer spindle and bow combination for downward pressure. Plus, it spins by rubbing both hands around the spindle.

Lists are as follows:

• Brace and bit
• Breast drill, also known as "eggbeater" drill
• Bow drill - an ancient tool used in making fire, for primitive dentistry and woodworking
• Gimlet
• Pin chuck, a small hand-held jewelers drill
• Push drill, a tool using a spiral ratchet mechanism

Pistol-grip (corded) drills have a similar shape with a pistol. There are actually endless varieties of its basic form, being the so called, Right-Angle Drill. Thus, it is a drill used by electricians and plumbers.

Hammer Drills are utilized for drilling masonry just like a standard electric drill. Installing electrical boxes and shelves are the typical application of this hammer.

Rotary hammer drills are used in drilling holes for masonry. Hence, the rotary hammer drill is an electric type as well as a percussion drill that uses weight.

Drill Presses may be bolted to the floor and mounted on a stand. It consists of a column, spindle, table, base and a drill head, which is driven by an induction motor.

Geared head drills have safety interlocks. They often install a power feed on the quill mechanism.

Radial arm drills are used for larger work loads. This is used when there is a need to move loads from its column. This is also since geared head drills can only accommodate up to a limited area.

Mill Drills combines the functions of a drill press and a locking collet. This is for ensuring that the cutting tool will not fall from the spindle.

Cordless drills use either an interchangeable or rechargeable battery. This is in order to facilitate its operation.
Examples of cordless drills and their features in the market today are as follows:

1. 12 Volt Cordless High Performance Drill / Driver (Model # HPD12K-2)

Features:

This is a professional grade high torque motor that provides 175 in. lbs. of torque, along with 2 spring loaded batteries that allow easy installation and removal of batteries. It also features a 2 Position gear box, which is for high torque driving and high speed drilling control. Plus, it has a single sleeved chuck with spindle lock, for easier and faster tightening of screw driver. Lastly, it has drill bit accessories and a 32 Position clutch with micro-adjust torque, for driving various size screws.

2. 19.2-volt Sears Craftsman 11542

The Craftsman 11542 is an excellent value drill that has 420 inches/pounds of torque and two built-in bubble levels. This variable speed cordless drill includes a spindle lock and a 1/2-inch keyless chuck. Its kit also includes two bits, a case, two NiCd batteries with a charger and a light. It weighs about 6 pounds. It price starts at $120.

3. 18-volt Makita BDF452HW

The 18-volt Makita BDF452HW is expensive and weighs 3.5 pounds. It uses lithium-ion batteries, to promote a longer run time. Records indicate that the Makita drill tests that were conducted have shown exceptional performance. It costs $200, along with a 3 year drill warranty and one year warranty for its batteries.

4. 10.8-volt Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver

(*est. $120)

The Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver has the ability to provide comfort. It is used for light screw-driving works and carpentry. It is packed with a lithium-ion battery and LED light. Thus, this drill weighs only 1.6 pounds. It costs only $120.

5. 3.6-volt Skil iXO2

The 3.6-volt Skil iXO2 is being used in simple jobs such as for needing 2 inches or smaller loads. With 3.6 volts, this drill does not have the power to sustain longer operations. About three hours of charging is needed in order to energize its battery. Its price ranges from $40 to $54.

6. 12-volt Panasonic EY7202GQW

The Panasonic EY7202GQW weighs less than 4 pounds. It is used in driving screws. It only costs $290, along with a one year warranty.

7. Craftsman C3 19.2 volt DieHard Cordless Drill/Driver with LED Light

The Craftsman C3 has a variable speed of 0-400/0-1400 RPM, Braking switch, 1 hour charge, 1/2 in. single sleeve keyless chuck, 19.2 volt DC motor, Auto spindle lock, 2 bubble levels - top and rear, 24-position adjustable torque clutch, bit storage with 2 bits, Built-in LED light and a 2 diehard batteries with charger.

Thus, cordless drills depend on its battery life for its operation length. This means that the longer run time, the more quality work can be done. The ones that have shorter battery capabilities can only be used for small workloads.

However, with the evolution of technology, the latest features of batteries were introduced with great performance to offer, such as the lithium based batteries. Sine these batteries weigh less, they can even lessen the weight of the drill, for easy handling. In fact, even younger ones and women can use cordless drills for home purposes.

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