Cordless Screwdriver

Carpenters, what cordless set do you recommend?

I have just started woodworking and would like to start a cordless collection. I'll start with the basics: drill, circular, palm sander, router. Can you all recommend a good brand. I know Dewalt is top of the line but it is out of my price range. My father has a small set of Ryobi 18v and seems happy with it. Is this a good set? Please also recommend some other necessary tools. I have several hand tools: screwdrivers, plyers, clamps.
I'll probably start building simple projects: bookshelves, a ladder for a bunk bed, a child's drafting table.

There is no blanket brand that is best for every single tool. And to go cordless with every tool is not wise. No, Dewalt is not top of the line, they just have a rep. This is my list on many years experience.

Drills - Panasonic, yes Panasonic, makes the finest drills around. Pick up one of the cordless combo packs with a drill and impact driver and you will be astounded at the performance and accuracy of the tools. They are the only drill maker that delivers torque at even levels no matter what speed the chuck is spinning. In other words, other brands derive higher torque by spinning faster which makes for sloppy work if you dig in too deep or start off at top speed. These are the best cordless drills and priced near Milwaukees. I gave my Dewalt cordless to my Dad after discovering Panasonics. Don't buy a hammer drill unless you are doing extensive work with concrete drilling. If they are out of your price range, go Craftsman as their replacement batteries are dirt cheap. Keep a decent corded drill around just in case.

Circ Saw - Many fine brands out there, but Bosch fits my hand very well. Pick up the saw and see how it fits in your hand. Circ. saws must be comfortable or you will make sloppy cuts. If you need high power and are cutting very thick pieces of wood a worm drive Skil Saw is the way to go. Comfort and weight is key and Bosch works best for me in this dept. Cordless circ saws are a waste of money in my opinion. The battery life is horrific on any brand I have used. If these are too much money for you (Bosch circ saw is around $110), then I really don't know what to say. Just buy anything that is comfortable and in your price range.

Sanders - Porter Cable makes great sanders. Again, stay clear of cordless in this department as the batteries just can't keep up. If you are working on a tight budget, skip the sander all together and spend more on better saws and drills. Elbow grease replaces any sander at 1/100th the price.

Router - Porter Cable again in this dept. Honestly, I won't go near any other brand router. The true cost of a router begins AFTER you buy one. Bit sets are very expensive and you may be better off buying trim that matches the type of edges you want. Cut them to size and glue on the corners.

Those are the tools you listed. Cordless tools have advantages when used properly. Anything that runs for long periods of time (sander, jig saw, etc) will be a huge disappointment to you. If you absolutely must have one of those cordless combo sets and Dewalt is too expensive, go with Craftsman or Ryobi.

If all you have is some hand tools and you want to make furniture properly, be ready to shell out at least $1000 on power tools. It sounds like the things you want to work on are indoor projects. For the projects you listed, skip the circ saw and buy a miter saw.

Making things for around the house is very rewarding so keep at it. For shelves, go buy a $100 miter saw (Lowes has a Hitachi for $100 I believe as does Ryobi and Craftsman), wood glue, a Craftsman cordless drill (get corded if you do not already have one, cheap cordless drills can't match the power of a corded drill), a carpenters square, a level, and some screws. Sand the pieces first, assemble, and finish with some stain. Build up your skills with the basics first and things will make more sense when you go shopping for power tools. Have fun!

Quick Fix PRO Cordless screwdriver US $21.99

DeWALT Cordless 72v Screwdriver Charger 3 Battery packs and Plastic Case US $25.00

LOT 2 CORDLESS SCREWDRIVERS 36 volt Ni Cad Adjustable US $.99

2pc 36 V Cordless Mini Grinder Screwdriver Tool Kit Power Tools Kit US $39.95

48V CORDLESS SCREWDRIVER Set w 12pc Bits Handy Home DIY POWER TOOLS US $19.95

36 V Cordless Flex Driver Drill Power Screwdriver Tool DIY Handy Home Tools US $19.95

Husky PowerTek 13 Piece Precision Cordless Electric Screwdriver NIB US $7.00

Craftsman 4V Cordless Screwdriver Multi Cutter Kit VCK100 931873 US $39.95

Skil Ixo2 Cordless Palm Size Screwdriver US $20.00

Makita 6217DWDE 12V NiMH 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver Screwdriver NEW US $275.00

NEW Black Decker 9078 36 Volt Cordless Screwdriver US $19.99

SNAP ON 72V Cordless Screwdriver Kit CTS561 Charger w Case Manual US $66.00

POWER GLIDE 36 VOLT Dual Angle Cordless Screwdriver US $13.99

DeWalt DW979K 2 12 Volt Cordless Drywall Deck Screwdriver Kit US $55.00

Cordless Screwdriver with 11 bits by Trademark Tools US $9.51

DEWALT DW920K 2R 1 4 72V 72 Volt NiCad Cordless Screwdriver Screw Driver Kit US $84.97

36 VOLT CORDLESS SCREWDRIVER W 6 ACCESSORIES US $8.49

TWO DEWALT DW920K 2 1 4 Inch 72 Volt Cordless Two Position Screwdriver Kit US $115.00

Makita 48V Cordless Screwdriver Kit with Bonus 80 Piece Bit Set BNIB US $20.00

Milwaukee® 2401 82 12V Cordless Lithium Ion Screwdriver US $110.95

Black Decker PD700G Pivot Plus 6V Cordless Screwdriver Drill W Charger NR US $9.99

DEWALT DC520KAR 18V 18 Volt XRP Cordless Drywall Deck Screwdriver Screw Gun Kit US $208.87

Cordless Screwdriver Set 12 Piece US $7.99

CRAFTSMAN 4V LITHIUM ION CORDLESS SCREWDRIVER US $4.99

Black Decker PATRIOT XR P12VSR cordless 12 volt battery drill and screwdriver US $5.39

Anything You Can Think of Cordless Black

What do you think of when you think of cordless Black & Decker? You may think of small cordless screwdrivers or wimpy tools you only find at discount stores. While I don't think of cordless Black & Decker tools as industrial grade tools, they really have a wide variety of tools that you will find handy around the house, cabin or lake home.

The cordless Black & Decker lineup contains everything from you basic cordless screwdriver, to cordless drills, cordless scissors, tools for yard work including cordless mowers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers and more. I have one of the cordless Black & Decker weed trimmers and while it doesn't have the power of my gas weed trimmer, it has more than enough to trim up around the house and it always starts. The gas trimmers that I have had typically work for a couple of seasons and then I have to rebuild the carb to keep it running.

One of the really neat tools I noticed in the cordless Black & Decker line is a chainsaw called the Alligator. This tool is a small cordless chainsaw with a clamp below the blade that bites down on the wood you are cutting. It really does look like an alligator! They also have a regular cordless chainsaw and a chainsaw that you can extend up on a pole to cut off limbs a little higher up. Again, these cordless Black & Decker tools don't look like something you would use every day but still, I they have some tools I have never even seen.

Maybe you are looking for a cordless screwdriver for you hobby shop or your camper. Again the cordless Black & Decker line up has several for you to chose from. You can get a very inexpensive tool that will be handy here and there or if you want something with a little more power, try their lithium screw drivers. Lithium tools offer more run time and power in a lighter weight tool that can charge very fast. Some of these tools have LED lights on them making them handy when working in dark corners, maybe like removing hinges inside a cabinet.

They also handle a variety of drills. While I still prefer having my heavy duty Bosch drill at my side, a smaller less powerful drill will work just fine around the house. While most of the cordless Black & Decker drills are fairly reasonably priced, you can afford to have one in your camper, your cabin or lake home. Many of times these tools are more than ample for simple odd jobs around the home like hanging pictures or drilling a small hole to run a cord or something else simple like this. If you do want a little more power, the cordless Black & Decker line includes 24 volt tools available in a combo kit.

One other tool that I guess you can call a cordless Black & Decker tool is their self adjusting wrench. This crescent wrench adjusts to the bolt head with just a touch. I have read a couple of reviews and while some have been able to break them, many felt they were very handy around the house.

So there you have it, a few thoughts on the cordless Black & Decker tool line up. This really doesn't do their line up justice. You just won't believe the cordless Black & Decker tools available.

About the Author

You can find all the
cordless Black & Decker
line up at www.protoolguide.com

Cordless Screwdriver

Forever now, men had to use wood for the necessities in life such as shelter and much more. The process of molding this wood for such things has changed due to the fact that woodworking machinery is now available. The basics of shaping the wood, sawing and cutting, and drilling have remained constant, however now the ease and speed of which it is done is quite different and progressed.

There are three pieces of machinery for woodworking that are the most essential. I'll go over those now. If you had to only stock your workshop with the most important components of machinery, what would they be? Here they are and the explanation of why you need them.

First off, you need a circular or table saw. This may be a handheld as well, or just a regular table saw. The table saw gives you more flexibility since it can be angled for miter cuts and lets you use jigs for better accuracy in cutting lengthy boards. The handsaw allows you to make straight or curved cuts. As well, other materials that aren't wood, for example vinyl siding, can be cut with a saw with interchangeable blades.

Next on the list is the router with table. The router lets you make fancier cuts and more professional looking woodworking. Having a table under the router just makes the job easier. A guide fence keeps wood steady as you cut. An adjustable table lets you work in complex details with a height that gives you the most control.

Last but not least is the jigsaw. For wood projects that aren't limited to flooring and moldings, a jig saw lets you craft all kinds of tinier, more meticulous projects. You can create decorations, toys, make carved signs and detailed fireplace mantels using a jig saw.

Of course there are lots of pieces of woodworking machinery and standard tools that serious wood workers must have. Often the beginning home improvement guy begins with just the tools necessary for the first project, and continues from there with subsequent projects. There's really no need to go overboard with a bunch of tools that you won't be using after all.

A good first project to start with is to install wood molding. Crown molding is not costly, and will get you started on making miter cuts. Another starter tool that you'll need for this sort of project is a good air compressor with a hydraulic finishing nailer attached. This will help with your molding wood molding job, especially when it comes to flooring.

Some tools are just timeless, and have been used for centuries and are still just as useful today. One example of that is the chisel. You can use this tool to shape the finest of masterpieces. Buying a set will definitely be a wise purchase in your woodworking leisure pursuit.

A combination of both the old and the new will create a workshop of woodworking tools and machinery that will do you well for years and years to come.

Jig Saw Blade
What is the right tool to cut 1/4 inch particle (press) board?

I have to cut a large rectangle, and then I need to cut a couple of smaller rectangles out of the middle of it (electrical box and recepticle) and I need it to be smooth. Should I use a jig saw (which blade) a circular saw, or a router?

neither one. for a smoother cleaner cut use a retractable utility knife.

the one with a razor blade in it, like the one you use to cut drywall.

9 Bosch U Shank Carbide Grit U50RF3 U30RF3 jigsaw blades Swiss Made Tile Glass US $11.99

30 NEW Bosch U Shank Jig Saw Blades Swiss Made U144CD and U101AO US $19.99

BOSCH T101 B PACKAGE OF 100 JIGSAW BLADES US $25.49

30 Bosch U Shank Progressor Jig Saw Blades U345XF3 and U567A3 NEW US $19.99

100PK Porter Cable Jig Saw Blades BIMETAL 12527 5 6 TPI US $24.99

NEW Lot of FIVE packages Dewalt Jig Saw Blades DW3712H 4in 10tpi 25 blades US $9.99

New Sabre Saber Jig Saw Blades Cut Wood Metal Drywall Aluminum Universal PVC US $.99

Makita Part No792691 8 JIGSAW BLADE NoB 10S 5 per Pack US $8.72

Sears Craftman 926874 Jig Saw Blades US $2.50

STERLING JIGSAW BLADE USA MADE FITS DEWALT 1 4 SHANK ASSORTMENT 20 COUNT US $9.99

DEWALT BOSCH STYLE 7 TOOTH JIGSAW SAW BLADES 15 COUNT NEW 41 8 US $9.99

Jigsaw Blades JS100 3 Blades 6T 8T 10T US $.99

Rockwell Blade Runner Jig Saw Multi Purpose Precision RK7321 US $219.99

BLACK DECKER PIRANHA JIGSAW BLADES 5X HCS for Wood Plastic US $1.56

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12336 100 100 PACK US $14.99

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12354 100 100 PACK US $14.99

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12342 100 100 PACK US $19.99

9 Shopsmith Jigsaw Blades Unused US $12.00

PROXXON 28054 SPECIAL STEEL JIGSAW BLADES SET TWO SAW BLADES US $5.00

DISSTON BI METAL JIGSAW BLADES 3 24TPI 1 4SHANK 3 CT 6 BLADES U SHANK USA MADE US $.99

Bosch Jig T Shank Jig Saw Blades 10pc 4 x 10tpi 30611 US $2.50

DEWALT DC330KR 18V 18 Volt XRP NiCad Cordless Jig Saw Kit wKeyless Blade Change US $189.97

Bosch Jigsaw Blades T744D3 set of 3 New Unopened pack US $6.50

25 BOSCH T SHANK JIG SAW BLADES SWISS JIGSAW T118AF US $23.99

8 Piece Sabre Saw Blades Metal Wood Scroll Saw Jig Saw US $6.99

Jig Saw Blade

Driver Drill

What power drill and screw driver should I buy for home?

I want to know specifications for power drill and screwdriver combo tool which can be used for basic home use.

for around the house i have the ryobi kit with a mini skill saw, jig saw, sander, flash light, drill and vacuume. forgot the kit no. but it was on sale at lowes for a really great price. came with 2 18v batteries and charger and carrying bag as well as blades for both saws and some bits. screw bits as well as some drilling bits.
the 18v gives it power and stays charged for a decent amount of time. sound like a sales man i know, but ive had it for bout two years and have had no problems.

Craftsman cordless 11550drill 114832 impact driver 2 battery pack US $80.00

Makita BDF452HW 18V Li Ion 1 2 Cordless Drill Driver Battery No Reserve US $60.00

CRAFTSMAN 192 V DRILL DRIVER CRAFTSMAN 192 V RECIPROCATING SAW… USED US $19.99

Craftsman 192 C3 Drill Driver 3 8 Variable Speed Reversible New US $23.95

Black Decker SS12C 12V NiCd 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $49.99

BRAND NEW NIB Dewalt 18v cordless drill driver and impact combo kit case DCK235C US $190.00

Makita 6095D 96V NiCd 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $16.50

PORTER CABLE 18 V COMPACT DRILL DRIVER NEW PC1801D US $15.50

Brand New Makita 12 Volt FD02W 12V Max Li Ion 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $59.00

DeWalt DCK211S2 12V Li Ion 1 4 Cordless Drill Driver US $102.50

PORTER CABLE 12 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS DRILL DRIVER MODEL PCL 120DD Very Good US $43.99

Milwaukee 2401 12V cordless 1 4 Drill Driver US $36.00

New Ryobi 18v P202 1 2 Drill Driver P234G 1 4 Impact Driver Free Tool Bag US $66.00

DEWALT DCD780 CORDLESS DRILL DRIVER 20 VOLT MAX LITHIUM ION 1 2 US $47.66

Black Decker CD1800SKA 18V NiCd 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $10.50

DEWALT 18v Cordless Right Angle Drill driver US $76.00

Milwaukee 0614 20 driver drill hammer drill kit 144v US $125.00

Skil 2815 02 18V Li Ion 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $50.25

DeWalt DW056 18V XRP NiCd Cordless IMPACT DRIVER drill screwgun US $38.00

DeWalt XRP DC980KA 12V NiCd 1 2 Cordless Drill Driver US $25.01

DeWalt DC759 18V NiCd 1 2 Cordless Drill Driver US $70.00

1 USED DEWALT DCD970 DRILL 18V 18 VOLT LITHIUM ION HAMMERDRILL DRIVER US $46.00

Makita 6013BR 1 2 Corded Drill Driver US $24.50

DEWALT LOT OF 5 DRILLS DRIVER 144 VOLT CHARGER BATTERIES BITS CASE CONSTRUCTION US $50.00

DeWalt DW927K 2 12V NiCd 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $9.03

Ryobi Planers, Drills And Outdoor Tools

Ryobi is one of the leading manufacturers of tools. If you cannot find the tool at Ryobi, you probably do not need it. Ryobi tools are the top choice for homeowners, hobbyists and professionals due to its reputation of providing great quality at an affordable price.

Ryobi carries one of the most comprehensive line of tools in the industry. To give you an idea, the following is a short list of some of the corded tools Ryobi offers: Drills, Drivers, Band Saws, Jig Saws, Scroll Saws, Circular Saws, Reciprocating Saws, Mitre Saws, Table Saws, Routers, Sanders, Grinders, Buffers and Biscuit Joiners. Ryobi drills and drivers can help make your job easier, especially the cordless drills. Ryobi offers combination kits with items such as an 18V Ryobi drill, circular saw and light. There is also a combination with a circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, multi-bit cordless drill and a hand vacuum.

Power tools are not always required for outdoor projects such as gardens and caring for lawns, but the work can be easier if you do use them. Ryobi's outdoor tools include trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, log splitters, cultivators and pressure washers for cleaning siding or preparing surfaces for painting. The electric log splitter has the power to split logs up to 20" long and 12" around. It has an all steel construction and provides 1,300 watts of household current to pack four tons of RAM. Ryobi blowers come in either a handheld version or a backpack version for those larger jobs. Both versions convert to a vacuum without the need for any tools. The blowers definitely make cleaning leaves much easier and less time consuming. Ryobi planers are good selection for someone looking for a well performing, quality planer at a reasonable price. The AP13 planer requires little maintenance and is particularly suited for a hobbyist or homeowner.

Ryobi's website provides information on its line of tools, service and support and how to order parts. You can also request copies of manuals for all Ryobi tools. In addition, locating warranty information and ordering parts will be much easier if you register your product when you first purchase it. This small amount of time will be worth it to protect your investment. You will probably love your Ryobi tools so much, you will not want to replace them. But, you may occasionally need to replace filters, for example, to maintain the tools good condition and longevity. If you prefer not to use the online source for ordering parts, Ryboi also has a toll-free number. You will be directed to the appropriate parts distributor depending on your location.

About the Author

Leroy Calstard often makes long articles on information similar to power tools and cordless tools. You can come across his comments on
ryobi tools
on his site.

Driver Drill

Shank Jig Saw

25 BOSCH T SHANK JIG SAW BLADES SWISS JIGSAW T118AF US $23.99

9 Bosch U Shank Carbide Grit U50RF3 U30RF3 jigsaw blades Swiss Made Tile Glass US $11.99

30 NEW Bosch U Shank Jig Saw Blades Swiss Made U144CD and U101AO US $19.99

30 Bosch U Shank Progressor Jig Saw Blades U345XF3 and U567A3 NEW US $19.99

Bosch Jig T Shank Jig Saw Blades 10pc 4 x 10tpi 30611 US $2.50

Dewalt DW3753 5 4 1 4 6TPI Jig Saw U SHANK US $8.29

Dewalt DW3760 5 4 1 4 10TPI Jig Saw T SHANK US $8.29

STERLING JIGSAW BLADE USA MADE FITS DEWALT 1 4 SHANK ASSORTMENT 20 COUNT US $9.99

100 ASST BLU MOL COBALT JIG SAW BLADES U SHANK JIGSAW US $31.99

25 ASST DEWALT JIG SAW BLADES JIGSAW W BOSCH T SHANK US $26.99

DISSTON BI METAL JIGSAW BLADES 3 24TPI 1 4SHANK 3 CT 6 BLADES U SHANK USA MADE US $.99

BOSCH STYLE T SHANK JIGSAW BLADE ASSORTMENT 100 COUNT WHOLESALE LOT USA MADE US $49.99

Bosch Universal Shank Jig Saw Blade Assortment 10 Pack US $11.99

BOSCH STYLE T SHANK JIGSAW BLADE ASSORTMENT 10 COUNT US $.99

REMGRIT USA JIGSAW BLADES 2 7 8 1 4 SHANK 3 CT COARSE GRIT US $.99

25 BOSCH T SHANK JIG SAW BLADES SWISS JIGSAW T118G US $5.50

DISSTON JIGSAW BLADES 3 18TPI 1 4SHANK 3 CT 6 BLADES METAL CUTTING US $.99

REMGRIT JIGSAW BLADES 2 7 8 1 4 SHANK FINE GRIT TUNGSTEN CARBIDE USA 2PCS US $.99

DISSTON MEDIUM 2 7 8 1 4 SHANK JIGSAW BLADES 2 PACKS TUNGSTEN CARBIDE 2BLADES US $.99

SKIL JIGSAW BLADES U SHANK 10 TPI SWISS MADE 4 PACKS 8 BLADES US $.99

6pack Bosch Shank Woodcutting Jig Saw Blades US $2.49

25 ASST BLU MOL COBALT JIG SAW BLADES U SHANK JIGSAW US $5.99

DISSTON USA JIGSAW BLADES 4 6 TPI 1 4 SHANK 4 CT US $.99

MASTER MECHANIC JIGSAW BLADES 1 4 SHANK 4 CT KNIFE EDGE BLADES US $.99

50 ASST BLU MOL COBALT JIG SAW BLADES U SHANK JIGSAW US $9.99

Shank Jig Saw

Jig Saw Blades

How can I cut PVC pipe (that does NOT have the factory ends) level / square so it can stand up straight?

I have a large scrap PVC pipe (just over 9" outside diameter, 6' long, 3/4" thick walls) and it does NOT have the factory cuts on the end, so the ends aren't level. If I stand the pipe up on a concrete floor, it will fall down because the ends are crooked.

Buy/find a coupling that is made for that size pipe. Slip it on the uneven end, and mark or cut the pipe with the edge of the coupling as your guide. It will be perfectly square.

You can use a metal or wood blade for the cut, even a chain saw.

Or, you can leave the coupling on the uneven end. Since the coupling will create a square end it will stand upright on the coupling, it will be a little larger, therefore more stable, and you do not have to make a cut.

9 Bosch U Shank Carbide Grit U50RF3 U30RF3 jigsaw blades Swiss Made Tile Glass US $11.99

30 NEW Bosch U Shank Jig Saw Blades Swiss Made U144CD and U101AO US $19.99

BOSCH T101 B PACKAGE OF 100 JIGSAW BLADES US $25.49

30 Bosch U Shank Progressor Jig Saw Blades U345XF3 and U567A3 NEW US $19.99

100PK Porter Cable Jig Saw Blades BIMETAL 12527 5 6 TPI US $24.99

NEW Lot of FIVE packages Dewalt Jig Saw Blades DW3712H 4in 10tpi 25 blades US $9.99

New Sabre Saber Jig Saw Blades Cut Wood Metal Drywall Aluminum Universal PVC US $.99

Makita Part No792691 8 JIGSAW BLADE NoB 10S 5 per Pack US $8.72

Sears Craftman 926874 Jig Saw Blades US $2.50

STERLING JIGSAW BLADE USA MADE FITS DEWALT 1 4 SHANK ASSORTMENT 20 COUNT US $9.99

DEWALT BOSCH STYLE 7 TOOTH JIGSAW SAW BLADES 15 COUNT NEW 41 8 US $9.99

Jigsaw Blades JS100 3 Blades 6T 8T 10T US $.99

BLACK DECKER PIRANHA JIGSAW BLADES 5X HCS for Wood Plastic US $1.56

Rockwell Blade Runner Jig Saw Multi Purpose Precision RK7321 US $219.99

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12336 100 100 PACK US $14.99

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12354 100 100 PACK US $14.99

NEW PORTER CABLE BAYONET JIG SAW BLADES 12342 100 100 PACK US $19.99

9 Shopsmith Jigsaw Blades Unused US $12.00

PROXXON 28054 SPECIAL STEEL JIGSAW BLADES SET TWO SAW BLADES US $5.00

DISSTON BI METAL JIGSAW BLADES 3 24TPI 1 4SHANK 3 CT 6 BLADES U SHANK USA MADE US $.99

Bosch Jig T Shank Jig Saw Blades 10pc 4 x 10tpi 30611 US $2.50

DEWALT DC330KR 18V 18 Volt XRP NiCad Cordless Jig Saw Kit wKeyless Blade Change US $189.97

Bosch Jigsaw Blades T744D3 set of 3 New Unopened pack US $6.50

25 BOSCH T SHANK JIG SAW BLADES SWISS JIGSAW T118AF US $23.99

8 Piece Sabre Saw Blades Metal Wood Scroll Saw Jig Saw US $6.99

A Guide to Woodworking Jigs

If you have a woodworking workshop, it is likely that you will need a woodworking jig. Jigs are useful for repetitive tasks in many woodworking projects, and help in making complex tasks quicker and easier. Woodworking jigs are readily available from hardware stores, and are usually very cheap. It is even more cost effective to build your own from scrap wood, and can be beneficial because you can create a jig suited to your specific needs and taste. Depending on the type and amount of projects you like to do, you will need a variety of different jigs.

Different Types of Woodworking Jigs

Dovetail Jigs: Dovetail jigs are useful for building dovetail joints accurately. Dovetail jigs can be purchased at relatively inexpensive prices. You could even build your own dovetail jig using templates from the internet or stores that sell woodworking supplies. If sourced successfully, many of these templates will allow you to make up to twelve different jig sizes.

If you are going to make your own jigs, you may want to purchase a dovetail bit for your router and a dovetail saw. Good templates will assist you in making variably spaced or fixed dovetails for a variety of projects including drawers, cabinets and small boxes.

A dovetail saw is a good purchase, because it need not only be used for cutting dovetails, but can also cut other fine joints for other projects. Dovetail saws have thinner blades which allow for greater accuracy. It is important to purchase good quality tools for a more professional result on your projects. When buying a dovetail saw, look for about fourteen to seventeen points per inch.

Dowel Jigs: A dowel jig is used for making good quality dowels. If you are going to be using thick timber, it is best to use a self-centering jig for better accuracy. There are a variety of sizes available, from a quarter to one half inch. There are complete kits available from woodworking supply shops that include the dowel jig and several hundred dowels in a variety of sizes.

Kreg Jig: Kreg jigs are ideal for cabinet making. Naturally, you will want the movement of the drawers to be smooth, so perfectly positioned slides are imperative. The use of kreg jigs is extremely convenient as you will not need to measure and mark the spaces for the drawer slides. This will make it easier to mount metal drawer slides. Kreg jigs can be used for center, bottom or extension mounted drawers. A kreg jig is an inexpensive, yet extremely versatile piece of equipment.

Building Your Own Woodworking Jigs:

If you build your own woodworking jigs, you will save a lot of money in supplies. You can use inexpensive pieces of material, and scrap wood for making your own jigs. Because you will only be using the jig for one project, you do not want to spend too much money on materials. If you are planning on reusing your jigs, it is advisable to build with a stronger and more durable hardwood. It is easy to source instructions on making your own jigs in woodworking books or magazines. Instructions on making your own jig are also readily available on the internet, and can be printed and stored for future reference.

About the Author

Coastal tool hire is the largest and best known power tool and equipment hire brand in Southern Africa with over 90 branches in operation. Visit http://www.coastalhire.co.za for more info and to check out franchise opportunities in South Africa.

Jig Saw Blades

Volt Makita

Does anyone know why my Craftsman table saw is so slow?

I bought a new Craftsman table saw in 2006 and from the beginning it has had almost no power. I even switched it over to 220 volts and it runs exactly the same. I have used dozens of table saws in my time and this saw is not normal. I have a Makita job-site saw that has three times the power as the Craftsman. What's up with this? Has Craftsman taken all the power out of the saw to promote safety? If so it has the opposite effect. Or should I fit the saw with another motor?

The power an electric motor has is rated in Amps. compare their.

Brand New Makita 12 Volt FD02W 12V Max Li Ion 3 8 Cordless Drill Driver US $59.00

2 USED MAKITA 18 VOLT LITHIUM ION BATTERIES BL1830 TESTED AND WORKS GREAT US $76.00

Makita 6935FDWDEX 144 Volt NiMH Cordless Kit US $79.99

1 SLIGHTLY USED MAKITA BJR182 RECIPROCATING SAW 18V 18 VOLT LITHIUM ION 2 US $56.99

1 USED MAKITA FLASHLIGHT BML185 18V 18VOLT JUST THE TOOL 2 US $12.50

New Makita DC18RA 72 18V 18 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Charger US $37.25

Makita BML185 18V LXT 18 Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Work Light Flashlight US $31.99

Makita 48 volt Driver Drill US $8.00

Makita 18 Volt Combo Pack Drill Circular Saw Saws All Flashlight Batter US $200.00

Makita 96v Battery Model 9100 96 volts NEW Not an import Real Deal US $15.00

New Makita BJR182 18V 18 Volt LXT Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saw US $82.99

1 New Makita LXT BL1830 18 Volt 18V Lithium Ion Battery US $94.99

2 New Makita BL1830 18V 18 Volt Lithium Ion Batteries US $184.99

New Makita BSS611 18V 18Volt Lithium Ion Circular Saw US $104.99

MAKITA 18v 18 VOLT lithium ion drill driver LXFD01CW REPLACES BDF452HW warranty US $179.99

MAKITA lct200w drill driver impact driver combo 18v 18 volt Warranty US $205.00

MAKITA lct203w drill screwdriver IMPACT DRIVER COMBO 108v 108 volt warranty US $141.99

MAKITA lct306w drill impact driver light 18v 18 volt with warranty US $215.00

2 new makita 18 volt bl 1830 3 ah batteries new US $139.97

New Makita BML185 Flashlight 18 Volt 18V LXT Lithium Ion Flash Spot Light Li ion US $25.00

NEW MAKITA 18V BATTERY RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM ION LI ION BL1830 30Ah 18 VOLT US $59.00

Makita BML185 18V LXT 18 Volt Lithium Ion Work Light Flashlight US $26.49

Makita LXT702 18 Volt LXT Lithium Ion Cordless 7 Piece Combo Kit US $415.00

Makita 18 Volt battery US $65.00

Makita 18 Volt Cordless LXT Recipro Saw Model BJR182Z NEW US $139.95

Choosing an 18 Volt Makita Cordless Tool

Most people have favorites. You may like Ford over GM, Pepsi over Coke, country over rock or any number of choices but what about your power tools? There are the four or five main brands plus many smaller lines available. What make you favorite tool manufacturer your favorite.

If you have a specific trade you are involved with, you may have found a line that has proven perfect for your trade in cost, durability and power. While I feel those probably are the main reasons for anyone to choose a tool, think about variety offered by a tool line. Consider for one the 18 Volt Makita Cordless line.

I was amazed when I took a close look at the 18 Volt Makita Cordless tool line up. By far the most common Makita 18 Volt tool is the 18 volt drills, especially the lithium line. Makita has led the way on the lithium front, some of the other players are just starting to come out with lithium tools. But the 18 Volt Makita line really offers much more than drills.

Did you know there is such a thing as a cordless rebar cutter? Makita offers an 18 Volt rebar cutter that can cut a piece of rebar quickly and easily. Now, I know, not many of you want or need a rebar cutter, but for the contractor who does, buying into the Makita line makes sense.

When DeWalt came out with a charger radio for their cordless tool line, they sold lots and lots of power tools. Not just because they have a good line, but they were the only ones with a radio charger. I can tell you from experience, it was very difficult to switch a guy from DeWalt to any line if they didn't have a charger radio. Then as more time went buy, when they needed tools, the obvious choice was to stay with what they had so they could interchange batteries and use their radio. Well, rest assured, Makita has a charger radio.

The 18 Volt Makita Cordless line also includes a variety of impact drivers. You can get them in Nicad, NIMH or lithium versions. But in addition to that they have them with the standard ¼" hex drive or the square drive for use with standard sockets so the tool becomes more useful in an automotive application.

Makita has also done a good job of making combo kits that include some of the more standard tools mixed with some of tools that you may use less often but still are nice to have without having to buy another kit and doubling up on chargers and batteries.

The 18 Volt Makita cordless line also contains tools like metal cutting saws, recip saws, jig saws, florescent lights, leaf blowers, cut off tools, lithium screwdrivers and more.

So, if you like cordless tools, and you like versatility, next time you are looking check out the 18 Volt Makita Cordless line of tools for a truly wide range of cordless tools.

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