Power Tools

Portable power tools do basically the same jobs as their hand-tool counterparts, but they do them faster and usually more accurately. For accuracy, power, and durability, buy a name-brand, high-quality model rather than a discount, hobbyist one.

Speedy sawing
One of the handiest tools you can own is a portable circular saw, which cuts lumber as well as plywood, with and across the grain. The gear-driven blades come in diameter sizes from 4 to 10 inches. The 7-1/4-inch size offers many blade options and is the most useful for do-it-yourself work. The better saws have ball bearings rather than sleeve bearings and an arbor lock that holds the blade while you loosen it.

A jigsaw (also called a saber saw) cuts circles and curves as well as straight lines. A variety of blade types allows you to cut materials other than wood, such as metal and plastic. Variable speed control adds versatility; an orbiting feature helps with complicated scrolling but is less steady when making straight cuts.

Smooth sanding
The belt sander's abrasive belt moves across a flat bed to remove wood quickly. Choose a sander with at least a 21-inch belt and a width you feel comfortable with -- the wider the belt, the heavier the sander.

Orbital finishing sanders use an oscillating motion to move a piece of sandpaper in tiny circles over the wood. The 1/4-sheet size, called a palm sander, is popular. A detail sander allows you to smooth hard-to-reach areas, such as inside corners. A random-orbit sander uses a round abrasive disk that moves in a random pattern to remove stock faster than hand sanding and minimize scratch marks. Models take 5- to 12-inch-diameter disks that attach with adhesive or hook-and-loop fasteners. A good choice is a 5- or 6-inch-diameter model with a connection for dust collection.