Owning your own power tools makes sense. As with many investment items such as cars and homes, it is much more cost effective to own them rather than having to rent them or buy them when a need arises. Also, in most instances it is much cheaper to do some projects yourself rather than hiring someone. However, power tools aren’t cheap so the decision of whether to buy or rent really depends on the skill level of the individual as well as how much the power tool will be used. The fact remains, by owning your own power tools you can greatly reduce your expenses for many common day to day projects.
Power screwdrivers may not seem essential, but for those of us who have fought endlessly to get a screw in our out of somewhere in the home, we know all too well what a luxury they can be. With a power screwdriver it takes only seconds to remove a screw from of the wall or install anchor screws to hang up picture frames. Since they come with a tip that can be changed from Phillips to a flat head, there is no need to have any other screwdriver around.
Power drills, either with a cord or without, are very versatile. The size and the type of drill bits you need depend on the project. You can purchase them individually, but you will get a better deal if you purchase an assortment that are sold in a package. Be sure to use the right bit for the type of drill you have and for the type of material you are drilling into.
Saws are the most commonly used power tools out there. You should purchase four different types of saws, and you will be set to take on most any project. A miter saws can be inexpensive. They’re great cutting angles on the edges of wood and other materials. Great for getting the perfect fit on the corners on the first try.
Jigsaws are used for circular cuts and most types of cut outs. One of the most common uses for a jigsaw is to cut holes in paneling for power outlets. Most jigsaws are adaptable for a variety of saw blades and are easy to handle.
Circular saws are great for a variety of projects. You need to be very careful with a circular saw as many power tool injuries occur with this particular power tool. Always use a circular saw with a safety guard attached to it. These things can cut through just about anything, thick or thin and will always leave a nice smooth edge if used properly with the right type of blade.
A table saw can be quite expensive but it will be very useful and last for years. It will only take a couple of ties using it to be glad you purchased one. There are many things you can do with a table saw. It is very helpful when you are cutting long pieces of material or heavy materials because you have a table to balance the weight on. It is also great for join pieces and getting a very straight cut.
These next two items are debated as to their necessity when it comes to power tools. It really depends on your preference and the types of projects you will be doing. A sander that works with or against the grain is something I recommend if you will be doing any type of sanding. This can be on a vehicle, furniture, or a number of other projects. Having a power sander is going to save you hours or even days of sanding by hand, depending on the size of the project. Using the right grade of sandpapers in the right order is very important. Start of with a very coarse grade and finish up with a finer grade for a very smooth finish.
Routers are wonderful tools for detail work. If you’re engraving or doing finish work, this is a great tool. There are so many accessories for routers that you can be very creative with your designing.
In the long run, if you are planning to use power tools on a regular basis it really makes sense to buy your own.
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