Tool Less

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Feb 10

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Tool Less

How To Buy A Power Tool

Power tools are very expensive and when said and done all the
tools can add up to a big expense. So when buying a power tool
you want to not only make sure you are getting the most for your
dollar, but you also want to make sure you are buying the right
power tool. You don't want to buy a tool that is pure overkill
on power or even worst, underpowered. That's why when you buy a
power tool you want to look at the important aspects of the
tools and sometimes this can be confusing. One important
questions to ask yourself is, "What kind of user am I ?" Once
you find this out choosing the right brand is a lot easier.
After you decided what kind of user you are you need to look at
some important aspects such as corded vs. cordless, amps and
horsepower, return policies and more.

Kind of User

A power tool is an extension of your hands, like Edward Scissor
Hands. If you have the right tool and a quality tool, You Can
create or fix just about anything. One important questions you
need to ask yourself is, "What kind of user am I ?"

If you are a light homeowner user, you can get away with a less
expensive brand such as Black and Decker. A light homeowner user
probably will not put a lot of use and abuse on the tools and
power is not a big deal. Remember more power usually means more
weight in the tool. Black and Decker designs their tools for the
light homeowner use. They are quality built and inexpensive.

If you are not a light home owner use, but aren't a serious
user, Craftsman makes an exceptional tool. Craftsman actually
has other companies make these tools for them, you can see their
manufactures through the source code. Craftsman makes a good
quality tool that has a lot of features and good power. Plus
they have a great return policy if something happens or you are
dissatisfied with the tool.

If you are a serious home user or contractor, go with a good
brand name such as Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch, Porter Cable or
Makita. These manufactures pride themselves on making the best
tool. They are constantly putting money into their research and
development process to make these tools even better. These
professional power tools cost more, but they are made with
better technology and materials. They also have a better design
that causes less fatigue on the user. Not to mention that these
tools are made to last a life time.

Quality Tool

The tools mentioned above are good quality tools. I would
suggest staying with one of the manufactures above for a couple
different reasons, but the main reason is efficiency. These
power tools will last you a lifetime. They are designed by
companies who have been in the business for along time and they
understand power tools. They understand quality, safety and what
makes a good tool. These are more efficient meaning they can
actually transfer more power from the input or batter to the
output. This means less work for the user and less frustration.
If you would like to learn more about the difference between
cheap power tools and professional power tools, please see this
article.

Corded Vs. Cordless

Corded power tools tend to have a little more power, while the
cordless has the versatility. At least this is the case now.
Milwaukee just came out with a new battery technology that might
change everything. Cordless power tools are becoming more and
more common as they are increasing their power, while lowering
their overall weight of the tool. I would suggest going with a
cordless tool because of versatility. The only reason to go with
a corded tool is if you will be using the tool for long periods
of time or the tool you are looking for has a substantial more
power capability in the corded version.

Return policy

Power tools are expensive and I don't care how carefully any
company watches for defect, they will always get one or two pass
them by. You never know what will happen. These companies do a
very good job and have very low returns on their products, but
as a consumer you always want to be prepared. I would suggest
going with a store who has an exceptional return policy, such as
Amazon. They have been voted year after year as one of the most
return friendly stores around. Amazon is also a good place to go
because they have user ratings from real people who have used
the tools. Just make sure you know your return policy from what
ever store you buy from.

About the Author

I am the owner of
http://www.professional-power-tool-guide.com on which you
will find more in depth information on power tools and free
woodworking plans.

For woodcarving/whittling is an expensive power carving tool better than the cheaper Dremel brand?

I'm just getting started in woodcarving small sculptures and I'd like to get a power tool to help out. I see that there are some that cost $300-800 (like the "Mastercarvers Micro Pro") and then there is the Dremel tool and flexishaft accessory for less than $100. I don't mind spending the extra money if it's better product--I plan on using it a long time. Does anyone know the benefits of the more expensive products? What's the difference?

Are you sure that you want to use a dremel tool?
Until you have tried it, you do not know whether you like or hate it.
I would buy a real cheap cheap-brand tool to check whether I like it or not. (In fact I did buy one although not for wood use.)
Sometimes the cheap tools run for years with no problems, sometimes they are crap, but all will not be worth trying to repair when something breaks.
And sometimes the bits and extensions only fit this cheap machine so you will have a hand full of bits left when the machine breaks, or when you run out of bits for this machine you can not replace them.

Cheap tools from proper tool shops are worst in this respect, better go to the real cheap shops, you pay little but you know you buy crap, if you go to a good chain you will pay more but still get crap.

When you are ready to buy an expensive tool, make sure it uses standard bits and extensions, and that it has a repair service for when problems develop.

SM Omega - 31b - the tool-less accorn