Now, let’s talk about power tools! This time, I’m going to delve into the 10 power tools that I use most frequently in my workshop. Of course, the right tool depends on the specific project. But these are the essential tools that I reach for time and time again. Are you ready to see which tools made the list?
Cordless Drill: The Foundation of All Creations
If I could only choose one tool, it would definitely be the cordless drill. Seriously, I use it in almost every single project. Drilling holes? No problem. Driving screws? Absolutely. As long as you’re making something, these two tasks are bound to be involved.
Battery power is a must. It allows you to move around freely without being tethered to an electrical outlet. As for the brand? I don’t think it matters much. I’m using a Kafuwell 20-volt brushless cordless drill.
You can find cordless drills in most hardware stores, or check out this 20V Brushless Dual-Speed Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill with Impact Function on the online store (https://www.kafuwell.com/).
Track Saw: Precision Cutting for Sheet Materials
Furniture-making projects usually start with sheet materials like plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). So, you need a precise way to cut these sheets into the parts you need. That’s where a track saw comes in handy.
Of course, having a table saw is great, but it’s a much bigger investment in terms of both space and money. I’ve completed large-scale projects using only a track saw. Trust me, it’s doable!
What about a regular circular saw? You can use it, but a track saw makes the work much easier. Its plunge function and track system simplify the cutting process. Aligning the track is easy, and the cutting results are excellent. The track saw achieves precise cutting without the bulkiness of a table saw.
Sander: Creating a Perfect Finish
Do you want a beautiful finish for your furniture? Then you’re definitely going to do a lot of sanding! A good sander is an essential tool for completing your projects.
If you’re just starting out, a cheap random orbital sander will suffice. Compared to sanding by hand, it can save you a great deal of time. You can find a random orbital sander in most hardware stores or online, such as this Bosch Random Orbital Sander.
Miter Saw: Precise Length and Angle Cutting
A miter saw is extremely useful for cutting wooden strips. Especially when you’re working with construction lumber. Need to cut the wood to the right length? This is the tool you should use.
A miter saw excels at making precise angle cuts. Cutting angles, or even compound angles, is relatively easy with this tool. In fact, for complex angle cuts, it’s often more convenient than using a table saw.
Although a track saw can also make similar cuts, a miter saw is better suited for specific tasks. Using a track saw and a miter saw together will greatly enhance your work efficiency.
Impact Driver: A Powerful Screwdriving Tool
The impact driver definitely deserves a place on this list. If you have to choose between a drill and an impact driver, go for the drill as it’s more versatile. But having both will significantly improve your work efficiency. The impact driver is a powerful tool for driving screws.
It’s great for driving screws. Basically, I use it as my screwdriver. When driving larger screws or working with harder materials that require a lot of force, it really comes in handy. Despite its strong power, you can control it well with the trigger. So, you can use it to drive screws into small pieces of furniture without damaging them.
I usually keep a countersinking drill bit in my drill and a long Torx bit in my impact driver. This way, I don’t have to change bits frequently.
I also use the smallest 2 amp-hour batteries to reduce weight. Since I mainly work in the workshop and have easy access to a charger, there’s no need for a large-capacity battery!
Vacuum Cleaner: Controlling Dust is Crucial
Well, a vacuum cleaner might not be the coolest tool on this list, but it’s really practical. Effective dust collection is essential for a healthy workshop environment.
The key is to choose a vacuum cleaner that can be connected to your tools. This way, when you turn on the tool, the vacuum cleaner will start automatically. Whether it’s a track saw, a sander, or a miter saw, as long as you’re using a tool that generates dust, the vacuum cleaner will start. This can save you a lot of cleaning time and make the working environment more comfortable.
Since I need to connect a dust extractor anyway, for tools that generate a lot of dust, I prefer corded ones. This way, I don’t have to worry about the battery running out of power.
Biscuit Joiner: Seamless Connection of Sheet Materials
Apart from generating a lot of dust, the biscuit joiner is excellent for joining sheet materials. The biscuit joiner can achieve a strong and seamless connection of sheet materials.
It cuts small grooves with a blade, and then you insert these small biscuit-shaped dowels (also called “biscuits”) to hold all the parts in place. This ensures that the parts won’t move when you clamp or screw them together.
I sometimes call it a dowel machine. I’m used to calling it that because that’s what I used to work with in the past.
Router: Versatile in Shaping and Copying
The router is very practical. It is versatile in shaping edges and copying designs. I often use it to create nice small chamfers on the edges of tables or drawer fronts.
It’s also very useful for precisely copying parts according to templates. In fact, I used it when making the drawer handles for my workbench and parts cabinet. I used 3D-printed guides and a router to cut out the pockets for all those drawer handles.
You can also cut out a thin piece of wood, stick it onto a thicker piece of wood, and then use a router with a follower wheel attachment to precisely copy the template.
Jigsaw: Cutting Curves, Shapes, and Inner Cutouts
The jigsaw is very useful for cutting intricate shapes. It’s also great for cutting holes in the middle of a wooden board. The jigsaw excels at cutting curves and complex shapes.
Many people don’t really like the jigsaw. They feel that they can’t achieve the desired results with it. The jigsaw can indeed be a bit tricky to operate. But I think that by making an entire chair using only a jigsaw and a drill, I’ve proven that it can work really well.
The best advice for getting good results with a jigsaw is to take it slowly and use a good saw blade.
Brad Nailer: Fastening Objects with Ease
The last tool on the list is the brad nailer. The brad nailer can fasten objects quickly and almost invisibly. The one I’m using is battery-powered, so it’s quite large. Brad nailers also come in pneumatic and even gas-powered types.
The brad nailer is very useful when you want to fasten things together without visible screw heads. For example, it’s also great when you want to hold things together before the glue dries or before you have time to put in the screws. When making the sunshade panels on the ceiling, I used it to fasten all the parts together before the glue dried, and then I put in the screws for extra strength at the end.
The brad nailer is also great for attaching the back panel to furniture, because the back panel of furniture is usually a thin piece of wood that you can’t really screw into. And if you’re doing any home renovations, such as installing trim around the ceiling or windows, the brad nailer is definitely a must-have tool.
Honorable Mentions Beyond the Top Ten Tools
Of course, there are many other power tools that I haven’t mentioned. Some of them might be more useful to you than the ones I’ve listed here.
Well, that’s my list of the 10 most practical power tools that I think are essential. What do you think? Do you agree with my list?