My wife and I are buying our first house and the best news is it has room for a workshop. I was wondering what brands people have enjoyed working with (DeWalt, Craftsman, etc...). I'm looking for a good table saw, maybe miter saw, nailer gun, and maybe a combo pack with circular saw, drill, and cut off tool. Let me know what you have had success with or recommend any other tools that are a must have in a work shop (probably a router too).
2006-08-17 03:31:52 · 8 answers · asked by solutionscenterben 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
No offense to Craftsman, or Dewalt, which I use in abundance, which are suitable for Home shop use. Both are relatively inexpensive, have decent life spans, and aren't life threatening to replace.
I never choose a BRAND name however, and I have many. I'm more interested in features and strengths of the equipment in what I truly want to use them for. You could have a "shop" set up with B&D if you so chose, and be just as happy as you might with Makita, Michigan, Ryobi, Porter,,,etc. It largely depends on how you will use the tools.
I'd shy away from a combo pack unless you'll actually use each tool, and defintely avoid one that offers a radio or flash light,,,geez.
Router,,,I'd go with one that can be hand held and operated one hand. There is no need for a heavy piece of routing equipment for the home.
Nailers: Electric? Air? If it's air, I usually don't think as much
about the gun as I do about the compressor. If it's electric, you'll have less power, but less initial expense as well.
Most national home stores sell many varieties,,,,do your homework,,, no pun intended. Check power usage, amps, warantees, etc. Check for discontinued stock numbers and perhaps go with new, updated, improved??? It's not Rocket Science, but it is technology, and we all have our preferences based on experiences and personal opinions.
Rev. Steven
2006-08-17 03:52:30 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-04 21:20:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use Porter Cable, Craftsman and Dewalt for plug ins. I'm content with the products of each of these companies (though Craftsman, for the most part doesn't produce their own, they just put their badge on other manufacturer's products) Dewalt for rechargeable...the battery operated radio charges the batteries (when plugged in of course), Milwaukee's doesn't.
For a miter saw I would suggest nothing smaller than a 12 inch blade. Depending on your budget and your actual uses, a dual compound sliding one is a fantastic addition (at least for me it would be).
For a router, you may want to wait until you have a use. Then you can decide whether you need a plunge router or a fixed base. They each have their uses.
Other items: a variety of hand saws, a variety of pry/crowbars, a variety of files, levels...torpedo and 2 or 4 footer, screwdriver set, a variety of pliers, a variety of clamps.
The list is endless. Get the basics now and acquire other stuff as the need arises.
2006-08-17 03:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by dzbuilder 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be sure that you get good quality tools to start. For instance, be sure to have a drill with at least an 18 v. If you purchase those package deals, make sure the power of the equipment is not sub-standard. Better to but a few good tools at a time over time. Just get the basics, skill saw, jigsaw, cordless drill and go from there. Oh, and buy organizing shelves, bins, etc as you go. This makes working in your new shop more fun.
2006-08-17 04:51:17 · answer #4 · answered by diturtlelady2004 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any portables you like but as far as the table saw buy a used Delta unisaw. It's a workhorse and will last forever. Don't be afraid to get a used one. The old ones were made to last. 10" blade will be perfect. Buy the biggest band saw throat you can afford, and a variable speed drill press. Also include a heavy duty work bench with a woodworker's vise with bench dogs and a machinist's vise. Think about dust collection or your wife will be screaming about the dust creeping into the living room. Add a grinder, stationary sander, and maybe a jointer and you'll be the envy of all the block.
2006-08-19 15:57:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Craftsman table saw, 33" cut on a stand. Suits my needs.
Delta compound mitre saw. 10" new for $100.00 love it.
Craftsman router(plonge capable), love it.
Cambell Hausfield oilless compressor, 20 gal. No complaints on power even using an impact wrench. Same brand nailer/crown stapler, wratchet. No complaints
Two cratfsmen corded drills, variable speed. Love 'em
SkilSaw circular saw. Love it.
Dewalt drill bits.
Craftsman cordless drill. Works just fine.
Getting a radial saw for free. Can't wait.
2006-08-17 07:26:13 · answer #6 · answered by Carp 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
for a table saw I like Delta's
I prefer a porter cable box saw, what everyone calls a skill saw.
I prefer DeWalt power tools for everything else especially for screw guns and drills.
Craftsman is only good for hand tools. their power tools are junk.
Milwaukee makes outstanding saws and power drills/screw guns.
Cabell hausfield is the absolute best for compressors and pneumatic tools.
2006-08-20 11:22:13 · answer #7 · answered by ph62198 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband swears by Milwaukee drills and saws. He also has his share of DeWalts.
He prefers the Craftsman hand tools, but has never been very impressed by the lifespan of the power tools.
2006-08-17 08:23:39 · answer #8 · answered by hopethathelps 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋