Great DIY Power Tool Gift Ideas
Christmas day is getting closer now and what could be a better Christmas present to give the Do It Yourself type person than a tool? Power tools or hand tools, the holiday season selection has never been better. This article lists the top great DIY power tool gift ideas. The next one talks about hand tools.
The Benchtop Table Saw: a Portable 10” Cabinet Table Saw
OK, it's not a cabinet table saw in and of itself. But when combined with table saw accessories like outfeed rollers and a stand, it gets the job done! A benchtop table saw should be right on top of the wood working tool list.
The major benefit of the benchtop table saw is its portability. Some jobs demand the the accuracy that a circular saw just can't deliver. And, there are times when it's just not practical to do all the cutting in the wood shop.
Don't worry about the small size. Why not pick up some benchtop table saw extensions for handling those larger projects? For top quality, look for Jet, Ryobi, and DeWalt.
The Reciprocating Saw – Tough and Fast
The reciprocating saw, more commonly known as a Sawzall, is an amazing power tool. It doesn't always deliver a pretty cut but that's not what it was designed for. The reciprocating saw is like a monster jigsaw on steroids. There are times when a Sawzall will slash the time it takes to perform a task.
The best reciprocating saws on the market are made by Milwaukee and DeWalt. These babies are tough enough to take on drywall, tree limbs, wood studs, and even steel, such as rebar.
Give the Gift of a Laser Level, Stay on the Straight and Narrow
There was a time, perhaps only a handful of years ago, when the cost of a laser level was out of the question for a Do It Yourselfer. Times have changed and it makes an affordable Christmas gift. A laser level will provide an incredibly accurate guide both horizontally and vertically.
Whether it's used for installing ceramic tile or building a concrete form, nothing can beat this device for ease of use. Strait Line, Black and Decker, and Stanley are all worth looking into.
The Benchtop Drill Press
When most people think of a drill press, the one that comes to mind is the one from high school shop class. Remember, the one almost as tall as the teacher? Well, those are good for big jobs but the benchtop drill press is the way to go for those smaller DIY projects.
For the small home wood shop where real estate is at a premium, this drill press can be stored away when not in use. What are the qualities to look for in a benchtop drill press?
- Horsepower. A HP rating of ranges between ¼ and 1.
- Variable Speeds. The more the better. Versatility is key here; 5 to 12 speeds are common
- Depth Stops. The ability to set the bit depth is essential with repetitive drilling.
Look for Grizzly, Delta, Craftsman, and Ryobi for top notch quality.
The Bench Grinder
The popular bench grinder is essential in any wood shop. And at the price Home Depot and Lowe's sell them for, it's an embarrassment not to be the proud owner of one! Precision tool? Far from it. But it's the best thing in town for sharpening and removing mushrooms from cold chisels. Also, it's invaluable for those little gotta-make-it-fit tasks.
DeWalt makes a great one, as does Jet, Delta, and Dayton.
Hopefully, this article provided a good jumping off point for power tools to stuff in the DIY Christmas stocking. Ho, ho, ho!
