Wood Shaping Power Hand Tools

Circular Saw

• A circular saw is versatile and one of the most basic powered cutting hand tools available. This tool can be used in place of many others and performs quickly and efficiently in a wide array of wood shaping tasks. Circular saws have built-in safety features such as a blade guard; electrical brakes that stop the blade as soon as your release the trigger; a spindle lock that prevents movement of the blade when you are changing it; and a safety switch to prevent accidental starts by unauthorized users. In addition to these safety features are multiple options and accessories such as cut guides, various sizes and types of blades, and the ability to adjust your cut depth as well as the ability to cut at different angles.

Wood Router

• A wood router is a rotary tool with a specially shaped bit attached to it that is capable of cutting many different decorative and functional shapes into wood. It can cut dovetails, rabbets, tongue and groove joints, and mortice and tenon joints. It allows you to carve decorative shapes into wooden signs. It also is useful for handmade molding projects.

Jigsaw

• A jigsaw enables you to make circular and curved cuts. Blades for jigsaws come in many sizes and should be chosen based on what type of wood you are working with. Always use the smallest blade possible for your project. If you are not sure of the size of blade to use, then buy a selection and try them out on an area of the wood that is not needed for your project. Use the blade that causes the least amount of splintering in the wood. A jigsaw also comes with a tilting fence that allows you make angled cuts, and a light that turns on when you press the trigger.

Random Orbital Sander

• A random orbital sander is more versatile than a directional sander. The sandpaper disc spins in a circle as the entire pad moves forward and back. This results in a very smooth finish without unsightly sanding lines or uneven surfaces. Attached dust collectors protect you from the fine particles that are produced when using sanders.