Power tools. They are either your best friend, or you are terrified of them. I get it. I hadn’t used a power tool in years when my husband and I were building a bunk bed for our son. I was so mad my only job was to hold a board while he did all the fun sawing, cutting, nailing. So right then and there, I decided to dust off my skills and practice how to use them. When you know how to use them, they are the best thing to have in your shop.
I gathered what I think are the best power tools for this post. These are the basics that most people have or can find easily. I just thought a short explanation and demonstration from one gal to another would go a long way to building your confidence in starting your next project now that you know what tools you need.
You can skip to any of the tools here: Drill – Electric Sander – Jigsaw – Circular Saw – Miter Saw – Belt Sander – Brad Nailer
Please please use all safety measures when using any kind of power tool. Eye and ear protection is necessary and a good pair of gloves can be a good idea as well. Use common sense, always know where your fingers are, and get some help if you are still unsure of how to use them.
Drill –
Easily the most used household power tool. I think everybody should have one! Easy to use once you know the basics, a cordless drill is helpful for everything from hanging curtains to building a piece of furniture. Get yourself a nice drill and a drill bit set and you will be ready for lots of tasks around the house! I used a drill to install hardware in this kitchen makeover, and to install shelves in my closet makeover.
Electric Sander –
A must have power tool if you are going to refinish any furniture. I thought I could do it by hand too, but you just can’t get through a finish without an electric sander. My favorite are the quarter pad sanders, they are inexpensive and will save you lots of time and sore arms. Having some 80, 120 and 220 grit sandpaper handy is what you will need for most projects. You can also hook up your sander to a shop vac for more dust suction and a cleaner work area. You can see the electric sander in action refinishing a dresser top, and honestly in most of my furniture makeovers.
Jigsaw –
I think this is the best beginner saw. If wood saws are scary to you, start with this one. I think of it like a sewing machine for some reason, just guide the blade through the wood. You can make curves, shapes and all kinds of fun designs with a jigsaw. If you are getting a lot of vibration, try to get your blade up to full speed before letting it touch the wood. Also, clamp your wood project so you have good stability. I used a jig saw to cut out outlets in the barn wood wall.
Circular Saw –
If saws are scary to you, be sure you put in some ear plugs before you use them. It sounds silly, but loud noises can make us nervous and throw us off our focus. So not only are they good for ear protection, they really make saws seem a whole lot less intimidating. I was scared of this one for a long time.
Great for making straight cuts and ripping wood. I like to mark my wood with a square and then just guide my saw along the line. I still don’t own a table saw, and have made this circular saw work for just about everything I need it to! I used the circular saw to make a door headboard, and to make my laundry basket dresser.
Miter Saw –
This power tool – it was a game changer. It makes cutting boards to size so much quicker and more accurate. You can cut angles and trim to your hearts delight with a miter saw. I wish I would have bought a compound miter saw (which allows you to cut wider boards) but this will do. I used a miter saw to make my custom barn doors, and to make this outdoor coffee table.
Belt Sander –
Not a power tool I use a whole lot, but I do find it one that’s worth having. If you are working with some rough wood or an outdoor project, a belt sander can cut your sanding time in half. That is worth it in my book!! I used a belt sander on this wooden picnic table, and to finish the reclaimed wood on these trees.
Brad Nailer –
By far my favorite tool to use, especially when I got a cordless version. This has allowed me to do so many more DIY projects. A quick and easy way to attach 2 pieces of wood or use it to create an accent wall in your home. You can see a brad nailer in action in this faux shiplap project, also in my bathroom makeover.
I received a few requests for a router video, and to be honest, I don’t use a router very often. Not enough to be able to do a tutorial with it. I found this video to be very helpful though so thought I would link it here.
Well that about does it. I hope through these videos you feel a bit more confident in your use of power tools. Now the next project you want to tackle, will be quicker, easier and a whole lot more fun!
Jenni
