Purchasing Woodworking Tools
By Greg K. Hansward
A variety of machinery and tools is needed for both home and professional workshops. Several companies make quality machinery, including Craftsman, Rockwell, Rigid and Milwaukee.

Craftsman tools and machinery are sold in Sears stores through the country as well as on Sears’ website. Craftsman has maintained a good reputation among experienced professionals and those new to woodworking. The company stands behind their tools, which come with a lifetime warranty. If a tool is defective, simply return it to a Sears store for replacement. Table saws and miter saws are two of the quality tools made by Craftsman. The table saws come in ten and twelve inch models and most have three horsepower motors. The company’s portable models are convenient for carrying to a job site and can be stored in a shed or closet when not in use. Craftsman also makes great sliding compound miter saws in both ten and twelve inch sizes. These miter saws have LaserTrac, a great feature which creates a laser line for increased accuracy when cutting. The blade’s dual bevel style allows the saws to tilt to either side for easier operation and beveled edges.

Rockwell is another popular company. Rockwell tools are not only superior quality but also come with a good warranty. Rockwell makes a wide variety of tools that, with regular maintenance and good cleaning, can last for many years. Rockwell saws are available in nine through twelve inch models. They are made from a strong cast iron and are very durable. Older, vintage Rockwell saws are often found to still be in good condition.

Rigid offers a complete line of power tools to make any home workshop complete. Its contractor style table saws are made with cast iron and included such features as extension rails and micro-adjusted fence dials. Other tools in Rigid’s line of power tools include miter saws, lathes and drill press equipment all of which are also quality tools. In addition, Rigid is always trying to upgrade its tools to a greater quality and convenience. New features are being added to many of its tools as the new technology is developed. For example, one feature is an exact line laser on its miter saws to further improve accuracy in cutting.

Finally, Milwaukee tools are another great selection of tools for any workshop. Milwaukee routers come with either two or three horsepower motors and the motor contamination shield protects it from damage caused by debris. Other features available include variable speeds, twin handles, a 36 position dial and depth adjustment.

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Greg Hansward usually edits short articles on stories about power tools and hand tools. His articles on machinery are found on www.insidewoodworking.com/machinery/index.html .