Foo - Must have power tools

Hey guys! There is a deal on Amazon: $25 off a $100 Dewalt Purchase

And I thinking of getting something, I just can't decide what to get. What do you guys recommend? I was thinking of getting either an angle grinder or recip saw.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I don't want to spend over $150, but I might if I like the tool.

Must have = Drills and portable saws of various types
Depending on what you do....
Belt sander, band saw, and drill press are all pretty valuable.

No handyman is complete without a dremel type tool.

What materials do you work with mostly?
What other tools do you already have?


Reciprocating saws (jigsaw, sawsall) have lots of uses around the home. I've always found uses for a good router.

Must have = Drills and portable saws of various types
Depending on what you do....
Belt sander, band saw, and drill press are all pretty valuable.

No handyman is complete without a dremel type tool.

I already have 1 cordless drill 1 cordless impact hammer and 1 corded hammerdrill/drill.

We are renovating our house right now and our main thing to do right now is the back yard. I think a belt sander could be useful in stripping wood to build a shed.
I really want a dremel type tool, I don't think dewalt makes one.

What materials do you work with mostly?
What other tools do you already have?


Reciprocating saws (jigsaw, sawsall) have lots of uses around the home. I've always found uses for a good router.

We already have a cordless recip saw, but it doesn't really have that much power. What are routers mostly used for?

We have a table saw and miter saw, a very crappy jig saw, and an orbital sander.

We also have an angle grinder, but it is a very cheap one($15) from Harbor freight, I just want something more powerful and reliable.

Power tools remind of a certain Benny Benassi video...

Fein Multimaster.

Fein Multimaster.

I would rather go to HFT and get that tool for $20.
And you might wanna read my post.....Dewalt tools only.

This looks like a useful tool: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000051WQX/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_g60_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1ERGESD8YHXV4J68A0KT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

A portable bandsaw, but it might cost a little more than what you had planned. Still, they are very handy to have around. These things will rip through stuff like you won't believe. And, you can make very accurate cuts with them.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW328-Variable-Speed-Portable/dp/B000RFUTUY?SubscriptionId=0E4XP8FSKV48ATW149G2&tag=krimtire-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000RFUTUY

I'd say my cordless reciprocating saw is used the most. I use it around the yard for pruning trees, shrubs, or cutting out roots.

A portable bandsaw, but it might cost a little more than what you had planned. Still, they are very handy to have around. These things will rip through stuff like you won't believe. And, you can make very accurate cuts with them.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW328-Variable-Speed-Portable/dp/B000RFUTUY?SubscriptionId=0E4XP8FSKV48ATW149G2&tag=krimtire-20&linkCode=sp1&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000RFUTUY

That's just a little bit too expensive for me :(

I'd say my cordless reciprocating saw is used the most. I use it around the yard for pruning trees, shrubs, or cutting out roots.

I already have a DeWalt recip saw. The only problem I have is that it runs out of battery too quickly.

Fein Multimaster.


I would rather go to HFT and get that tool for $20.
No way you'll touch anywhere near the quality of a Fein for $20.

My picks given your tool list and previous suggestions:

http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Vac-5872500-5-Gallon-5-5-Peak-Portable/dp/B000BWABTC/ref=sr_1_127?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1323664490&sr=1-127

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW680K-Amp-4-Inch-Planer/dp/B00005NMRI/ref=sr_1_32?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1323664317&sr=1-32

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW331K-6-5-Handle-Jig-Saw/dp/B0007XXHHI/ref=sr_1_22?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1323664224&sr=1-22

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW758-8-Inch-Bench-Grinder/dp/B0000224J4/ref=sr_1_20?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1323664224&sr=1-20

Don't know if it was mentioned but a circular saw is a handy tool to have.

Save yourself the headaches of a Dewalt grinder. They're supplied by our shop and i've personally had both of mine crap out in a matter of weeks. Between both of them I barely made one working Dewalt. I broke down and got an old Makita from a pawnshop (the older round body style) and I doubt I'll ever have to replace anything but the brushes.

Beltsanders are nice to have, but I dunno if Dewalt makes one.

I already have a DeWalt recip saw. The only problem I have is that it runs out of battery too quickly.

Mine is a Ridgid. The lifetime battery replacement works well.

Miter saw is my favorite tool.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW715-15-Amp-12-Inch-Compound/dp/B000ASBCK4/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323699258&sr=1-10

Way higher than your budget, but worth a thought at least.

Cordless circular saw is good to have, mine is a Dewalt, never hand a problem with it, plenty of power to build a deck.
Get a corded recip saw. When you need it, nothing else will do. I have a Makita, it's smaller, but plenty powerful. Get some Dewalt demolition blades for it, they will cut through ANYTHING.
If you want a real beast get a Milwaulkie Sawall, and hang on.

Air compressor to run stapler, nailer would also be nice. I use mine more than I would have thought from everything from cleaning off things with compressed air (esp. caged bearings to remove degreaser during rebuilds) to filling tires on cars and bikes.

http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-DEWALT-D55141R-Horsepower-Compressor/dp/B0012FDE8C/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323699362&sr=1-7

Air compressor to run stapler, nailer would also be nice. I use mine more than I would have thought from everything from cleaning off things with compressed air (esp. caged bearings to remove degreaser during rebuilds) to filling tires on cars and bikes.

http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-DEWALT-D55141R-Horsepower-Compressor/dp/B0012FDE8C/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323699362&sr=1-7

Already have one
We also already have a table saw and a DeWalt miter saw.

Save yourself the headaches of a Dewalt grinder. They're supplied by our shop and i've personally had both of mine crap out in a matter of weeks. Between both of them I barely made one working Dewalt. I broke down and got an old Makita from a pawnshop (the older round body style) and I doubt I'll ever have to replace anything but the brushes.

Beltsanders are nice to have, but I dunno if Dewalt makes one.

Thanks for the info!

Tool+power=must have.

End of discussion.

I think right now my two options are either a circular saw or a new angle grinder. The cutout tool is also pretty nice, I might just get both an angle grinder and the cutout tool.

How do you feel about a drill press?

How do you feel about a drill press?
It's wayyy too expensive $800
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW151-Heavy-Duty-2-Inch-Magnetic/dp/B0002FSUW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323735292&sr=8-1

I think right now my two options are either a circular saw or a new angle grinder. The cutout tool is also pretty nice, I might just get both an angle grinder and the cutout tool.
The thing with Dewalt angle grinders is there's more than one model.

While I'd agree the all plastic model won't hold up, I dropped the metal head model 15' to concrete and it survived just fine.

Still, my favorite grinder (and I use one almost every single day) is my 20 year old Makita. Never had to replace the brushes (yet), the bearings are still tight and the only thing ever replaced was the cord end. Check out Kutzall (http://www.kutzalltools.com/kutzall_products_categories.cfm?category_ID=5) for some amazing carbide shaping wheels to use with one.

Don't know if it was mentioned but a circular saw is a handy tool to have.

An "ax" my frozen friend.

"I'm a lumberjack and that's OK........................"

GEt a saw zaw!!!

My first power tool was a corded VSR drill.
Sometime after that I wanted to start building furniture, working on my house and stuff so I bought a circular saw, a jig saw and a table saw. Then a belt sander and a finishing sander. These lasted me for a long time.

Many years alter and I bought a bench grinder, a DeWalt cordless drill, and a small electric chainsaw.

Then for hobby use I bought a benchtop belt sander and drill press.

And most recently for a home remodel project I bought an electric miter saw.

On my wish list now is an air compressor and a small benchtop band saw.

I mentioned that I have the DeWalt 14.4V cordless drill. I've wanted a small cordless impact wrench for automotive use, and a cordless reciprocating saw for trimming trees. I bought a Ridgid set at homedepot on sale, with lithium batteries which I thought would be an improvement. I had to buy some lumber so I took the recip saw with me thinking I could cut the board in the parking lot to fit it in my car. I found that the batteries that came with my set were no good, and I don't think I can get Ridgid to replace them going by what I read on the internet. And there are so many people with failed batteries that I don't trust buying a new one, so my new tools are worthless. I learned my lesson, I'll spend my money on a better brand next time.

And there are so many people with failed batteries that I don't trust buying a new one, so my new tools are worthless. I learned my lesson, I'll spend my money on a better brand next time.

I think for something like a circular saw or recip saw, corded is the way to go, they have much more power and no battery to worry about.

The thing with Dewalt angle grinders is there's more than one model.

While I'd agree the all plastic model won't hold up, I dropped the metal head model 15' to concrete and it survived just fine.



This is the one I am thinking about getting:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D28402K-2-Inch-Small-Angle-Grinder/dp/B000BM6BMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323747024&sr=8-1

Or maybe this one:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D28115-Heavy-Duty-Performance-Grinder/dp/B000Q968EW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1323747024&sr=8-11

This is the one I am thinking about getting:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D28402K-2-Inch-Small-Angle-Grinder/dp/B000BM6BMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323747024&sr=8-1

Or maybe this one:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D28115-Heavy-Duty-Performance-Grinder/dp/B000Q968EW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1323747024&sr=8-11

Get the first one. The second requires a two-handed grip. Not always convenient.

BTW, I think I'm going to order this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052MIINM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

BTW, I think I'm going to order this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052MIINM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER*looks at that link*

*looks at his shelf full of 18v Dewalt tools and batteries*

*frowns*

Get the first one. The second requires a two-handed grip. Not always convenient.

BTW, I think I'm going to order this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052MIINM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Didn't think about that! So the second one it is! It has a 10 amp motor and my old angle grinder only had a 3 amp so I think it has enough power. Still have $20 left so might get some recip saw blades or some drill bits.

*looks at that link*

*looks at his shelf full of 18v Dewalt tools and batteries*

*frowns*

*looks at his shelf full of ancient, dead 18V batteries*

*frowns*

*orders the drill (http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD985L2-20-Volt-Premium-Hammerdrill/dp/B0052MIG7A/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UNTDIPQHVUE4&colid=ZRU6OM3KZMMQ#productPromotions) too*

*looks at his shelf full of ancient, dead 18V batteries*

*frowns*

*orders the drill (http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD985L2-20-Volt-Premium-Hammerdrill/dp/B0052MIG7A/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UNTDIPQHVUE4&colid=ZRU6OM3KZMMQ#productPromotions) too*

If your drill is weak, get a new one.... that has always been ruben's motto.

On the other hand, Amazon has the 18v Dewalt impact driver (sans battery, which I have plenty of) for $82. Awesome. I miss having an impact driver.

...Anyone wanna spot me $82? :P

If your drill is weak, get a new one.... that has always been ruben's motto.

Got a dewalt corded vsr/hammerdrill. Sprained my wrist while mixing concrete, I think that's enough power for me.

And it also bent a 1/2 inch thick metal shaft pretty easily.

On the other hand, Amazon has the 18v Dewalt impact driver (sans battery, which I have plenty of) for $82. Awesome. I miss having an impact driver.

...Anyone wanna spot me $82? :P

Sorry bro, just blew my wad on 20V stuff. :D

On the other hand, Amazon has the 18v Dewalt impact driver (sans battery, which I have plenty of) for $82. Awesome. I miss having an impact driver.

...Anyone wanna spot me $82? :P

I have a 18v Dewalt impact driver too! Definitely the most used tool I have. Put up drywall in our whole house with it.

I have a 18v Dewalt impact driver too! Definitely the most used tool I have. Put up drywall in our whole house with it.

I'll occasionally use my impact driver for small drywall patches, but for a whole house (theoretically, since it's been years since I had to hang a whole house) I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6742-20-6-5-Drywall-Screwdriver/dp/B000051WRV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323781948&sr=8-1

The funny thing is, lots of people on the jobsite have the 18V DeWalt stuff...and that's my problem: They all use my chargers and steal my batteries! I had 14 batteries when I started our present job a year ago. Now I'm down to five. I ordered the 20V stuff specifically because it isn't compatible with any of the 18V tools.

Don't forget the finish work, I use my sander a lot! http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D26451K-5-Inch-Random-Sander/dp/B0007XXHGO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323792282&sr=1-1

I'll occasionally use my impact driver for small drywall patches, but for a whole house (theoretically, since it's been years since I had to hang a whole house) I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6742-20-6-5-Drywall-Screwdriver/dp/B000051WRV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323781948&sr=8-1

The funny thing is, lots of people on the jobsite have the 18V DeWalt stuff...and that's my problem: They all use my chargers and steal my batteries! I had 14 batteries when I started our present job a year ago. Now I'm down to five. I ordered the 20V stuff specifically because it isn't compatible with any of the 18V tools.

You mean you don't paint all your tools and batteries flourescent pink?

Don't forget the finish work, I use my sander a lot! http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D26451K-5-Inch-Random-Sander/dp/B0007XXHGO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1323792282&sr=1-1

Have that exact one.
Used it to sand drywall after applying filler. Barely any dust is produced if I attach my shop vac to it.

You mean you don't paint all your tools and batteries flourescent pink?

I stencil my initials into each tool and battery with vinyl dye so it won't just wipe off with thinner. It still happens. I've even considered modifying each tool and battery to accept only one another to prevent "borrowing".

Watch Craigslist and get an OLD DeWalt radial arm saw, preferably a GH or a 7790. Versatile, useful tools. I have a '53 GH and found a second yoke that I mounted a router on. Tremendously useful.

Has anyone here tried a Dewalt router before?

Has anyone here tried a Dewalt router before?

No, but I've used Porter-Cable routers for decades.

In case you didn't know, PC and DeWalt are now one in the same. I've been considering this kit:

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618B3-Horsepower-Plunge-Fixed/dp/B0000CCXU3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323845768&sr=8-2

As long as DeWalt used the same long-lasting bearings as the Porter-Cable routers I've had for so long, it should be an awesome setup.

I decided to spend a little money and get a router instead of an angle grinder.
What type of bits should I order with the router?