Power tools are great for making big and small jobs around the house a lot easier and faster than manual powered equipment. All construction tools fall into one of two main categories. Within these categories, they are further divided up by exactly how they are powered. Here are the basic characteristics for these categories to help you decide what you need in your arsenal of equipments:
Main Categories
Portable: These power equipments are great for their convenience. They are hand-held so you can go from one job to the next with ease. Just because they are portable doesn't mean they are less powerful or less important to a big job. They have specific uses that are very important and depending on the piece, they aren't necessarily tiny. An air compressor is portable (usually on wheels) but it can help you put up a privacy fence in no time.
Other portable pieces include the power drill, sander, circular saw, planer and much more. Depending on the job you're planning, you may not even need any of the pieces in the next category.
Stationary: These are bigger pieces for bigger jobs and they stay put. Pieces like the table saw or mitre saw are common stationary construction equipments. They are used to cut large pieces of wood and planks. If you need big pieces like these, you need to make sure you have a workshop large enough to accommodate them. These cannot be stored away in the tool box or cabinets. Stationary power tools are more like pieces of furniture for your workshop.
Sub-Categories
Gas-powered-These are usually large outdoor equipments. Chainsaws are one of the common gas-powered equipments as well as weed-eaters and edgers. These are convenient because there is no cord tying you down and you can work anywhere in the yard. These can be hard to use for some people because it takes some strength to get it cranked the first time. Though once you get a feel for it, pulling that string gets easier.
Electric-powered-These come in two categories: battery and corded. The battery-powered came about for the convenience of not being tethered to a wall and made working in a variety of places much easier.
The early versions were less powerful than the corded tools, but advancements in batteries and the equipment have put them on par with corded pieces. Of course, you also get what you pay for here. The least expensive is not likely to give you much force or intensity so, if you've got a big job, it makes sense to invest in a good piece.
Compressed air-This type of equipment is corded but, the compressed air is the force behind the machine. There are so many uses for an air compressor. Attachments include nail and brad guns of all sizes, sprayers and of course, it can also be used to air up the tires. Make sure you learn how to properly use and care for power tools. This ensures your safety as well as the longevity of the equipment.
