Power Tools

Of course, the most important thing you can choose after the bandsaw itself is the blades. For just about any band saw, there are three basic types of blades: Carbon steel blades, bi-metal blades and carbide tipped blades. Carbon steel blades are the metal band saw blades used most commonly for general purpose applications such as cutting wood, aluminum and mild steel. They are made from high carbon steel and because they are not as pricey as the other blades, you will see them more often for hobby enthusiasts and home do-it-yourself equipment buyers. They are a great all around blade and probably all you would need for most uses for a metal band saw blade. Bi-Metal blades are very similar to the carbon steel blades with the exception hit their tooth edge is made of high-speed steel. This makes the blade itself stronger and able to cut hard woods and all metals, including stainless steel. They are a bit pricier than the carbon steel blades, but they also cut faster and last longer....

Just as with any band saw, there are two main types of wood band saw. If you have a bigger area to work in, a floor-standing model will give you more versatility and allow you to tackle the bigger projects. Although typically built with a professional in mind, the larger floor-standing model can be used in home projects. These models also tend to have more features and larger motors and have a stronger frame. When considering the variety of models, a lower priced floor model wood band saw can still compete with the higher end models. You can choose from a variety of brands that will offer a wide range of depth of cut, depending on your individual needs. The higher price range models often have variable speeds to allow flexibility beyond just using it as a wood band saw. They can be used for working on metal and can range to a full 18-inch throat, allowing for larger size elements while working on your projects. A bench mounted wood band saw, on the other hand, is a less expensive...

When it comes to any kind of home improvement project, nothing quite beats the versatility of a table saw. You can make just about anything on it, and you can add some accessories to turn it into a jack of all trades for your home projects. But since table saws come in a variety of types and sizes, what one suits you best? Let’s look at the four basic types of table saws and what they do. Portable Saws As you might guess from their name, portable table saws are intended to be small and light enough for you to carry them to the site of your project. If you are a serious woodworker or intend to use your saw to rip through heavy wood like oak, this would not be a good choice. Also- because it has a lighter motor that is not housed it can be noisy. Most of the portable saws also use a lighter weight aluminum top instead of cast iron to make them easier to lug around. However, if you are a hobbyist and see it’s primary use as a carpenter saw that you take right to the site of the pro...