Carpentry Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

When you look at carpentry tool reviews, cordless sanders may not seem like a first choice. Even so, tools like the Makita orbital sanders and others have made incredible strides. Some of our guys swear by them as they save tons of time in setup. Another unusual tool that has taken off is the cordless finish nailer. Now, Milwaukee, Makita, Senco, and others have tools in this growing category. With these tools, you can get in and out without using a compressor or dragging an air hose. Our carpentry-focused reviews include best cordless circular saws, best compact miter saws, best orbital sanders, best nail guns, hand tools, and other woodworking tools. In carpentry, quality, convenience, and portability are key. A lot of times you deal with built-ins or other locations where you need everything on-hand. Newer cordless tools are helping, and so are advances in hand tools to do more with less. Above all, quality tools make the difference, so every tool gets a thorough exam against those high standards.

Evolution RAGE 3 Sliding Miter Saw

Evolution RAGE 3 Sliding Miter Saw Review

Most do not think of a miter saw as a multipurpose tool, but that idea might change with the Evolution Power Tools RAGE3 10″ TCT Multipurpose Sliding Miter Saw which is a “material eating machine.” The saw claims the ability to cut steel, wood, aluminum, plastic and more. In fact they also boast that with their RAGE3 10″ diamond blade, this jack-of-all-trades tool can also cut tile, slate and other flooring and roofing materials. It’s an understatement to say that we wanted give this saw a workout!

Rockwell 5in Random Orbit Sander

Rockwell RK4245K Vibrafree Orbital Sander Preview

The Rockwell 5″ vibrafree Random Orbit Sander RK4245K has a number of unique features that help to set it apart from other sanders. Featuring Rockwell’s active vibration canceling technology, this sander reduces user fatigue by cutting the vibration by 50%. This is achieved though the two counter acting sanding pad surfaces that are always spinning in opposite directions.

New Craftsman Oscillating Spindle Sander

Craftsman Oscillating Spindle Sander

With over a decade since the last one, Craftsman has once again come out with a new Oscillating Spindle Sander. With an attractive price tag, solid cast iron table top and convenient storage of all accessories in the base, this is a great addition to anyone’s collection of bench top power tools.

Craftsman Professional 10-inch Jobsite Saw

Craftsman Professional Table Saw

In 2010 it will be mandatory for all table saws to have riving knives in order to meet UL approval. Craftsman, while not the first to do so, has added theirs early and done it in a way thatreally makes for some seriously advantageous upgrades to an already decent table saw. The new Craftsman Professional Jobsite Table Saw has a lot of the power and features of a full-size table saw, but in a much more compact and portable design. Regarding portability, a telescoping handle and 6-inch wheels ensures that you can roll this saw around like a piece of luggage.

Iron Dog Tool Gear

Iron Dog Tool Gear

Iron Dog Tool Gear offer amazing quality and a unique ability to set up your work belt rig the way you want it. With their Versa Clip system, you can configure your gear on the move using the many clip points located on the belt and the bags. Beyond the ability to configure your tool belt, you can now actually get the right size and type of pouch you need. With a vast array of sizes, styles, and tool specific pouches and holders you now will be able to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Evolution RAGE 4 Multipurpose Saw

Evolution RAGE 4 Multipurpose Circular Saw

The Evolution Power Tool RAGE4 is a multipurpose saw that is more portable then a cut off saw and easier to use than a hacksaw. The RAGE4 Advan-Saw will easily cut Steel, Aluminum, Wood and Plastic, using just a single blade. With the Evolution RAGE technology, cuts are fast and clean. No coolant is required when cutting steel and yet the edges are left burr free with no heat build up so the material is instantly workable and there are very few sparks produced during the cut.

delta unisaw table saw

Delta Unisaw Table Saw

Delta Machinery, which introduced the industry’s first and only 10-inch industrial cabinet saw with the Unisaw name in the 1930’s, announced that it has completely re-engineered and re-designed its flagship table saw from the ground up. One of the unique features of this new saw is the riving knife. A lever on the front of the saw can be pulled to instantly (and toollessly) drop the riving knife down for non-through (blind) cuts.You can even remove the riving knife as needed, simply by pulling it out.

Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw

Ridgid MS1290LZA Miter Saw Review

While other miter saws are playing at being tough, the Ridgid MS1290LZA 12-inch sliding compound miter saw takes a different approach. In fact, it takes the competition to task – with just the right blend of features and finesse. Case in point: show me another miter saw whose miter adjustments can be made with your pinky finger? Can’t find any? Welcome to Ridgid.