Power tools, hand tools, batteries and accessories: buying guides and comparisons.
DeWalt Paint Sprayer Review: Power, Finish Quality & Value Compared Short answer: A DeWalt airless sprayer is worth considering if you already own compatible DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and regularly paint fences, sheds, or other outdoor projects—but for spraying unthinned latex or finishing indoor trim, a corded Wagner airless or Read more
The best woodworking clamps for most shops are parallel-jaw clamps such as the Bessey K Body REVO or Jet parallel clamps for glue-ups, F-style clamps like the Bessey GearKlamp or Jorgensen bar clamps for general work, Irwin Quick-Grip one-handed clamps for holding parts, and Pony or Jorgensen pipe clamps for Read more
The best pocket hole jig for most woodworkers in 2026 is the Kreg 720PRO if you build at a bench, the Kreg 520PRO if you carry your jig to the work, and a Massca or Milescraft jig if you want solid joints for less money. Every one of them drills Read more
The best dovetail jig for most hobbyists is the Porter-Cable 4216, because it cuts half-blind, through and sliding dovetails plus box joints on boards up to 12 in. wide at a mid-range price; serious furniture makers who want custom spacing should step up to the Leigh D4R Pro, and beginners Read more
The best compact wood router for most people in 2026 is the DeWalt DCW600 if you want cordless freedom, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 if you already own M18 batteries, and the corded Makita RT0701C or Bosch GKF125CE if you want unlimited runtime for less money. All of them take Read more
The Ryobi 15-piece router bit set is a practical 1/4-inch-shank starter assortment for trim work, edge shaping, grooves, and basic joinery, but it is not a complete solution for heavy hardwood production or large panel-raising cuts. Its value depends less on having 15 bits than on whether its mix matches Read more
The Black and Decker router table is a sensible low-cost choice for occasional edge profiles and small joinery jobs, but it is best bought only after confirming your router’s mounting pattern, base shape, and available workspace. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to Read more
Vermont American Router Bits: Choose by Cut, Shank, and Workload The right Vermont American router bit depends on the profile you need, your router’s collet size, and how often the edge will meet abrasive or resinous wood: a carbide-tipped bit is the practical choice for most routing, while the correct Read more
The way a board is sawn affects its appearance, stability, strength, and price. The three common orientations—plain-sawn, quarter-sawn, and rift-sawn—are not different wood species. They describe how the log was cut in relation to its growth rings. For most painted shelving, utility furniture, and budget projects, plain-sawn lumber is the Read more
Chemical stripper removes paint and finish, but it does not automatically leave wood ready for stain or a new coating. Stripper residue can interfere with adhesion, raise the grain, soften glue joints, and cause uneven color. Proper preparation means removing the stripper, allowing the wood to dry completely, repairing damage, Read more