The Insiders Guide to Buying Tools: The Bottom Line for the Best Tool Values

Describes the features and uses of such tools as nailers, saws, joiners, drills, vacuums, lathes, jointers, planers, routers, and sanders, explaining what each can do, how to select the correct tool, and how much one can expect to pay.

The toughest decision beginning woodworkers face is which tools to buy. Some tools are considered essential, while others are luxuries or, depending on one's type of work, can be skipped completely. It is frequently hard to distinguish between quality and inferior tools just by appearance or to know if the improved features of a "pro quality" tool are worth the extra expense. The editors of Popular Woodworking have created an excellent guide that addresses these concerns and should prove helpful to both beginning and experienced woodworkers. Nearly every variety of power tool is covered, from air-powered tools to table saws, and the differences in performance between hand-held, benchtop, and stationary models is explained. Sections on individual tools tell how they are used, who needs one, the features available, and what to look for when purchasing. Colorful pictures of tools supplement the text. Other sections cover motors (the best and most easily understood explanation this reviewer has seen), pro tools, and buying tools on the web. This title won't replace the excellent, in-depth reviews of specific tools published in Taunton's Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding or Better Homes and Gardens' Wood. However, it does provide a wealth of helpful information beyond the scope of these periodicals. It is sure to please woodworkers and is recommended for public libraries.DJonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Akron, OH
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