For the woodworking beginner, there are two essential power tools that can make most projects possible. These are a good hand drill and a good router. More than any other two tools, a drill and router are the foundation of a woodworker's tool arsenal because of their versatility.
The Hand Drill
A drill is designed to (obviously) drill into things. A good, reliable hand drill can be used for drilling holes for screws, making decorative holes, and it can even replace biscuit joinery when necessary.
Power Tool Router
With a drill you can create dowel joinery, which is less sophisticated but certainly just as effective and definitely less expensive.
When it comes to choosing a good hand drill, there are two basic choices to start with - cordless or plug-in. The kind with a plug-in cord is beneficial because you never have to wait for the battery to recharge or deal with weak drilling capabilities when the battery is low.
However, cordless drill are obviously more portable and most come with two battery packs. That way as long as you keep one plugged in at all times, you will not have to do much waiting.
So if you decide on the very popular cordless model, you then have several other choices to make. First, you need to consider the battery power. You can find drills with voltage from 9.6 volts to 24 volts. The higher the voltage the more power and torque you will get as well as longer battery life after each charge.
The disadvantage of higher voltage though, is that the drills are quite heavy and can make it more difficult to use for long periods of time. How the drill feels in your hands may be one of the most important factors in your decision. Regardless of voltage a good hand drill should have a dual speed motor, a reverse motor function, and an adjustable clutch.
The Router
A good router is the other important tool because it can perform so many different functions. For instance, with some practice, a router can help you create decorative edges, make cross-cuts, and cut mortises and create grooves. If you mount the router in a table, your options expand to include making moldings, edge joints, frames, box joints, and even panel doors. The professional quality of a good router will make it well worth the purchase.
There are a few key elements to consider when choosing a good router. First, the power of the motor is important. A 2-horsepower motor will handle most jobs, but a more powerful one will be need for bulk professional work. Another nice feature to have is a plunge feature. This provides versatility within very detailed work. You should also look for a collet-locking button. This will make it possible to adjust the collet with just one wrench rather than several.
So, as you start to create your perfect workshop, the best place to start is with a quality hand drill and router. Once you have those in place and have fully mastered their functions, you will be able to move on to other tools with ease and with expertise.
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Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide Feature
- Variable-speed palm-grip router kit; soft-start and quick-lock systems
- 5.6 amp motor with 15,000 - 35,000 rpm; depth adjustment system and finger support pockets
- Aluminum construction and soft-grip
- Includes palm router, drop-forged collet and shaft wrenches, collet, fixed base, straight-edge guide, case
- 11.8 pounds; 1-year warranty
Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide Overview
The Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide is a versatile tool that's ideal for performing custom carpentry, trimming laminate flooring or deck planks, mortising hinges, dovetailing, and a host of other at-home and professional jobs. This router packs big power in a small, compact package for extended comfort and maximum accuracy.
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 Includes router, guide, case, base, collets, and shaft wrenches. View larger. |
 Rubber over-molded grip allows for stable, one-handed operation. View larger. |
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The PR20EVSK owes its robust performance to a 1.0-horsepower (the highest rating for small routers), 5.6-amp motor that spins at a variable speed of 16,000 to 35,000 RPM and has a soft-start that reduces startup torque. Additionally, depth adjustment is simple with the PR20EVSK: just align and lower the motor and then lock the router in position with the clamping level. Micro-fine adjustments are equally effortless thanks to the wheel on the back of the router's base.
To help you match the correct speed to the job, the included instruction manual features a chart showing the speed of each dial position, along with a list of the routing tasks that each setting may be used for.
User-Friendly Features for Flexibility, Comfort, and Reliability
This user-friendly tool offers simple, straightforward operation. First, the collect accepts standard 1/4-inch bits to give you job flexibility, with an impressive maximum diameter of 1-5/16 inch. For added convenience, a front spindle lock on the motor means easy, one-wrench bit changes, but a shaft wrench is also included for those who prefer to use two wrenches.
In addition, the speed dial is conveniently mounted on top of the tool body for easy access. An added bonus, the motor housing has a palm-shaped, rubber over-molded grip that allows for stable, one-handed operation. Finally, weighing about three pounds, the PR20EVSK offers a surprisingly rugged aluminum fixed base that's durable, solid, and reliable.
Constant Response Circuitry for Stable Motor Speed
This model includes Bosch's "Constant Response" circuitry, which monitors and maintains speed under load for consistent performance and overload protection. Constant Response works by detecting tough loads and then increasing power to maintain the selected RPM. Working with stable speed lets you concentrate on controlling the router, so you'll always make clean, burn-free cuts.
Additionally, a quick-clamp system allows the motor to be easily adjusted and moved from base to base. For further convenience, an angled cord exit keeps the router's cord safely out of your work area.
The PR20EVSK comes with a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Router, straight edge guide, carrying case, fixed base, 1/4-inch self-releasing collet, drop-forged collet, shaft wrenches, and instruction manual.
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