DIY Power Tools?

By sillygirl

Does anyone know where to find REALLY SUPER cheap power tools? I like to do crafts and home improvements and such but until now I've never had my own home to work on... and now that I have my own place, I've found that I have no tools to work with! I'm looking primarily for: A small miter saw, a router, and maybe a jigsaw. I'm in Maryland right now but I'll be in St. Louis come June so if anyone has any local ideas, I'm definately into checking them out.

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May 17, 2007

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About: So I've been away for quite some time... it seems being in a dual graduate...

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SpiffyJenny

May 20, 2007

I agree on Harbor Freight. I wouldn't spend money on a power tool in the cutting category, but I find that my sidewalk sale blue $10 14.4v drill is pretty handy for being my first cordless. HF is also great for consumables like sandpaper, zip ties and gloves.

McFly

May 17, 2007

I've found that you can find good quality tools at reasonable prices at pawn shops. Don't go super cheap; you'll regret it.

sillygirl

May 17, 2007

The tool library thing sounds super! I'll have to check that out! I have a miter box etc but I can never get my stuff cut straight, I also have bad shoulders, and with the type of work I want to do, hand sawing is not really an option.

Good point about the quality of power tools... I was thinking more like used rental tools, figuring that they probably started out as high quality... but you're probably right... saving a couple of bucks isn't worth losing a finger!

Chrisjob

May 17, 2007

if you value your fingers and straight lines, please don't buy "REALLY SUPER cheap power tools". They're not safe, and they won't work properly, which means you'll end up wasting more money on materials. There's a reason that power tools cost money: they're designed to be safe and effective. You don't need to buy top of the line cabinetmaker's tools, or even contractor-grade. There are plenty of power tools designed for the average home owner and DIYster. Bargain-priced tools- such as Harbor Freight- will not work well, cut straight or keep proper angles, which sorta defeats the purpose.

These tool libraries are happening all over the country- mine just started in February- and provide a perfect opportunity.

A miter box is a great suggestion, and a coping saw can perform many of the functions of a jig-saw. Both can be had for under $20.

abmatic

May 17, 2007

The public library in my city has a tool lending library where you can check out most types of power tools for two days at a time. The overdue fees are steep but checking out tools is free! I dont know how common this is but its worth looking at your local library's collection.

Surly

May 17, 2007

Harbor Freight is a good choice and Menards frequently have sales on cheap tools. You may want to consider a few points on buying tools. Really cheap tools will piss you off and yield poor quality (sometimes, this depends on the project). As far as miter saws are concerned, you may want to start with a miter box which is a hand back saw with a box aligning fixture. Not a power tool but super cheap and you can then go back and buy a good quality power compound miter saw later. Hope that helps.

amorcitos

May 17, 2007

My husband says you can find some cheap tools here: Harbor Freight Tools or Tool King. Both have websites and have brick-and-mortar locations around the country, too. Good luck!

DIY Power Tools?

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