Top tools
What job are you doing?
Start from the job, not the tool. Each one lists the guides and picks that help with it.
Jobs
- Clamp a glue-upHold parts while glue sets, from small boxes to wide panels.
- Cut plywood and long boards straightNo table saw? A circular saw and a clamped straightedge cut plywood straight.
- Rip narrow strips on a table sawKeep your hands clear of the blade on narrow and short rips.
- Engrave and cut with a laserChoose a laser, set up its bed and air assist, and run it.
- Clear laser smoke from the roomVent or filter the smoke a laser makes on wood.
- Carve and cut with a CNCFirst router bits, V-bits for signs, and the software to drive them.
- Design files without payingFree programs that make and send files to a laser or CNC.
- Drill clean, square holesDrill presses and Forstner bits for straight, flat-bottomed holes.
- Collect dust and chipsShop vacs, dust extractors and collectors for a small shop.
- Sand smooth surfacesSanders for flat, smooth surfaces on boards and projects.
- Drive framing nailsCordless or pneumatic framing nailers for 2x lumber and sheathing.
- Route edges and profilesCordless or corded compact routers for edge profiles, flush-trimming, and light dados.
- Join boards with pocket screwsPocket-hole jigs drill angled holes so screws can join boards quickly.
- Cut curves and shapesA jigsaw cuts curves, cutouts and rough shapes in boards and plywood.
- Trim and fit joints by handA block plane and chisels pare joints, trim end grain and ease edges.
- Crosscut boards square and at anglesA miter saw cuts boards to length square or at a miter or bevel.
- Measure and mark square linesA speed square marks square and 45-degree lines across boards.
Prefer to browse by kind of tool? See our tool picks or guides and comparisons.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.