since you said affordable. a worm drive skill saw 7 inch.
a worm drive is a little more expensive than a regular skill saw. if you do choose this choose a light weight with a good base plate.
do you mean power hand tool or free standing? The best but it is kind of pricey is the Shopmate, it is a versatile tool that is a table saw, band saw, drill, lathe. grinder, sander all in one, I think I am missing some, there pretty cool and they have demo’s around the country so you can see them in action. As far as a power hand tool goes, drills are very handy, I also think the Rotozip is good. It depends on what you want to do, I love my router and my radial arm saw. All tools are versatile if you know how to use them.
After thinking about this one, I’d have to say it’s pretty much a toss-up between a drill and a saber saw. Lots of tools can do double-duty, or do the job of another. Not so the drill. But since you want something versatile too, I’d say a saber saw can do a few more things than a drill. With a bit of practice, it can cut a straight line, much like the circle saw. But it can also cut some pretty sharp curves. I’d say get both, probably low-priced ones. If you find yourself using either so much it gives you trouble, then it’s time to buy a higher-priced, better quality one.
I own a workshop and the most versitale tool for me is the router. But what type of shop do you have mechanical or woodworking. This part leaves the question open to some very important differances.
Well I was going to say a cordless drill. Sooner or later no matter what other tool you use you will most likely use a drill to assemble the parrts. But then it hit me! An air compressor IS the most versatile tool in any workshop. There is an attachment for most everything including a drill, sabre saw, nailgun, brad nailer, sanders, air nozzle for cleanup, impact wrenches for stubborn nuts/ bolts, ratchets, tire inflaters, painting, etc… I believe most people will agree. A good enough one should have a min. of 5gal tank and even some name brand models are less than $200. I don’t know of a prosperous shop that doesn’t have one!
9 Responses to “What is the most essential and versatile power tool in a workshop?”
By Eileen M on Oct 21, 2007 | Reply
a drill, with various bits.
By Cromag on Oct 23, 2007 | Reply
Drill preferably an 18v or 24v cordless
By ty808 on Oct 23, 2007 | Reply
since you said affordable. a worm drive skill saw 7 inch.
a worm drive is a little more expensive than a regular skill saw. if you do choose this choose a light weight with a good base plate.
choose wisely and good luck!
By Chuck P on Oct 24, 2007 | Reply
do you mean power hand tool or free standing? The best but it is kind of pricey is the Shopmate, it is a versatile tool that is a table saw, band saw, drill, lathe. grinder, sander all in one, I think I am missing some, there pretty cool and they have demo’s around the country so you can see them in action. As far as a power hand tool goes, drills are very handy, I also think the Rotozip is good. It depends on what you want to do, I love my router and my radial arm saw. All tools are versatile if you know how to use them.
By BuddyL on Oct 30, 2007 | Reply
After thinking about this one, I’d have to say it’s pretty much a toss-up between a drill and a saber saw. Lots of tools can do double-duty, or do the job of another. Not so the drill. But since you want something versatile too, I’d say a saber saw can do a few more things than a drill. With a bit of practice, it can cut a straight line, much like the circle saw. But it can also cut some pretty sharp curves. I’d say get both, probably low-priced ones. If you find yourself using either so much it gives you trouble, then it’s time to buy a higher-priced, better quality one.
By skip1960 on Nov 1, 2007 | Reply
I own a workshop and the most versitale tool for me is the router. But what type of shop do you have mechanical or woodworking. This part leaves the question open to some very important differances.
By grasshopper on Nov 3, 2007 | Reply
A no. 47 cordless drill, they come with a multitude of attachments.
By NubbY on Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
Well I was going to say a cordless drill. Sooner or later no matter what other tool you use you will most likely use a drill to assemble the parrts. But then it hit me! An air compressor IS the most versatile tool in any workshop. There is an attachment for most everything including a drill, sabre saw, nailgun, brad nailer, sanders, air nozzle for cleanup, impact wrenches for stubborn nuts/ bolts, ratchets, tire inflaters, painting, etc… I believe most people will agree. A good enough one should have a min. of 5gal tank and even some name brand models are less than $200. I don’t know of a prosperous shop that doesn’t have one!
By deepbluerob2002 on Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
a bosch 18.8 volt cordless sawsall