Saws, routers, sanders, drills and shop gear

Woodworking Tool Reviews:
Buying guides, head-to-head comparisons and shop how-tos

We compare table saws, miter saws, band saws, routers, sanders, drills, planers and nailers model by model, then explain the techniques, wood and finishing choices that go with them.

Saw buying guides Power tool guides Tool vs tool comparisons

Table Saws

The Best Table Saws: Our Top 5 Tools for the Money

The best table saws for most shops: the DeWalt DWE7491RS leads with a 32-1/2-inch rip and rolling stand. Compare 5 saws, saw types and safety.

Miter Saws

The Best Circular Saw Reviews: Corded and Budget Options

Find the best tool for the job

Each roundup compares specific models with their specs, trade-offs and who each one suits.

Which one should you buy? Tool vs tool

Side-by-side comparisons of the tools people most often weigh against each other, with what each does better.

Sanders for every surface

All 29 articles →

Floors, decks, cabinets and fine detail work each call for a different sander. These guides match the tool to the job.

Quick answers from the shop

Is a skill saw the same as a circular saw?: Yes. Both terms refer to a handheld power saw with a round toothed blade. “Skill saw” is a misspelling of Skilsaw, a circular saw brand so popular that its name became generic. Skilsaw and other circular saw brands compared →
What is the difference between a Sawzall and a reciprocating saw?: Sawzall is Milwaukee's brand name for its reciprocating saws. A reciprocating saw drives its blade forward and backward in a straight, push-pull motion, like a piston. Milwaukee Sawzall vs other reciprocating saws →
Single bevel or double bevel miter saw?: A single bevel saw tilts its blade in one direction only, so you flip the workpiece to cut the matching bevel. A double bevel saw tilts both left and right, so you can cut both bevels without flipping the board. Single vs double bevel miter saws reviewed →
What sandpaper grit should you use?: Use 36-100 grit for material removal, 100-180 to prepare a bare surface and smooth the work, and 180-320 for finishing work. For most woodworking projects, grits between 60 and 320 cover it. Sandpaper grit and abrasive types explained →