Check out the essential corded power tools to have in your professional workshop!
Introduction
For millennias, humans have been using tools in their everyday lives. Back in Ancient Egypt, wood chisels were developed and used on sarcophagi. The first electric drill was invented in 1889, by Arthur James Arnot, in Scotland.
Nowadays, power tools are not only part of everyone lives, but never cease to evolve to adapt to our needs. Whether you are a carpenter, a professional furniture maker, a general contractor, or a mechanic, you have no choice but to equip yourself with the best corded tools on the market.
As we are concerne about helping you achieve your goals, Federated Tool has built a buying guide for corded power tools that gathers essential information about most used power tools.
What are the 10 best corded power tools to have in a workshop?
Regardless of your profession, having the right tools in hand is paramount. Not only do they make it easier to complete your projects, but they also guarantee success and durability. We have gathered 10 essential corded tools you must have in your worksite, workshop, garage or tool shed.
Circular saw
What is a circular saw?
A circular saw is an electric saw with a round, flat blade for cutting wood, metal, or plastic. It includes a handle with an on/off switch, a fixing nut to secure the blade, and safety features to protect the operator. Adjustable mechanisms allow for varying cutting height, depth, and angle.
While often used in carpentry and woodworking, circular saws can make precise, straight cuts. There are three blade types: slitting blades for lengthwise cuts, cross-cutting blades for cuts through the grain, and combination blades for both rip and cut-off cuts.
Check out our corded circular saws’ online inventory.
Orbital sander
What is an orbital saw?
An orbital sander is a power tool that significantly improves upon manual sanding by being faster and more efficient. Unlike belt sanders, orbital sanders use a circular disc of abrasive sandpaper that rotates. While conventional orbital sanders can quickly remove material, they often leave swirl marks.
A better option is the random orbital sander, which makes random oscillating movements to leave a smooth, unmarked surface. In summary, the random orbital sander is ideal for achieving a perfect finish on your projects.
Check our corded orbital sanders’ online inventory!
Compound miter saw
Compound miter saws are distinguished from conventional circular saws by their innovative design, featuring blades attached to an arm or rail. Using the same blade types as circular saws—rip, crosscut, and combination—these electric tools offer remarkable versatility.
They have largely replaced the traditional miter box and backsaw, enabling precise cuts for mitering, beveling, and compound angles. Easy to adjust, they allow for quick setting of standard angles. Overall, compound miter saws provide an efficient and practical solution for making high-precision cuts in various projects.
Check out our compound miter saws’ online inventory!
Corded drill
What is a corded drill?
An electric drill is a power tool equipped with a motor that drives an interchangeable bit, allowing it to drill holes in materials like wood, plastic, or metal. It can also be fitted with a screwdriver bit for inserting screws. Various types of drills are available, including percussion drills, core drills, compact drills, and much more.
Corded drills operate using a 110-volt power cord that plugs into an electrical outlet, while cordless drills are powered by a battery integrated into the tool's handle.
Check out our corded drills’ online inventory!
Jig saw
What is a jig saw?
The jigsaw is an indispensable and versatile tool suitable for both beginners and professionals. This lightweight electric saw is equipped with a reciprocating blade designed for making precise straight and curved cuts. It has a wide range of applications, capable of cutting materials such as wood, plywood, particleboard, plastic, melamine, metal, and even ceramic tiles. You just need to buy the right jig saw blade for the material you are planning to cut.
Unlike a circular saw, the jigsaw offers greater control, making it an ideal choice for various cutting tasks. Besides straight and curved cuts, it can also perform cross-cutting, plunge-cutting, rip-sawing, and beveling.
Check out our corded jig saws’ online inventory!
Oscillating multi-tool
What is an oscillating multi-tool?
An oscillating tool is an electric device known for its oscillating motion, as opposed to rotating or reciprocating actions. It can be powered by either a battery or a mains connection. The term "multi-tool" comes from its versatility, as it can perform numerous functions with a variety of accessories. Whether you are a carpenter, a professional furniture manufacturer, or a renovation company, having an oscillating multi-tool allows you to realize work with precision and quickness.
Using an oscillating tool is straightforward. The tool rapidly vibrates a blade, scraper, or sanding pad back and forth. This movement, combined with the specific accessory, allows for quick and efficient cutting, scraping, or sanding. Ideal for smaller tasks, the multifunction tool excels in situations where accessibility is crucial.
Check out our oscillating multi-tools’ online inventory!
Power router
What is a power router?
Primarily used in woodworking and cabinetmaking, the wood router is designed to make cuts or hollow out pieces of wood, plastic, MDF, and even metal in some cases. A router can cut grooves, create intricate edges, and assist in cutting patterns. These patterns are often used for decorative edges and finishes, giving your wood projects a more polished and professional appearance.
Beyond creating decorative edges on side tables and baseboards, routers can also cut precise grooves and rabbets. The versatility of a router extends to creating decorative frames, shoe moldings, kitchen cabinets, doors, and various edges using different router bits.
Check out our power routers ’online inventory!
Nail gun
What is a nail gun?
Also known as a nailer, a nail gun is a tool used to drive nails into wood or other materials. It is typically powered by compressed air (pneumatic), electromagnetism, highly flammable gases like butane or propane, or even a small explosive charge in powder-actuated tools. Nail guns have largely replaced hammers as the preferred tools for builders.
There are various types of nail guns available, including framing nailers, finishing nailers, brad nailers, flooring nailers, pin nailers, and other specialized nailers.
Check out our nailers’ online inventory!
Portable planer
What is a portable planer?
A portable planer is a handheld power tool used for smoothing and leveling wood surfaces. It features rotating blades that shave off thin layers of wood, allowing for precise thickness adjustments and creating a smooth finish.
Lightweight and easy to handle, portable planers are ideal for on-site work, such as fitting doors, trimming edges, and refinishing wooden surfaces. They are commonly used by carpenters, woodworkers, and DIY enthusiasts for tasks that require mobility and precision.
Check out our portable planers’ online inventory!
Table saw
What is a table saw?
A table saw is a woodworking tool consisting of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor and driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, providing a stable platform for making precise cuts in wood and other materials.
They are widely used for ripping, cross-cutting, and making bevel cuts. They are essential for carpenters, woodworkers, general contractors, and DIY enthusiasts due to their accuracy, efficiency, and ability to handle large pieces of material.
Check out our table saws’ online inventory!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about corded power tools
How much should I spend on corded tools for my business?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about corded power tools, but it remains challenging to answer precisely. Several factors will influence your budget, including the specific tools needed, the brand, quality, and accessories.
However, if you need to equip your entire business with new, high-quality power tools, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars.
What are the factors to consider when buying corded tools?
If you're looking to equip your professional workshop or business with new power tools, several factors need to be considered before making your purchases. Here are four key factors to keep in mind when budgeting for power tools:
- Initial price: When purchasing power tools, it's essential to consider more than just the initial cost. The true cost includes maintenance expenses, which can vary for each tool. Additionally, budget for necessary accessories that contribute to the efficiency and smooth operation of the tools. Consider these additional costs before making a purchase.
- Safety: Safety is paramount when handling power tools. Using unsafe tools can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, it's vital to be well-informed before making any purchase. Consult reviews from buyers with direct experience, and rely on independent, verifiable sources. Carefully read product descriptions to learn about their safety features. Choose tools from reputable manufacturers to ensure they include proper safety mechanisms.
- Major brands or generic brands: When searching for power tools, prioritize finding durable, high-quality products suitable for intensive use while offering good value for money, regardless of the brand. With many options available online, thorough research is essential.
Most contractors prefer professional brands over generic ones, especially for tools intended for long-term, intensive use. Investing in professional brands often ensures better quality, service, and support, saving you money on maintenance in the long run.
How do I maintain and store my power tools to ensure longevity?
To make sure that your corded tools last longer, you need to regularly clean and lubricate moving parts, store tools in a dry and safe place, and ensure batteries are properly charged and stored. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.
Are there any safety tips I should follow when using power tools?
Whether you are using your power tools outside, in a workshop, on a construction site, or in a garage, make sure that you always wear appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, keep the work area clean and well-lit, use the right tool for the job, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.
What are the main benefits of corded power tools?
- Consistent power supply: Corded tools provide a continuous and reliable power source, ensuring that the tool operates at full capacity without interruptions, making them ideal for heavy-duty and prolonged tasks.
- Higher power output: Generally, corded tools offer more power and torque compared to their cordless counterparts, making them better suited for demanding applications and tougher materials.
- No battery dependency: Since corded tools don't rely on batteries, there's no need to worry about battery life, recharging times, or the performance decline that can occur with battery usage over time.
- Lighter weight: Without the added weight of a battery pack, corded tools are often lighter and more balanced, reducing user fatigue during extended use and improving maneuverability.
- Cost-effective: Corded tools tend to be less expensive than cordless tools, both in terms of initial purchase price and because there's no need to invest in additional batteries or chargers.
Which accessories should I buy for my power tools?
The accessories you should buy for your power tools depend on the types of tools you have and the projects you plan to undertake. Here are some common and useful accessories for various power tools:
- Drill bits: A variety of drill bits, including twist bits, spade bits, masonry bits, and hole saws, are essential for different drilling applications.
- Saw blades: Invest in high-quality blades suited for your specific saws (circular saw, jigsaw, table saw, etc.), including blades for cutting wood, metal, and other materials.
- Sanding discs and pads: For orbital sanders or belt sanders, having a range of sanding discs or belts in different grits will help you achieve the desired finish on your projects.
- Router bits: A set of router bits, including straight bits, flush-trim bits, and profile bits, will expand the versatility of your router for various woodworking tasks.
- Clamps and vises: Clamps and vises are essential for holding workpieces securely in place while you cut, drill, sand, or assemble them.
- Safety gear: Protective gear such as safety glasses, ear protection, dust masks, and work gloves are crucial for ensuring your safety while using power tools.
- Tool storage: Organizers, toolboxes, or pegboards will help keep your tools and accessories organized and easily accessible.
- Lubricants and cleaners: Regular maintenance with lubricants and cleaners will keep your tools in good working condition and extend their lifespan.
Investing in these accessories will enhance the functionality of your power tools and help you complete your projects more efficiently and safely.
What are the 4 best power tool brands on the market?
With so many power tool brands available on the market, it can be challenging to make a choice. However, a few well-known brands stand out for their exceptional quality, efficiency, and durability. We have selected four brands that have consistently proven their reliability in professional workshops over the past few years.
- DeWalt: Renowned for its durable and high-performance tools, DeWalt offers a wide range of power tools suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Their tools are known for their ruggedness and long battery life.
- Makita: Makita is praised for its advanced technology and superior engineering. The brand provides a diverse lineup of power tools that are known for their precision, reliability, and ergonomic design.
- Bosch: Bosch is a leading brand that offers a comprehensive range of power tools known for their innovative features, excellent build quality, and efficiency. Bosch tools are popular among professionals for their consistent performance.
- Milwaukee: Milwaukee is celebrated for its heavy-duty tools designed for demanding jobs. The brand is known for its focus on durability, advanced battery technology, and innovative solutions tailored to professional users.
I’m starting my business and I have a tight budget. What are the five essential tools to have in my workshop?
Are you looking to equip your company's workshop but have a limited budget? Some essential tools are necessary to get your furniture-making, renovation, or construction business off to a strong start.
- Circular saw
- Corded drill
- Orbital sander
- Miter saw
- Table saw
Any questions?
Do you want to learn more about our corded power tools, our prices, or our services? Contact us today by phone or e-mail! Our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions! You can order your corded tools online and get fast shipping everywhere in Ontario and Canada.