Cordless Combo

Cordless Combo

Top-Rated Power Tools Make Great Gifts

For Christmas, birthdays, or just to say I am thinking of you, woodworking power tools make a great gift. I remember while growing up, every year at Christmas we always selected a new power tool for my father. Many fathers, husbands, boyfriends and other men like me like, use, and appreciate woodworking power tools. More and more women also use woodworking power tools around the home and on the job.

I have compiled a list of suggest tools to give as gifts this Christmas. The list includes woodworking power tools that were top-rated in their category by ConsumerSearch.com, Consumer Reports, Amazon and various other respected consumer reviews. Also included is a short review of the product to assist in your decision.

From the list below I am sure you will find a quality gift that will bring a smile to recipient on that special day for many years to come.

 Best Corded Circular Saw: Milwaukee 6394-21

Reviews praise the 7.25-inch Milwaukee 6394-21 circular saw for smooth, accurate cuts, easy adjustments, excellent balance and comfort. It has an electric brake for safety, a Quik-Lok cord attachment and onboard … blade-wrench storage. The Tilt-Lok handle adjusts to keep the saw balanced, and a front handle provides extra control. The 10-pound Milwaukee saw can bevel to 50 degrees, useful in many remodeling and construction projects. It carries a five-year warranty.

Best Cordless Circular Saw: Makita BSS610 LXT

Reviews recommend this light 7.1-pound Makita circular saw for comfort, safety and convenience. The 18-volt lithium-ion batteries recharge in 45 minutes and hold their charge a long time between uses. The saw has a laser guide and dual LED lights, plus a dust blower to clear the cutting line. The 6.5-inch blade can cut 2X lumber even at a 45-degree bevel, and the saw comes with a 3-year warranty.

Best Heavy-duty Circular Saw: DeWalt DW378GK

The DeWalt DW378GK is a hypoid saw with the motor mounted behind the blade. This makes for better cutting-line visibility and less risk of kickback. It's heavy at 13 pounds, but light for this type. Experts say the added … weight can even be an advantage when sawing sheet stock on a horizontal surface. Reviews praise this saw's performance, durability and convenient rafter hook. It comes with a three-year warranty, plus a 90-day "no questions asked" return option.

Best Cordless Drill Overall: Panasonic EY6432GQKW

The Panasonic EY6432GQKW is the cordless drill/driver recommended in more reviews than any other. It's a well-tested model that comparison reviews often rank at the top, even above cordless drills that use batteries with higher voltage. It's nicely positioned, serving both homeowners and professionals at a moderate cost. If you mainly only need a cordless drill for occasional jobs, consider the budget-priced 12-volt Ryobi HJP001K (*est. $80), whose lithium-ion batteries have shorter runtime but hold their charge longer between uses.

Best Professional Cordless Drill: Makita LXT BDF451

The 18-volt lithium-ion Makita BDF451 driver-drill with ½-inch chuck is recommended in more reviews than any other lithium-ion cordless drill. It's the current pro version in the Makita LXT lithium-ion series, and the 3.0-amp-hour batteries provide long runtime. The Makita BDF451 has three speeds compared with two on the 15.6-volt Panasonic EY6432GQKW (*est. $190), and carries a longer warranty. The Makita uses lithium-ion batteries, which hold their charge much longer between uses, are expected to last longer and run at full capacity even while the battery fades. The main drawback is price.

Best Cordless Screwdriver: Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver

Reviews say the 10.8-volt lithium-ion Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver clearly leads the pack of "mini drivers," outperforming other small drivers and cordless screwdrivers. Its lithium-ion batteries fit up into the handle so it's very compact; reviews say its 1.6-pound weight makes it a delight to use for most assembly and fastening tasks. It's designed to handle 85 percent of the driving tasks for which people usually use a much heavier cordless drill. Bosch also makes a budget cordless screwdriver, the 3.6-volt Skil iXO2 (*est. $50), but reviews say that if you can afford it, the Pocket Driver is more versatile because of its greater power.

Best Cordless Impact Driver: Panasonic EY7540LN2L

The 14.4-volt lithium-ion Panasonic EY7540 cordless impact driver gets top ranking in the most recent comparison tests, with praise for both comfort and performance. This is a pro-level, high-end cordless impact driver, but it's also suited for homeowner use since lithium-ion batteries keep their charge well between uses. The variable-speed Panasonic impact driver isn't the most powerful model available, but reviews say it can handle tasks ranging from small delicate screws to huge six-inch lag bolts. If you don't specifically need an impact driver (which lessens hand fatigue for big projects), the 15.6-volt NiMH Panasonic EY6432GQKW (*est. $190) is a regular cordless drill that gets top ratings.

Best 10-inch Sliding Miter Saw: Makita LS1013FL

Though more expensive, a sliding feature adds more capacity; this Makita miter saw can make very smooth cuts on up to a 2x12. Admittedly this Makita saw doesn't have quite the precision and features of the new Festool … Kapex (*est. $1,300), but recent comparison tests find this Makita sliding miter saw close behind in performance and ease of use, and it's far less expensive. The Makita saw has a soft-start motor with electronic speed control, and reviews say it handles thick hardwoods well. The adjustable laser guide has a separate switch.

Recent comparison tests rank the Makita LS1013FL miter saw close behind the much more expensive Kapex (*est. $1,300) for both performance and ease of use. The Makita miter saw can make very smooth cuts on boards up to 12 inches wide, and the soft-start motor with electronic speed control lets it handle even thick hardwoods well. The adjustable laser guide has a separate switch. The main drawbacks are the short one-year warranty and the 45-degree limit to the bevel. The Bosch 4410L (*est. $500) bevels further, but the laser guide and blade changes aren't as convenient.

Best Heavy-Duty Plunge Router: Bosch 1619EVS

Reviewers praise the 3.25-horsepower Bosch 1619EVS as the best wood router for heavy-duty work -- even on hardwoods. As a plunge router, it can start grooves or cuts safely in the middle of a board, so it's versatile. Reviewers like its soft-start variable-speed motor, dust control, two-stage adjustment and self-releasing collets. Despite its 13.2-pound weight, reviewers say the Bosch 1619EVS maneuvers well for handheld use, yet also works well mounted in a router table. The large base opening and 2.56-inch maximum depth make it usable with large bits. The warranty is for one year. If you don't need this much power, reviews suggest the 2.25-hp Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which comes with a plunge base (for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece) plus a fixed base.

Best Fixed-Base Wood Router: Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21

Reviewers recommend the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 as an excellent first router -- easy to learn to use. It's designed so you can hold it with one hand, and it's lighter than most routers at just 8.8 pounds. This single-speed 1.75-hp Milwaukee wood router lacks dust control, but does have self-releasing collets, so bits are easily changed. Reviewers say height adjustment is easy even when the router is table-mounted. Like most Milwaukee tools, it comes with a five-year warranty. For more versatility, consider the more powerful variable-speed Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which includes a plunge base as well as a fixed base.

Best Router Combo Kit: Bosch 1617EVSPK

The 2.25-horsepower Bosch 1617EVSPK woodworking router combo kit earns top ranking in more comparison reviews than any other model, leading the pack by a wide margin. (Woodworking router combo kits combine one motor with two bases: a fixed base for table-mounted and trimming work and a plunge base for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece.) Reviews say the Bosch scales are easy to read, bit changes and depth adjustments are easy and the router excels in overall comfort. The newest version of this model lets you adjust bit height from above a router table, a major convenience. If you don't need both bases, you can spend less on the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 (*est. $150), which has a fixed base only.

Best-value Corded Jigsaw: Bosch 1590EVSK

Reviews say this top-of-the-line Bosch jigsaw comes close to the $295 Festool Trion jigsaw for precise cutting, yet it costs much less and offers tool-free bevel adjustment. The blade-changing system even pops out hot … blades, a nice convenience and safety feature. Like the Festool jigsaw, the Bosch 1590EVSK has a soft-start electronic motor and a lock-on button to avoid trigg

er-finger fatigue. The Bosch jigsaw has a dust blower, but it lacks the superb dust control, light weight and extra capacity offered by the Festool.

All of these top-rated power tools are available for prices substantially below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) from Woodworking Tips and Tools. If you are interested a tool not listed above, or a tool in a different price range you will also be able to find it there.

About the Author

The writer operates several online sites featuring power tools. For tips on woodworking and tool reviews visit Woodworking Tips and Tools. For cordless power tool reviews, visit Cordless Tool Reviews

Motorola / Dect 6.0 Cordless/Corded Combo / L703C $75.93 Motorola - Dect 6.0 Cordless/Corded Combo - L703C

Slimline Cordless Combo with Antimicrobial Protection - keyboard mouse $76.99 Fellowes Slimline Cordless Combo with Antimicrobial Protection - Keyboard and mouse set - wireless

Motorola L702C Cordless Phone - DECT $117.44 Dect 6.0 Cordless/Corded Combo

Fellowes Slimline Multimedia Cordless Combo with Antimicrobial Protection, Silver/Black. Each $79.99 Manufacturer: Fellowes. Each. Slimline Multimedia Cordless Combo with Antimicrobial Protection, Silver/Black Customers also search for: FELLOWES;Slimline;Antimicrobial Protection;Cordless Combo, Discount Slimline Multimedia Cordless Combo with Antimicrobi

Motorola Digital corded/cordless Combo Phone System Dect 6.0 L704C $101.24 Motorola Digital corded/cordless Combo Phone System Dect 6.0 L704C

Clarity Cordless Amplified Telephone XLC3.4 And XLC3.1 Combo 59465000 $181.04 Clarity Cordless Amplified Telephone XLC3.4 And XLC3.1 Combo 59465000

Black & Decker GSN35 3.6V Cordless 2-in-1 Garden Shear Combo $50 3.6V Cordless 2-in-1 Garden Shear Combo - GSN35. Shear Blade. Shrubber Blade. Charger. Built-in Battery

Fellowes Slimline Cordless Combo Keyboard and Mouse $71.99 1 15 ft 3 600 dpi 9893401 Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection. Slimline Cordless Combo with antimicrobial protection offers advanced cordless technology and space-saving features. With patented Scissor-Switch technology, keyboard has a superior light touch and feel plus a faster key response. 2.4 Ghz wireless technology also provides cordless capability with reception up to 15'. Additional features include Multi Media keys for custom web, audio, and e-mail as well as quick launch capabilities for Word and Excel. With a third button/scroll capability, mouse is easy to use and offers 600 dpi optical readability. Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection provides continuous cleaning action, inhibiting the growth of microbes, such as bacteria, that can cause stains and odors. Fellowes Fellowes, Inc Keyboard Keyboard & Mouse Mouse Optical RF Scroll Wheel Slimline Cordless Combo Keyboard and Mouse USB Wireless www.fellowes.com

Panasonic KX-TG4772B Corded/Cordless Combo $102.99 "Panasonic KX-TG4772B Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Panasonic KX-TG4772B expandable, digital cordless telephone comes equipped with DECT 6.0 technology. Aside from offering outstanding range and clarity, the Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with 2 Handsets features text-to-speech technology announces caller ID information while the phone rings. The Silent Mode option lets you turn off the handset ringer when you are sleeping. Additional features include intelligent eco mode, and 4-way conference capability. The KX-TG4772B's DECT 6.0 Plus technology takes the superb sound quality and outstanding range of DECT 6.0 phones to a whole new level. By increasing the frequency of error correction up to 80x, the transmission quality is improved and the phones range is extended. Engineered to work in 1.9GHz frequency, our DECT 6.0 phones wont conflict with common wireless devices such as 2.4GHz routers, wireless keyboards and mice, microwave ovens and other household items. And because its digital, you'll enjoy long range and clear sound. KX-TG4772B Features: New DECT 6.0 Plus Technology - Interference Free Communication - Increased Clarity / Enhanced Security - Wider Range / Network Friendly, 1.9GHz Corded / Cordless Phone Combo - Dedicated for Cordless Phones by the FCC - 30 Battery Life Increase Over 5.8GHz, Talking Caller ID, Voicemail Compatibility, Expandable Up To 6 Handsets, 18 Minute Digital Answering System, Call Screening / Intercept, Full Remote Operation, Toll Saver (Rings Adjust When You Have Messages), Intelligent Eco-Mode, Wall Mountable/Mount Included, Silent Mode, Speakerphone, White Backlit LCD Display, Lighted Keypad, 50 Station Name / Number Caller ID Memory, 100 Station Phone Directory / Dialer, Call Block, Up To 4-Way Conferencing, Power Failure Operation, Message Waiting Indicator, Speakerphone Volume Control, 4-Step Handset / Headset Volume Control, 6-Step/Off Ringer Volume Control Handset/Base, Visual Ringer, Ringer ID Customize Ringer ID for Incoming Calls, Handset to Base / Handset Intercom, Handset Locator, Chain Dial, 5 Number Redial, Hold, Mute, Flash, Clock &amp Alarm, Up To 13 Hours Talk Time, Up To 11 Days Standby, 60 Channel Oper"

Panasonic KX-TG4773B Corded/Cordless Combo $118.99 "Panasonic KX-TG4773B Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Panasonic KX-TG4773B expandable, digital cordless telephone comes equipped with DECT 6.0 technology. Aside from offering outstanding range and clarity, the Expandable Digital Cordless Answering System with 3 Handsets features text-to-speech technology announces caller ID information while the phone rings. The Silent Mode option lets you turn off the handset ringer when you are sleeping. Additional features include intelligent eco mode, and 4-way conference capability. The KX-TG4773B DECT 6.0 Plus technology takes the superb sound quality and outstanding range of DECT 6.0 phones to a whole new level. By increasing the frequency of error correction up to 80x, the transmission quality is improved and the phones range is extended. Engineered to work in 1.9GHz frequency, our DECT 6.0 phones wont conflict with common wireless devices such as 2.4GHz routers, wireless keyboards and mice, microwave ovens and other household items. And because its digital, you'll enjoy long range and clear sound. KX-TG4773B Features: New DECT 6.0 Plus Technology - Interference Free Communication - Increased Clarity / Enhanced Security - Wider Range / Network Friendly, 1.9GHz Corded / Cordless Phone Combo - Dedicated for Cordless Phones by the FCC - 30 Battery Life Increase Over 5.8GHz, Talking Caller ID, Voicemail Compatibility, Expandable Up To 6 Handsets, 18 Minute Digital Answering System, Call Screening / Intercept, Full Remote Operation, Toll Saver (Rings Adjust When You Have Messages), Intelligent Eco-Mode, Wall Mountable/Mount Included, Silent Mode, Speakerphone, White Backlit LCD Display, Lighted Keypad, 50 Station Name / Number Caller ID Memory, 100 Station Phone Directory / Dialer, Call Block, Up To 4-Way Conferencing, Power Failure Operation, Message Waiting Indicator, Speakerphone Volume Control, 4-Step Handset / Headset Volume Control, 6-Step/Off Ringer Volume Control Handset/Base, Visual Ringer, Ringer ID Customize Ringer ID for Incoming Calls, Handset to Base / Handset Intercom, Handset Locator, Chain Dial, 5 Number Redial, Hold, Mute, Flash, Clock &amp Alarm, Up To 13 Hours Talk Time, Up To 11 Days Standby, 60 Channel Oper"

DEWALT DCK271L 18V Cordless XRP Li-lon 2-Tool Combo Kit $459.99 18V Cordless XRP Li-lon 2-Tool Combo Kit - DCK271L. 18V Cordless XRP Hammer Drill - DCD970. 18V Reciprocating Saw - DC385. (2) 18V XRP Li-Ion Batteries. Charger. Contractor Bag

Factory Reconditioned Skil 2888-11-RT 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit $89.99 18V Cordless Drill/Driver. 18V Cordless 5-2/8-in Circular Saw. 18V Cordless Multi-Finishing Sander. 18V Cordless Pivoting-Head Flashlight. (2) 18V Batteries. Charger. Carrying Bag

DEWALT DC4CKITA 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit $399.99 18V Cordless 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver - DC720. 18 Volt Cordless 7/8" Reciprocating Saw - DW938. 18 Volt Cordless Pivoting Head Flashlight - DW908. 18 Volt Trim Saw - DC936. (2) 18 Volt Cordless Batteries. 1-Hour Charger. 16-Tooth Carbide Tipped Trim Saw Blade. Circular Saw Rip Fence. Kit Box

Worx WG901 18V Cordless 3-Piece Outdoor Tool Combo Kit $219.99 18V Cordless 3-Piece Outdoor Tool Combo Kit - WG901. 18V Cordless Worx AIR Blower/Sweeper. 18V Cordless Worx HT Hedge Trimmer. 18V Ni-Cd PowerShare Battery. Charging Station. (3) Wall Mounts. Owner's Manual

Factory Reconditioned Skil 2567-09-RT 14.4V Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit $44.99 14.4 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver - 2567-RT. 14.4 Volt Cordless Orbital Jigsaw - 4567-RT. Battery. Charger. Carrying Bag

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DC720IAR 18V Compact Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit $219.99 18V Cordless 1/2-in Compact Drill Driver - DC720R. 18V Cordless 1/4-in Impact Driver - DW056R. (2) 18 Volt Cordless Batteries. 1-Hour Charger. Kit Bag

Combo Cordless 74-piece Drill and Driver $149.66 Don't be caught off guard on any project with all the bits, sockets and drivers provided in this kitBits coupled with the powerful 12-volt drill and 3.6-volt driver will allow you to complete nearly any projectCordless Drill19+1 Step torque settings: Allows precise adjustment for work on different materialsForward, reverse and lockTwo (2) convenient driver bit holders on handle baseTwo (2) 12-volt batteriesCharging unit with AC adapter and LED indicator lightsVoltage: 12 voltsNo load speed: 0-550 RPM3/8-inch Keyless ChuckCharging Unit: 120V 60HzCharging Time: 3-5 HoursCordless ScrewdriverForward / Reverse SwitchLED Work LightLED Charge IndicatorAC Charging AdapterVoltage: 3.6 voltsNo load speed: 180 RPMBit size: 0.25 inchCharge input: 120V 60HzCharging time: 3-5 hours2-inch Driver BitsSlot bits: 3, 4, 5, 6Philips bits (2 each): PH1, PH2, PH3Pozidriv Bits (2 each): PZ1, PZ2, PZ3Torx Bits (2 each): T10, T15, T201-inch driver bits:Slot bits: 3, 4, 5, 6 (2), 7 (2)Philips bits (2 each): PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3Pozidriv Bits: PZ0, PZ1, PZ2, PZ3Torx Bits (2 each): T10, T15, T20, T30Hex Bits (2 each): H4, H5, H6Two (2) Double Sided Philips and Slot Driver Bits: PH2, 5Spur Point Drill Bits: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3.5, 3Twist Drill Bits: 10, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1Durable Plastic Carrying Case with Latches

DEWALT DW9058 5-3/8-in Cordless Circular Saw Blade Combo Pack (2 pk) $25.99 5-3/8-in Cordless Circular Saw Blade Combo Pack (2 pk) - DW9058. 5-3/8-in 30T Cordless Circular Saw Blade - DW9052. 5-3/8-in 16T Cordless Circular Saw Blade - DW9055

DEWALT DCK470L 18V Cordless XRP Li-lon 4-Tool Combo Kit $599.99 18 Volt Cordless XRP Li-lon 4-Tool Combo Kit - DCK470L. 18V Cordless XRP Hammer Drill / Driver - DC927KL-XE. Circular Saw - DC390K-XE. Reciprocating Saw - DC385K-XE. Flexible FloodLight - DW919. Multi Chemistry Charger - DC9310-XE. (2) Nano XRP Lithium Ion Battery Packs - DC9180-XE. Contractor Bag

Bosch CPK31-36 36V Cordless Lithium-Ion 3-Tool Combo Kit $589.99 36 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion 3-Tool Combo Kit - CPK31-36. 36 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Brute Tough Hammer Drill/Driver - 18636. 36 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2" Circular Saw - 1671. 36 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Flashlight - FL36. (1) 36 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion FatPack Battery - BAT836. (1) 36 Volt Lithium-Ion SlimPack Battery - BAT818. 36 Volt Lithium-Ion 1-Hour Charger - BC830. 6-1/2" Circular Saw Blade - 2-610-997-480. Jobsite Carrying Bag - 2 60 944 955

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DCK425CR 18V Compact Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit $299.99 18V Cordless 1/2-in Compact Drill/Driver - DC720R. 18V Cordless 1/4-in Impact Driver - DW056R. 18V Cordless 7/8-in Reciprocating Saw - DW938R. 18V Cordless Pivoting Head Flashlight - DW908R. 1-Hour Battery Charger. (2) 18 Volt Compact Batteries. Contractor Bag

Bosch CLPK411-181 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 4-Tool Combo Kit $559.99 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Brute Tough 1/2-in Drill Driver - DDH181. 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 1-1/8-in Reciprocating Saw - CRS180. 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Impact Driver - 25618. 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Flashlight - CFL180. (2) FatPack HC Li-Ion Batteries. Charger. Carrying Bag