Many homeowners have taken cues from the recession and are choosing to stay in their homes a little longer rather than sell in a buyers’ market. Those who want to make their current abodes more livable or attractive to future buyers may choose home improvements that raise the value and/or add more space. These options present great opportunities for gift givers wondering what to buy for the household handyman.

For many, home improvement renovations have become do-it-yourself projects out of necessity, as DIY is often more cost-effective than hiring a contractor. However, projects can go awry and cost more money in the long run unless the right tools and techniques are used. Gift givers should select tools that will offer the most bang for their buck and help homeowners sail through many projects. Woodcraft offers these ideas for successful holiday gifting.

Shaping and Drilling

Whether crafting furniture or sizing and shaping wood for various home repairs, quality routers, planers and jigs are needed for the fine-tuned precision these projects require. To polish off edges, add grooves or dadoes, or create a personalized design, choose the Porter-Cable Compact Router. DIYers can create an ultra-smooth surface with the Delta 13″ Portable Thickness Planer. Its three-knife cutterhead offers a blade life three times longer than competitive three-knife planers. Select a Porter-Cable Quik Jig to substantially reduce the time required to drill the pocket holes used for joinery in some projects.

The Art of Woodturning

For centuries, woodworkers have enjoyed the feel of virgin wood in their hands and the pleasure derived by turning that piece of wood into an amazing piece of artwork. Check out the Easy Wood Tools Detailers in mini, mid-sized and full-sized models that are ideal for adding detail to projects such as bowls or chair stiles. Pair these detailers with other gouges, scrapers and lathe accessories for the hobbyist or professional woodturner on your gift list.

Expanding the Workshop

What DIY woodworking hobbyist couldn’t use a little more space in his or her workshop? While it’s not always possible to move up or out, keeping tools neat and portable can make maximizing space much easier.

Moving large machinery around the shop can be a challenge, but a four-pack of WoodRiver Plate Mounted, Machine Leveling Casters can solve the problem by helping handymen to move, level and reduce the vibration of various shop machines. Likewise, the WoodRiver Adjustable Mobile Base moves and levels tools, enabling shop owners to get the most out of their existing space.

Workshop Essentials

Every DIY woodworker needs to equip the workshop with some basic tools. To remove errant nails from wood, DIYers can use the Nail Jack Nail Puller or Nail Jack Nail Hunter. Projects can be kept secure by using the WoodRiver Universal Vise, and an 8″ Pinnacle Arkansas Combo Stone is the ideal gift for keeping blades sharp to avoid injuries and kickback on machines.

To learn more about these products and others, contact the Woodcraft store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com, or call (800) 535-4482. (MS)

Copy the Story Link