Selecting tools when setting up a workshop might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Power tools, for instance, come in various categories, and it’s easy to get tangled up in all the options, especially if you’re new to woodworking.
I’ve been there, and to make things smoother for you, I’ve put together a list of essential power tool names, complete with photos and their respective categories.
Cordless Power Tools
Angle Drill
Angle Grinder
Auto-Feed Screwdriver
Band Saw
Blower
Brad Nailer
Caulking Gun
Chainsaw
Circular Saw
Compound Miter Saw
Concrete Vibrator
Curved Shaft String Trimmer
Cut-Out Saw
Cut-Out Tool
Die Grinder
Disc Sander/Polisher
Drywall Screwdriver
Dust Extractor/Vacuum
Flashlight
Flood Light
Grass Shears
Hedge Trimmers
Job Site Fan
Lawnmower
Metal Cutting Saw
Miter Saw
Multi-Cutter
Multi-Tool
Nibbler
Orbital Sander
Pad Sander
Pin Nailer
Planer
Plate Joiner
Plumb Point Laser
Power-Assisted Flat Dolly
Power-Assisted Wheelbarrow
Radio
Rebar Cutter
Reciprocating Saw
Router
Screwdriver
Speaker
Stapler
Steel Rod Flush Cutter
Straight Finish Nailer
Straight Shaft String Trimmer
Straight Shear
Tile/Glass Saw
Concrete Power Tools
2-Speed Hammer
2-Speed Hammer Drill
Combination Hammer With Dust Collector
Demolition Hammer
Electric Breaker
Hammer Drill
Multi-Speed Hammer Drill
Power Scraper
Rotary Hammer
Dust Machines & Vacuums
Lower
Shop Vacuum Cleaner
Blower
Metalworking Power Tools
Metal Shear
Nibbler
Portable Cut-Off
Swivel Head Shear
Cement Shear
Reciprocal Saw
Band Saw
Metal Cutter
Polishing, Sanding, and Grinding Power Tools
Random Orbit Polisher
Angle Grinder
Random Orbit Sander
Die Grinder
Polisher
Finishing Sander
Multi-Tool
Straight Grinder
Belt Sander
Concrete Planer
Disc Sander
Bench Grinder
Sander-Polisher
Stone Polisher
Electronic Polisher
Woodworking Power Tools
Band Saw
Circular Saw
Circular Saw With Dust Collector
Compound Miter Saw
Flip Over Saw
Hypoid Saw
Jig Saw
Miter Saw
Plunge Cut Circular Saw
Portable Cut-Off Saw
Portable Table Saw
Slide Compound Miter Saw
Table Saw
Table Top Miter Saw
Bench Top Power Tools
Bench Grinder
Bench Grinder And Belt
Drill Press
Drills & Fastening Power Tools
2-Speed Drill
Angle Drill
Auto-Feed Screwdriver
Drill
Drywall Screwdriver
Heavy-Duty Drill
High-Speed Drill
Impact Driver
Impact Wrench
Mixer
Portable Drill Press/Drill
Screwdriver
Shear Wrench
Measuring Power Tools
Concrete Scanner
Laser Meter
Line & Point Laser
Optical Level
Rotating Laser
Stud Finder
Total Station
Pneumatic Power Tools
Pancake Air Compressor
Oilless Shop Air Compressor
Compact Air Compressor
Heavy Duty Air Compressor
High-Capacity Air Compressor
Pneumatic Narrow Crown Stapler
Pneumatic Pin Nailer
Pneumatic Finish Nailer
Pneumatic Concrete Nailer
Pneumatic Framing Nailer
Pneumatic Roofing Coil Nailer
Pneumatic Wide Crown Stapler
Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Planing, Joining, and Routing Power Tools
Chain Mortiser
Cutout Tool
Plate Joiner
Power Planer
Router
Sash Router
Trimmer
Outdoor Power Tools & Equipment
Electric Chain Saw
Electric Hedge Trimmer
Electric String Trimmer
Engine Pump
Gas/Petrol Backpack Brushcutter
Gas/Petrol Blower
Gas/Petrol Brushcutter
Gas/Petrol Chain Saw
Gas/Petrol Edger
Gas/Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Gas/Petrol Pole Hedge Trimmer
Gas/Petrol String Trimmer
Gas/Petrol Top Handle Chain Saw
Generator
High-Pressure Washer
Home & Garden Chain Saw
Telescopic Gas/Petrol Pole Saw
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
