Join the professionals
Some of the major power tool manufacturers sell two lines of tools: one that is for professional use and another for the do-it-yourselfer. Professional tools are usually, more powerful, heavier, and more costly. But they are also safer for an experienced do-it-yourselfer — and are usually worth the money, especially if they will be used a lot.

Amps of power
When you are comparison shopping for a power tool, don’t rely on the boldly promoted kilowatt (kW) rating as an indicator of the tool’s power. Such ratings are less than accurate. Instead, compare how many amperes each tool’s motor draws — the more amperes, the more powerful the tool. If the amperage isn’t listed on the tool’s packaging, check the nameplate on the tool itself. For more on power tools and ampere measures, see here.

Go ahead and blow it
Sawdust is the enemy of all power tool motors. It accumulates inside the motor, around the motor housing, and in the motor vents. Vacuum the stuff from the housing and from the vents every month or so. Or blow it out with compressed air, using either an air compressor or canned air, available at photography supply stores. (Be sure to wear eye protection.) If you fail to keep the vents open and the housing free of sawdust, your tools will probably overheat.

A plug for safety
You should unplug power tool whenever you’re adjusting or cleaning it, or not using it. To keep a young child from plugging in a power toot, insert a key ring through the hole in the plug prong. If there isn’t a hole already, drill one yourself. (Older children will be able to figure out how to unthread the key ring.)

Avoiding accidents

Whenever you use a power tool, make safety your main concern. The following are general power
tool safety rules.

Read, understand, and follow the directions in the owner’s manual. Use a tool only for the jobs for which it was designed. Don’t force a tool or otherwise cause its motor to overheat.

Analyze the job environment. Never operate a tool in damp, wet, or fume-filled atmosphere. Keep your workplace well-lit, well-ventilated, and free of clutter.

Dress safely. Don’t wear jewelry or loose clothing. Keep long hair tied back. Wear the appropriate safety equipment.

Evaluate your mood. If you are out of sorts, ill, or taking a medication that could affect your alertness or judgment, postpone the job.

Think before you act. Know the consequences of every move you make. This will slow you down at first, but after a while knowing what’s safe — and what’s not — will become second nature to you.

Concentrate on the job. Don’t talk to anyone while you work, and keep children and pets away. Focus on what you are doing at the moment, not on the next step.

Take your time. Hurrying and taking short cuts are major causes of workshop accidents.

Maintain your balance. Wear nonslip footwear, and make sure your footing is secure. Grip a portable tool firmly. Don’t reach too far with a tool or work with it held over your head: stand on a sturdy stepladder instead.

Listen to the sound of the motor. If a tool makes an unfamiliar noise or vibration, turn it off and unplug it.