Hand Tool list: For the weekend warrior who may be swayed by ads at the local tool store. As a common guide these are the finish carpentry tools most respected and used by the professionals here in So. California. Jigsaw: Bosch. It's the smoothest most accurate jigsaw out there. Every pro I know uses these exclusively. Mitre saw: There's some debate out there but the real pros who have been at it for years all have the same saw as a rule. The hitachi 81/4" sliding chop saw. The larger 12" saws tend to not cut as accurately as the blade deflects as it goes through the material. Nail gun: Framing gun, hitachi. Finish gun, Senco Compressor: Get the lightest one you can that will last. Cordless drill: Although a lot of people use the DeWalt 12 volt the ability of these to hold up under constant use is questionable. Level: Stabila Power hand saw: Skil worm drive Portable Table saw: Bosch is by far the most accurate and smoothest. expensive though. Router: Porter Cable 1 1/2 horse. Optional D handle base is nice Planer: Porter cable door planer, makita Professional finish carpentry tips: Cut to the Quick Cutting Fair and Square Enlarging a Hole in One Fixing Crumpled Corners No-Splinter Sawing Patching Damaged Wood Floors Perfect Cut Paneling Quick Half-Lap Joints Screen Door Secret Take a Bigger Bite The Best Way to Free Frozen Screws Tip: If you have a bolt or the top of a jar that is stubborn, first tighten it before trying to loosen it up. Believe it or not it will break the seal and will make the bolt or jar lid easy to take off.