Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - What new tool?

The in-laws want to get me a new tool for Christmas, and I am not sure what to ask for. I already have the usual set of tools (circ saw, jigsaw, drill, socket wrench, ,etc.). I have been thinking of an angle grinder, reciprocating saw, or miter saw. The uses for a miter saw are easy, but I am having a tough time trying to figure out what kind of household products an angle grinder or reciprocating saw might be used for. Any thoughts or other tool suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Neil

question? what do you give to the person who has everything?
answer: something to put it in. "a box"
think about it i have gifted many loved ones with a box as a gift
example ,tool box, tackle box, jewelry box, toy box, mail box,
storage boxes, stacking boxes, tot boxes, and the list goes on how nice is it to have a box for your stuff.
i am a professional chef i have more knives pots pans and gadgets than i know what to do with i would sure like to have a box to put them into
hope this helps
chef sam

A box? Are you kidding? That's something we can make after people buy us tools. JK, it's actually a good idea, there are never enough boxes for things, but I just can't get myself to buy any.

As for tools, what projects do you see in your future? What tools would make those projects easier. In general, I think the miter saw would be the most used of the tools you mentioned, but not everyone has the same needs.

How about a router. Craftsman has an excellent dualbase set.
Build a router table to put it in and go wild making stuff.
Here's my most recent project.
http://www.routerforums.com/attachments/axlmyks-stuff/7826-one-little-nipper-sunp0011.jpg

Never leave home without a reciprocating saw. I am a remodeler, and it is the first tool out of the trailer. But a good 10" or 12" compound miter saw is invaluable. But, like Mitch17 says, determine your goals, and fit your tools to the goals. Beware, however, it is an addiction for which there is no cure. Glad it's your problem, not mine! Hey, AxlMyk, where does the engine go!

I'm surprised Rapture hasn't chimed in yet - he normally can smell when anyone asks about buying tools.

Thanks for the replies guys.

chef sam,
I actually have plenty of boxes at the moment. My dad passed away earlier this year and he was an auto mechanic, so I am inheriting his rolling tool chest (and his mechanic tools). I love cars, my brother not so much, so I get the tool chest and tools. :D

As far as my future needs, I don't really know. My wife and I are moving into a brand new house next spring, and some of the projects I did in our current house we are having upgraded in our new house. Like tiling, hardwood floors, etc. I guess the 3 tools I mentioned are the ones that I don't already have and aren't too expensive for a gift. I would love a nice big air compressor, but it would be hard to get in the overhead bin on the flight back from the in-laws;) . What are some projects that an angle grinder or reciprocating saw can be used for? The miter saw is pretty easy and could be useful if I get into doing crown moulding and other stuff at the new house, but I am not sure what the saw and grinder would be useful for.

Thanks,
Neil

P.S. I do have an addiction to tools Chandler!

As I said earlier, I think the miter saw will get the most use. I would not ever give up my recip saw, though. Just bought my first angle grinder, that's obviously the one for which I have the least need. If you do go recip saw, I really like the quick blade release system on the Milwaukee brand stuff.

I would go with a good miter saw. I use mine more than any other bench tool. A recirocating saw is a great tool if you have demo in your future and a router is a must if you get hooked on woodworking. I have a grinder, but don't use it that much.

Look at it this way, this year a miter saw, next year a router, the year after an angle grinder and so on until you die. That's how most of us DIYers operate.

As I said earlier, I think the miter saw will get the most use. I would not ever give up my recip saw, though. Just bought my first angle grinder, that's obviously the one for which I have the least need. If you do go recip saw, I really like the quick blade release system on the Milwaukee brand stuff.

Mitch - I have a DeWalt recip saw that's probably 20 years old. The one thing I hate about it is changing blades. It uses a allen head chuck and it seems that every time I unplug the saw the allen head is hidden behind the saw fence. A quick change chuck might just be the incentive I need to retire the DeWalt.

I have a handle made by Milwaukee for holding recip saw blades that turns them into a hand saw and it has that system. My actual recip saw doesn't - I'm waiting for it to break so I can justify the new purchase.

The PC Tiger saw has a twist barrel that releases the blade. Very quick and no tools. Addiction to tools??!! Just wait until you go with the airless nailers, battery powered saws, etc. Not to mention, planer, jointer, drill press, table saw, radial arm saw, mortising and tenoning attachments, oscillating drum sander, biscuit cutter, compressor, nail guns, band saw, scroll saw, clamps (lots of clamps). And that's just what I can see from the walk in door. Addicted? Hopelessly. Cure? Don't want one.

Personal preference for PC over Milwaukee, so I'll have to look at that one as well (as soon as I can break the current one).

Sort of like my 1970's Craftsman table saw. It just won't break. I would love to replace it with a newer version, with a router hole blown in the table, Beisenmyer fence, etc. But I'm stuck!!

I'm in the same boat. An old Craftsman table saw with a crappy fence that won't stay square and a cheesy miter gauge. I've used and abused it for nearly 30 years.

Problem is, it has a great cast table, a motor that won't quit and it just keeps cutting, year after year. I've made all sorts of jigs and adaptors to get around it's shortcomings and I just can't bring myself to replace it.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think the miter saw will be the gift of choice (or rather, gift card of choice). I have no demo in my future so I think I can hold off on a recip saw, and the grinder seems to be more of a specialty tool. The miter saw will be a good all-around addition to my tool arsenal.

Thanks,
Neil

I'm surprised Rapture hasn't chimed in yet - he normally can smell when anyone asks about buying tools.

:D Yep....you know it!

Thanks for the replies guys. I think the miter saw will be the gift of choice (or rather, gift card of choice). I have no demo in my future so I think I can hold off on a recip saw, and the grinder seems to be more of a specialty tool. The miter saw will be a good all-around addition to my tool arsenal.

Thanks,
Neil

Before getting to the bottom of this list....had to reply to something else said...I was thinking miter. A good addition and big enough to see when first walking into the garage. I recently got a Ridgid palm sander (man that is a great sander). It's too small, so I keep it next to my Ridgid Miter saw. I'm starting to look like a HD store with all my Ryobi and Ridgid. Whatever...I like my tools:p

How about a nice powerful aircompressor ?
But, I do think the high quality rollaway is better..what I need is space....:D :D