by Buffy Cranford

Created on: October 29, 2009

A crackling fire, sleigh bells, and the mighty buzz of a table saw can bring joy to any holiday season. Depending on your geographical location, winter projects can range from deck sanding to retreating to the woodshop with a space heater and a new Dremel. Whether you are longing for your amateur woodworker to craft new bookshelves, sand the deck, or hang family pictures, this article tackles the top five power tools for Christmas 2009.

Scrap the extension cords on your Christmas list and go straight for the Makita Compact Lithium-Ion cordless three-speed impact driver, model BTD144. This model offers plenty of torque (1,420 lbs), but is just over five inches in length and weighs barely three pounds. The charger boasts a thirty minute rapid recharge, and it is packaged with a tool case for easy storage after the job. As an added bonus, a built-in L.E.D. light can illuminate the work area.

If you need a smooth finish to a project, check out the Dewalt D26441K Orbital Sheet Sander. This sander fits in the palm of your hand and features a low-vibration design so there would be no need to constantly shake your arm awake. With the built in dust bag, you can eliminate dust as you sand.

No workshop is complete without a basic circular saw. Black and Decker created an affordable option with the CS1030L Circular Saw. With an onboard laser, you can avoid slanted cuts or costly mistakes, and the 0-45 degree bevel provides flexibility for cutting angles or trim pieces. The six foot cord offers plenty of room to move around, and you can get started right away with the included 18-tooth carbide blade.

When you are cutting pieces larger than a 2x4, a table saw offers the stability for straighter, smoother cuts. Although you can certainly attempt to cut that twelve foot board into four feet sections using a circular saw with an onboard laser, a table saw like Skil's 3400-08 includes everything you need for a do-it-yourself project without breaking your budget. With a 15 amp motor, you can easily slice through the toughest wood. The saw includes a miter gauge for cross-cutting, built-in storage for your extra blades, and can be clamped to the included stand. There is even a carrying handle for transporting the saw, just make sure the blade guard is in place.

Drywall dust, plaster remnants and discarded screws are no match for the six gallon, three horsepower Quiet Deluxe wet/dry vacuum from Shop-Vac. With onboard storage for all the accessories and a three year warranty, this Shop-Vac would be a great gift to keep the workbench spotless.

Any of these power tools are bound to replace visions of sugarplums this holiday season. Just peek into the garage, or watch for a glazed expression during tool commercials to see what hearty power tool your loved one might put on the Christmas list.

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