DO IT
TO DIY FOR
ABOVE For long, smooth cuts through solid
timber, plywood, melamine or MDF, a plunge
saw with track does the trick
HAVING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
ALWAYS MAKES A JOB EASIER, BUT
SOME TOOLS CAN BE GAME CHANGERS
Words KYLIE JACKES
W
hile your toolkit
probably includes
the absolute
essentials, there’s
a world of lesserknown equipment that can help you
power through projects with precision
and ease, or broaden the scope
of what you can tackle. Check out
a few of our surprise favourites.
Plunge saw
Many DIYers and tradies consider a
circular saw a must, but when there’s a
need for greater precision, for example
when trimming millimetres off a door,
laying a floating floor or starting a cut
in the middle of a material, Andrew
Murray of Ozito recommends using a
plunge saw. “The addition of a straight
track for the saw to run along allows
for a perfectly straight cut, even when
cutting a bevel,” explains Andrew.
TOOL SCHOOL
“And, unlike a circular saw, a plunge
saw has an accurate depth stop
to achieve a plunge cut without
kickback, making tasks like cutting
a hole in a timber benchtop for a
sink achievable,” he adds.
Laser measurer
To gauge distances or spaces, a laser
measurer is much easier to use and
more accurate than a traditional tape
measure, according to Vindi Chathrine
of Bosch. “With the click of a button,
a laser measurer can be used to
accurately measure distances up
to 150m, with the ability to store and
transfer data and calculate volume
and area,” says Vindi. “This is ideal
if you need to determine square
meterage for flooring materials,
wallpaper or paint.” If you opt for
a model with bluetooth connectivity,
the data can be transferred to an app
and documented for easy reference.
Handheld rotary tool
The endlessly adaptable ‘go-to
gadget’ for DIY and craft enthusiasts
has to be a handheld rotary power
tool. As Caroline Chagas of Dremel
explains, “Rotary tools can be used for
cutting, sanding, engraving, cleaning,
polishing, sharpening, grinding, routing
and drilling holes, making them one of
the most flexible pieces of equipment
in a home workshop.” Cordless models
are great for short bursts of work that
need mobility, like shaving off plaster,
whereas for hobbyists who want to
“When choosing a plunge saw, consider the
blade that comes with it. You may want an
additional blade to create an even cleaner cut”
Andrew Murray, Ozito
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