tools I'm considering buying, for my tiny wood shop and tiny metal shop

used   [2]   [3]

• $299, high torque, "like new"
• $125, "tested and does work"
• $189, "works like a clock, cleaned inside and out, painted"

list

• jigsaw that I already have
  • There are tips for cutting plywood with a jigsaw.   [1]   [2]   [3]
• oscillating multi-tool
  • upside:   it's VERY versatile
  • upside:   it's somewhat quiet
  • downside:   they're really not capable of cutting efficiently
  • DeWalt tool
• electric die grinder [manufacturer] [manual]
  • Q3 2025 — NEW DeWalt die grinder is coming "soon". [manufacturer]   [🔍Amazon]   [🔍Google News]   [🔍Reddit]
  • this thread suggests the Milwaukee M12 die grinder is much better than the DeWalt one, and it's good enough to buy into the Milwaukee battery system.
    • the guard needed for cutoff wheels is their Type 1 guard
  • upsides:   variable speed (both an overall speed selector, as well as a pressure-sensitive trigger)
  • additional purchases — several things
  • note — a right-angle version is "coming soon" (but it's been coming soon for a while)
• electric die grinder   (corded)
  • DeWalt   [1]   [1b]   [2]   [3]
  • Metabo   [GE710]   [GE710 Plus]   [GE950 G Plus]   [GE950 G Plus]   [GE950 G Plus] (these might be worth it?)
  • Makita   [1]   [2]   [3]   [4]
  • Votoer   [1]   [2]
  • Vevor
  • My conclusion — All corded die grinders that have variable speed are very expensive. If I can find one used, go for it, otherwise the DeWalt cordless one would be a much cheaper way to go.
  • It's dangerous to use a cut-off wheel for a die-grinder, unless you buy a guard for it. Fortunately the Metabo GT710 has a guard available for it.
• cut-off tool [manufacturer]
  • upside:   it's a cute little thing
  • downside:   it isn't variable-speed, though honestly, it probably just can't put out nearly as much power as a 4½" angle grinder
  • downside:   the blade selection is much more limited
  • downside:   it really wouldn't be good for cutting wood due to its very high speed (this runs 20,000 RPM, compared to 4,500 RPM for DeWalt's 4½" circular saw)
• small circular saw
  • reason to buy it:   As far as I know, for cutting plywood, almost everyone uses a circular saw / table saw.
• electric die grinder   (right angle)
• mini circular saw
• sander   (corded)
• router   (corded)
• metal bandsaw
  • the DeWalt one is very expensive
  • Ryobi isn't too bad
  • upside:   they're not nearly as loud as cut-off discs