Making home chores a pleasure

There's not a lot of room in my home workshop anymore, and my tools aren't getting as much use these days as they once did.

But if I were asking for new tools for Christmas, these five would be on my list:

The kindest cut of all is possible with the

Bosch 4410L 10-inch sliding compound miter saw

with a laser cut line. It has just what I want, versatility and visibility, which add up to better, more accurate cuts than I can make by just chop, chop, chopping. It's $649 and available at Lowe's and tool stores.

It's one heavy stocking stuffer, but I think the

Extractor

from Jefferson Tool is well worth the weight - and the price is right, just $25 (available at

» READ MORE: www.nailextractor.com

if ordered by Dec. 19, or at Shore Fasteners & Supply Inc., 500 N. Main St. in Pleasantville or 24 N. California Ave. in Atlantic City). The Extractor's jaws get a grip - the harder you squeeze, the harder the jaws clench - and out comes the nail. Smooth.

Not for holiday use unless we have a real tough turkey, but

Ryobi's BTS20R table saw

is stuffed with extras - and I could wheel it to the dining room table, if necessary. After looking at comparable models on the market, I think it's truly a cut above ($229, at Home Depot and online).

This router isn't wireless, but for a lot of power at a small price,

Skil's Model 1825

($99 at home centers) is the way I want to go. This combo plunge and fixed-based router has 2.25 horsepower and 11 amps, with a built-in work light that shows the way.

If I could think of a project that would make it worth my pennies, I'd break open my piggy bank for

Ridgid Tools' WTS2000L 10-inch wet tile/stone saw

($697 at Home Depot). All the snipping and clipping and cracked tile that had to be chucked into the trash over the years would be just a vague memory. Cutting 18-inch tile on a diagonal? Like butter.