As tools get more sophisticated -- and more expensive -- you've got to keep up with the latest innovations to make sure you buy the best equipment for the money.

And here's a smart way to stay on top of the best new products out there -- plus recent upgrades to old favorites.

Our 2010 Tool Guide is the most up-to-date, comprehensive, authoritative tool-buying guide you'll find anywhere.

It's also the most unbiased -- with hundreds of frank appraisals and valuable product comparisons from 6,000 actual users, including industry experts and regular people like you.

Over 300 tools have been put through their paces -- each one subjected to the rugged, real-world treatment you demand on a day-to-day basis.

Here are some of the questions our respondents ask as part of their product evaluations.

• Does it perform precisely as it's supposed to?
• Is it comfortable to use?
• Is it durable?
• How does it stack up against the competition?
• Does it have any special quirks you should know about?
• Is it a good value for the price?

All the answers are delivered in clear, easy-to-understand language -- with lots of photos and graphics to help you see how each product works.

Here are just a few of the products we put under the microscope.

• 18-volt cordless drills
• Router combination kits
• Random orbit sanders
• Mortising machines
• 16-gauge finish nailers
• Air hoses
• Dust masks
• Laser measures
• Thin kerf blades
• Bench vises

The content for our 2010 Tool Guide is selected from recent issues of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking -- plus some new articles featuring noteworthy product introductions and some great gift ideas.

Before you buy another expensive tool, make sure you pick up a copy of our new tool guide. For only $9.99, it's a smart investment that will save you lots of time, money and potential frustration.

Editor's Letter
On the Horizon -- New Tools
Great Gifts
Build a Proper First-Aid Kit

Power Tools
Worm-drive Saws
18-volt Cordless Drills
Cordless Impact Drivers
SCM Saws
Router Combo Kits
Trim Routers
Belt Sanders
Random Orbit Sanders

Machines
Benchtop Planers
Mortising Machines
Bandsaws
Hybrid Tablesaws
Riving Knives

Pneumatic Tools
16-gauge Finish Nailers
Spray Guns
Hoses

Hand Tools
Bench Chisels
Block Planes for Builders
Marking Knives
Multi-bit Screwdrivers

Accessories
Small Clamps
Dust Masks
Forstner Bits
Laser Measures
Shop Helpers
Shop Storage Options
Truck Racks
Thin-kerf Blades
Vises