Scott McGourley, Kasco Stone, Tampa, FL: My favorite hand tool for under $500 is the Alpha AWS-125 Circular Saw. This machine accepts a 5-inch curved blade and allows the user to very quickly and safely make accurate curved cuts on granite. It has a handle on the front left that makes it very easy and safe to control the machine. It also has a water attachment and built in GFCI. It is really a must for any size shop. We make cuts with it on the saw table as well as drop vanity bowls in five minutes. It also works quite well for straight cutting.