Power Tools
Monday, April 23, 2012
Using a Drill to get your Projects Done
Drills are a commonly used power tool for a variety of projects. It is very important that you use the right drill for the particular project. Power drills come in a variety of sizes. They are sized by the largest size of shank that will fit into the chuck. You will get more speed with a larger sized drill.
Drills are classified as being for light, medium, or heavy duty work. They start at 2 amps and go up to 5 amps. It is a good idea to purchase a drill that has more than one speed. This will give you more control when you are using it for various projects. One speeds do work well, but sometimes it will take you longer when you are doing a project. If the speed it too fast for the particular project then you can damage your project.
Different sized drills can handle a project better than others. It also depends on the types of materials you are working with such as concrete, metal, plastic, and wood. Do you want a drill that is fast or one that offers a great deal of torque? Maybe you need a drill that offers both for a heavy duty job? It is a good idea to evaluate what you plan to do with a drill both now and in the future before you make this decision.
An angle drill is great for getting into tight spaces. Choose a model that allows you several positions for the drill to operate in. It is also a good idea to use one that is lightweight. Some of the positions you have to use it in won’t give you enough area to have both hands on it.
You can choose to use a drill with or without a cord. The cord models are traditional, but cordless drills help reduce accidental falls due to tripping over the cord and possible electrocution. You can also use them in places where a power source isn’t conveniently located. One draw back is the possibility of the battery going dead.
Make sure you fully charge it on the power pack before you need it. Some people prefer to have an extra battery if they use their cordless drill often. They keep one in their drill and the other charged for a fast, easy swap.
Never force a drill to go in. If it is having difficulty, back it out some and then proceed slowly. You can damage the drill and cause injury to yourself it you attempt to drill a larger hole then the drill is capable of completing. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when you operate any type of drill. Always unplug the drill before you change the bit in it.
A drill is a very useful power tool is versatile enough to be used for a variety of projects. Making sure you use the right type of drill for the material you are working with as well as the right type and size of drill bit will ensure you get the best possible results from your drill. A drill bit chart is very useful. It lists the various types of drill bits and what they are recommended for. You can print one out for free from the internet.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Use a Router to Enhance your Project
A router is a very effective power tool for enhancing the design of any project. You can use a router on wood, fiberglass, and plastic. Use a router to engrave, shape, groove, or to make inlets. The cutting action on a router comes from the sides of it rather than the tip. For the best results, go with the grain as you use the router.
There are several different sizes of routers to choose from with various amounts of power and speeds. Some people enjoy using a router with a diamond wheel accessory so they can detail glass and ceramic items. Routers can be frustrating at first, but don’t be discouraged. Practicing with a router will show you exactly what it can and can’t do.
Make sure you don’t move the router too slow or you can burn the area you are working on. It can also make your bit very dull. Moving the router too fast is dangerous as well because your work with be rough and you will likely break your bit. It will take some time for you to get the feel for the right amount of pressure and speed to use with your router. If you listen to the router closely you will be able to hear a different sound when you are operating it correctly.
A creative person can do some amazing things with a router! The more knowledge you have about how your particular model of router works, the handier it will become. Routers are available with or without a cord. For the best results with a router, choose one that has a high amount of horsepower. It will be more versatile and help you complete your work accurately.
Regardless of the brand or size of router you choose to work with, it will have three basic parts – the base, motor, and collet. The motor is actually located inside of the base. The bit of the router is held in place by the collet. There are several different bases to choose from. A fixed base has a bottom plate that is round, side handles, and an adjustable height. Some models come with accessories attached to the side.
The D-shaped handle base offers a trigger to make the router turn on and off. It is very convenient. The base you choose depends on your own personal preference. Both styles are very efficient. If you plan to do a great deal with the router, consider purchasing a kit that has both bases, allowing you to interchange them.
Routers have more accessories than any other power tool on the market. There are several hundred bits you can choose from. A common accessory is a router table. They are great for trying to router very small parts, as they hold everything securely in place for you.
Routers are often quite loud, so make sure you wear ear plugs. They can also result in large amounts of dust particles in the air depending on the type of material you are working with. A respirator is a good idea if you are using a router on wood. Always wear eye protection when you operate a router. Don’t forget that the tip of the router may be hot when you are done using it.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Type of Power Tools
The market is full of wonderful power tools, all designed to help you will any project you wish to under take. It can be tricky trying to decide which power tool you should use for a certain project. However, it is very important that you take the time to find out. You don’t want to damage your project and you don’t want to injury yourself by not using the right power tool.
Drills are used to insert a hole for various reasons. It could be to anchor something by installing nails or screws. Routers are great for carving and engraving. A router can be somewhat intimidating, but once you get comfortable using it, you will find it to be a remarkable power tool. Practice on something before you use one on a project to get a feel for it.
Saws are a well used power tool. Most anything that is build with wood involves using some type of saw. It can be to cut the beams or to cut corners and holes in the middle of the wood without touching the edges. Saws are also one of the most dangerous power tools out there because of the sharp blades and the shear power they have. Saws are also used to cut down limbs and firewood.
Routers are one of the neatest power tools, in my opinion. They are great for detail work on trim or to make unique designs. You can create wonderful works of art with a router and some various accessories. The reviews on routers are fairly divided. If you know how to use one properly then you absolutely love it. If you are intimidated by it, then you feel like it is the one power tool you can do without.
Sanders are very basic power tools, but they can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes you to complete a project. Can you imagine sanding down a vehicle before you paint by hand? There are many different shapes and sizes of sanders to choose from. The are relatively inexpensive. You will need sandpaper or sanding discs for them. The sandpaper comes in different grades from very coarse to very fine.
A cordless screwdriver is a very simple power tool, but one many of us love using. It sure makes getting screws in and out very simple. Most of them come with a magnetic tip that flips over from a flat head to a Phillips head. This means you only need one tool for all of your screws. I used to be afraid I wasn’t getting the screws tight enough, but I don’t have to work about that with a cordless screwdriver.
With so many great power tools out there to choose from, finding the right one for you and for your projects is going to take some time. Research what each type of power tool has to offer you. The more versatile a power tool is, the more jobs it can take care of for you. That will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to purchase new power tools each time you take on a different project. Read reviews and make sure any power tool you purchase is exactly what you were looking for. Rushing out and making a purchase can leave you very disappointed.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Think of Safety when you Operate Power Tools
Most of us have operated a power tool at one time or another. They come in handy for a wide range of projects. It is very important that you always operate any power tool correctly. You should know exactly what it is to be used for, how it operates, and where the power switch is located in case you have to turn it off in a hurry.
Most injuries that involve power tools are the result of someone being inexperienced with that particular power tool or the tool being used for something it was not intended for. Take your time when you are operating power tools. Don’t let yourself become distracted. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential for accidents and injuries. They can happen no matter how many times you have picked up that power tool and used it without incident.
Cords are a common hazard when operating power tools. They can get in the way and accidentally get severed. There is also the potential of tripping over them and getting injured. Make sure all power cords are secured and out of the area where you will be operating the power tool. Keep all cords out of water and away from solvents or you could get shocked or electrocuted.
If you have never operated a particular power tool before, take your time getting familiar with it before you even plug it in. Read the owners manual that comes with the power tool. Find out about the types of blades and other accessories that can safely be used with it. If the power tool comes with any type of safety guard, take the time to put it in place. You will find information in the owner’s manual regarding possible safety hazards.
No matter how tempting it may be, never use a power tool for a project that it wasn’t intended for. This includes trying to cut materials with a saw or saw blade that was not designed for it. Don’t alter a power tool to make it faster or to do something that it wasn’t designed for. You really don’t know the effect that is going to have on the operating capacity of the power tool.
It is never a good idea to operate any type of power tool if you have been consuming alcohol. Your perception will be off and you could end up with a very serious injury. Some prescription medications and over the counter medications can made you groggy or sleepy as a side effect. You should stay away from power tools while taking them as well.
Some people just don’t feel comfortable operating power tools. That is fine, and you shouldn’t feel forced into doing so. This is just opening the door for potential accidents to happen. If you are willing to learn to operate specific power tools that is one thing, but if you feeling pressured to do so you are going to have too much anxiety to operate it.
Using power tools safely and under the right conditions will help reduce the possibility of any injuries occurring. They are a great way to get your projects and hobbies underway, but never forget the actual power behind them. The moving parts combined with that power can result in injury or death if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating them.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Pros and Cons of a Cordless Power Tool
The power tool industry has implemented the idea of cordless power tools in the past decade. They have been very popular. Consumers enjoy the convenience of being able to use them anywhere without having to worry about a power supply. It is also nice not have to worry about the cords being in your way, especially when an extension cord was needed to get it to the right length.
As most consumers are aware, convenience is always more expensive. You will find cordless power tools cost more than the traditional power tools with cords. A major drawback of cordless power tools is that they don’t offer as much power as a cord power tool. In many cases the difference in power isn’t enough to be an issue, but for larger projects it can be a major concern.
You always know a power tool with a cord is going to work when you need it. That isn’t always so with a cordless tool. I know on several occasions I have reached for my cordless screwdriver and found the charge completely dead because I didn’t charge it up. You will need to remember better than I do to recharge your cordless power tools. While you can easily recharge the batteries, some power tools have a battery that gets weaker over time. This means it won’t hold much of a charge. You can choose to purchase a replacement battery at that point.
There is less of a risk of accidents with a cordless power tool because you don’t have to worry about trips and falls due to the cords. You are also less likely to be shocked or electrocuted. One draw back is that with a cordless power tool someone else can’t simply unplug it if you are involved in an accident. Make sure any cordless power tool has an easily accessed on/off switch.
To make the recharge issue less of an inconvenience, some larger power tools including drills and saws come with two batteries. This is great for keeping one in the power tool and the other charging. It is fast and easy to switch the two so you will always have a fully charged battery ready to work with.
The decision to purchase a cordless power tool is a personal one. Some of us love the convenience of them, and we don’t mind paying extra for it. Most of us don’t miss the extra power either because we only use these power tools for home projects. Those who do large project on a regular basis prefer the heavy duty power tools with a cord. That is fine, that is why the market carries both. It allows consumers to make a choice based on what is going to work well for them.
To make that decision, decide what you are looking for in a power tool. Where are you likely to use it? Is there a reliable power source in that location? How much power are you looking for? If it doesn’t matter than make the purchase based on the best price for the power tool you are looking for. You can easily compare the differences between a particular power tool model with a cord and without. You will have to decide if it is worth the expense for the convenience.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Power Tools and Women
Power tools aren't just for men, that is a thing of the past. Women use power tools all the time now. The use of power tools by women has evolved as the family structure changed over time. Women have become more independent and the chores of the household have become less divided by gender.
While women can operate most any power tool, there are some out there designed specifically for women to use. Don’t worry, they aren’t pink and cute! The Barbara K line features a cordless drill that is very light, yet very powerful. The cordless power screwdriver is the best selling power tool of the line. It is light weight and very easy to use.
The Unbelievable Saw is a hand saw for women that is great for cutting limbs. This saw cuts well and is simple to use. It is also light weight. Women enjoy doing home projects, and finding the right tool can be hard. Black and Decker offers the Project Mate. It is a three in one tool – featuring a scraper, detail sander, and a screwdriver. It doesn’t weight much, fits in the palm of a lady’s hand, and fits in small spaces.
Wrenches can be difficult to maneuver in some areas. Craftsman has the Flex Wrench set in both standard and metric, with seven sizes of wrenches. They are great for getting into tight spaces. They also help give you some added strength to loosen or tighten anything.
A screwdriver is an essential tool for any woman to have. You never know when it will come in handy. Snap-on has the PentaGrip screwdriver that is amazing. It has a button on the top so you can lock the head into position. The handle is designed for smaller hands and has a soft grip.
Pliers to extract nails makes them a piece of cake to remove. It also prevents you from cutting your hands up on any sharp ones. They work great of headless nails too. These pliers are easy to use and easy to grip. The jaws are designed to increase the amount of force on the nail if you encounter some stubborn ones.
The idea of power tools for women is catching on. Five ladies from the University of Kansas are in the process of creating an entire line of power tools for women called Savvy tools. The line is meant to make power tools a more comfortable fit for women in the hopes of promoting safety and making them less intimidating. Bulky power tools are often hard for women to use. The first two power tools are in the works and even have names, Sandra Dee the Sander and Donna the Drill.
Power tools for women that are designed to help them complete projects are anticipated to sell well. Those manufacturers who take this market demand seriously are going to be able to profit from such products. The key is going to be conducting research and finding out what types of power tools women use and asking what they like and don’t like about them. Women don’t want just a smaller version of the power tools out there or the color changed to something pretty. They want power tools that are easy to use and get the job done.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Power Tools Everyone Should Own
Owning your own power tools is much easier than having to rent them or buy them when a household project comes up. It is much cheaper than hiring someone else to do the work if you are able to do it yourself. Since power tools aren’t cheap, you can reduce the expense and still accomplish most day to day projects at home with these tools. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of jobs.
A power screwdriver may not seem essential, but for those of us who have fought endlessly to get a screw in our out of somewhere in the home, we know all too well what a luxury they can be. It just a few seconds you can get that screw out of the wall or put in anchor screws to hang up picture frames. I keep my power screwdriver fully charged and ready to go. It is the power tool I reach for the most. Since they come with a tip that can be changed from Phillips to a flat head, there is no need to have any other screwdriver around.
A power drill, either with a cord or without, is very versatile. The biggest investment here is going to be on the various drill bits that you will need. The size and the type of drill bits you need depend on the project. You can purchase them individually, but you will get a better deal if you purchase an assortment that are sold in a package. Just make sure you only use the right drill bit for the type of drill you have and for the type of material you are drilling into.
Saws are the most commonly used of the power tools out there. You should purchase four different types of saws, and you will be set to take on most any project. A miter saw is fairly inexpensive. It works well for cutting angles on the edges of wood and other materials. This is great for getting the perfect fit on the corners on the first try. A jigsaw is great for placing circular cuts and square cut outs. One of the most common uses for a jigsaw is to cut out the power outlet when installing paneling. Most jigsaws are adaptable for a variety of saw blades and are easy to handle.
A circular saw is great for a variety of projects. You need to be very careful with a circular saw as many power tool injuries occur with this particular power tool. Always use a circular saw with a safety guard attached to it. Circular saws cut through most any kind of materials if you use the right saw blades. They can also cut through thick materials. You will also get a very smooth cut with a circular saw.
A table saw is usually an expensive power tool to invest in, but it will be very handy and last for years. It will only take a couple of ties using it to be glad you purchased one. There are many things you can do with a table saw. It is very helpful when you are cutting long pieces of material or heavy materials because you have a table to balance the weight on. It is also great for join pieces and getting a very straight cut.
These next two items are debated as to their necessity when it comes to power tools. It really depends on your preference and the types of projects you will be doing. A sander that works with or against the grain is something I recommend if you will be doing any type of sanding. This can be on a vehicle, furniture, or a number of other projects. Having a power sander is going to save you hours or even days of sanding by hand, depending on the size of the project. You will also get a nicer finish. Make sure you use the right grade of sandpaper. Start of with a very coarse grade and finish up with a finer grade for a very smooth finish.
A router is a great tool for detail work. If you will be engraving or doing finishing work, this is the tool you don’t want to be without. There are so many accessories for routers that you can be very creative with your designing.
While the power tools you purchase are completely up to you, this is a list of the ones that you should have as well as a brief explanation why. With these tools on hand, you will be ready to tackle a variety of household projects that are sure to materialize over the course of time.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)