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How To Use Tools

This section contains loads of articles on the proper uses of various tools. In the case of power tools knowing the proper techniques and functions is imperative. You should always read and following the directions that come with your tools and take safety seriously. Personally I have seen way to many brutal accidents. Both by novices and pros alike. You pros out there can get to comfortable, take short cuts and do things you know you shouldn't with your tools. Please do not let this happen to you. Sure modern medicine is great but the ideas of losing body parts and hoping they can sew them back on does make me feel better...

Recent Articles

  How to properly use a Circular Saw and prevent kick back
circular sawAmong professional tradesmen, on the farm, around the house and in the vocational shop, the circular saw is probably the most commonly used power saw, and perhaps the most commonly abused.
  Using Table Saws
table sawThe table saw is one of the most commonly used stationary power tools in any woodworking shop. Safe usage requires that it be hand-led with care and specific procedures be followed to prevent accidents.
  Using Bench and Portable Grinders
angle grinderThe grinding process consists of removing material from the workpiece by the use of a rotating wheel that has a surface composed of abrasive grains.
  Using Routers
routerA router is a woodworking tool used to rout out (hollow out) an area in the face of a piece of wood.
  Impact Wrenches
impact wrenchAn impact wrench (also known as an air wrench, air gun, rattle gun, torque gun) is a socket wrench power tool designed to deliver high torque output with minimal exertion by the user, by storing energy in a rotating mass, then delivering it suddenly to the output shaft.
  Sanders
belt sander

Sanding can be a messy job and is often a prolonged operation. It can also be dangerous if you aren't careful. Here's how to use a sander with safety in mind.
  Using Shapers
shaperAs its name suggests, the shaper -- essentially a router with added power -- is a tool used to shape wood. A shaper consists of a sturdy table and an upright shaft connected to a powerful motor. Its micro-adjustable fence ensures perfect precision cuts.
  Using Jointers/Planers
jointerThe jointer or jointer-planer is used to "true-up," size or smooth wood in width (edge) or thickness (surface)-doing the job of a hand plane faster and better. The jointer can also be used to perform special operations such as tapering, beveling and grooving.
  Using a Drill Press
drill pressThe Drill Press is used for drilling holes in various materials. The main advantages of the Drill Press over the hand-held counterpart, the Hand Drill, is that using the Drill Press will allow you to drill with more accuracy, drill larger holes, and drill at specific angles more successfully.
  Portable Drills
electric drillAvailable in a wide variety of types and capacities, portable power drills are undoubtedly the most used power tools in the world. Because of their handiness and application to a very wide range of jobs, drills often receive very heavy usage.
  How to use a Wood Lathe
latheWood turning can be a satisfying and addictive experience, it is in itself a complete unit capable of producing finished work. You can duplicate parts to repair chairs, dig into a burl to make a bowl or make your own custom candle sticks
.
  Using a Jig or Saber Saw
jigsawThe powered saber saw uses a reciprocating motor to move a small saw blade up and down across the object to be cut. Blades available include those for wood (coarse or fine cut), metal, drywall/plaster, or plastic.
 
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