Power Tools

General InformationPower tools have replaced many hand tools for

doing work in the home and in the workshopThey allow more work to be carried out in less

time, particularly if it is repetitive workPower tools, being powered by electricity,

makes the dangerous and it is important that care is taken at all times

Many of the power tools that will be described here are too dangerous to be used by students in the workshop

General Information

Power tools are not a substitute for

quality hand work

Power ToolsAdvantages DisadvantagesAllow work to be carried

out quicklyRepetitive work can be

carried out accuratelyComplex work can be

done easilyThey are portable

They are expensiveThey usually need a

power sourceThey are more

dangerous than hand tools

The need for a power cable can cause difficulties

They take time to set up and use accurately

Power toolsRecently rechargeable power tools have

become popular, they do not have electric cords but are powered by battery

The battery is simply recharge from the mains power supply

This reduced the risk of electric shock nut are still dangerous

Their main advantage is that they can be used where an electric power supply is unavailable

Safety guidelinesAlways use the tools as instructedAlways ensure that you are wearing the

appropriate safety equipment for the jobBefore changing bits, belts, glasspaper, or

making any adjustment to a power tool, switch off the tool and disconnect it from the mains

Always keep the cutter or moving part pointed away from yourself and others

Ensure that the electric flex of the power tool does not come into contact with the moving part of the power tool

Safety guidelinesDo not let others intrude on you while you

are working and do not disturb others while they are operating equipment

If in doubt seek the assistance of the teacherNever leave a power tool runningAlways wait for the power tool to come to a

complete stop before walking away from itGuards are there for your safety, do not

tamper with them or tie them back, and report any damage immediately

Safety guidelinesDisconnect the power supply when the tool is

not in useHave all power tools regularly serviced

Any distraction can lead to a very serious injury.

Safety is vital. Only use the power tools as instructed by you teacher, after being instructed on their safe

use.

Power tools vs. MachinesPower tools MachinesSandersDrills and drill pressesIronSawsPlanesBiscuit jointersRouter

ChopsawCircular sawScroll sawBandsawMortiserPlanerSanding machinesLathes

SandersThere are a few types of sanderThe sander smooths down the surface of the

wood in preparation for a finish

Belt sanderThis is a large and robust

sanderThe belt sander is usually

used to give and initial levelling to rougher or damaged wood particularly on larger flat surfaces

The abrasive belt is stretched over two rollers which drive it forward

Different grades of abrasive belt are available

Orbital SanderIs a flat pad which

vibrates in tiny circular motions at speed

It is used to smooth flat surfaces and a high quality finish can be achieved

DrillsThere are a number of

drills available (bench drill, battery drill, corded drill), some have different power levels and other have special functions:

Variable speedHammer action (for

drilling masonry)Forward and reverse

action (for driving screws)

Bench mounted drillsBench mounted

drills are used for more precise/accurate drilling and for repetitive work

DrillingAll drills can be used to

bore holes in metal, plastic or wood

When drilling any material with a power drill the work piece must be held firmly

Drills and cordless drills are used with a screwdriver attachment to drive screws easily and quickly

IronThis is an ordinary

clothes ironIt is used for applying

iron on veneersThese veneers are used

for finishing off the edges of sheet material

The iron can also be used for removing small bruises from the surface of wood

Circular SawThis is used for cutting large

sheet material and other work done by the larger table saw

It is often more conventional to bring the tool to the work

The circular saw has a fence which keeps the blade running parallel to an edge

A guard, which is spring loaded, covers the blade, when not in use

The blade can be adjusted to vary the cutting depth and the angle of cut

Circular Saw

Always disconnect the saw from the mains when not in use

Hands must be kept away from the blade

JigsawThe jigsaw has a narrow blade

which can be easily changed when broken

The motor drives the blade up and down t cut the material

The jigsaw can cut tight corners, and curves

The saw is very versatileThe saw can be fitted with a

fence for cutting straight lines, but is usually used to cut curves

One disadvantage of the jigsaw is that the depth of cut is limited

The jigsaw can be adjusted to cut at an angle

Jigsaws

Use safety goggles when using the jigsaw

The workpiece should be held firmlyDisconnect the toll before making

adjustmentsAlways keep the power cable away

from the blade

PlanersPower planers are

powered by an electric motor which drives a cylindrical cutting block

The planer is used for smoothing rough wooden surfaces

To bring material to a required width and thickness

The planer does this more quickly than the ordinary hand plane

Electric Planer

PlanersKeep your hands and the power cable away

form the blades at all timesDisconnect the power supply and store it on its

side when not in useThe tool should be fully stopped and

disconnected before making any adjustmentsAlways use the appropriate safety equipment

when operating the planer

Biscuit JoinersIs a modern power tool which

is used in the making of joints

The machine is like a small circular saw which cuts a small slot in the two pieces of wood to be joined

A biscuit, which is usually made of pressed beech is glued and inserted into the grooves and it acts like a loose tongue

This joint is useful and strongIt joins the edges of man

made boards very well

Biscuit Joiner

RouterThe router is a portable power

tool which is used for cutting mouldings in timber

It is a very versatile tool and can be used with a number of very specialised attachments which will cut joints such as mortises, rebates, housings and dovetails

The cutter protrudes below the baseplate to do the cutting

The base plate can be lowered and raised to allow the depth of cut to be adjusted

Router Cutting Bits and Router Tables

RouterThe cutter can also be plunged into material,

cut the required amount and be lifted, by means of a spring action

Always keep the cutter facing away from yourself and others

Always keep the power cable facing away from yourself and others

Always disconnect the power supply before making adjustments and when not in useAlways use the proper safety precautions

when using the routerAllow the cutter to stop before placing the

router on the bench

RememberAny power tool is dangerousOnly use power tools as directed by your

teacher with his or her permissionCircular saws, routers, planers and biscuit

joiners are extremely high risk machines and should not be used by pupils

Power supplyPower tools run by electrical

power or run off a battery which is charged at the mains supply

Plugs must be wired correctly to ensure safe use

The electrical cable has three wires, a live (brown), a neutral (blue) and an earth wire (green and yellow)

The earth wire is for safety In the event of an accident the

earth wire directs the current to the ground through the electrical supply, possible preventing injury

Power supplyPlugs are fitted with a fuse, which prevents

too much current running through the appliance

Most plugs are fitted with a 13 amp fuse but this is generally unsuitable for power tools

You should fit the correct fuse for the particular tool before it is used

The correct amp rating should be given in a tools instruction manual but can be easily calculated

Power supplyWhere:

W= Power (watts)V= Voltage (volts)I= Current (amps)

Round up to the nearest fuse rating 3 amp, 5 amp, 12

amp and 15 amp

W V I

WIV

Power supplyPlugs should be sturdy and able to resist

occasional knocksThe wiring to a plug should be checked

occasionally to ensure that wires are not loose and that a tool is safe to use

Question Colour the Plug correctly