Archive for October, 2009

The Seven Golden Rules of Power Tool Safety

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Garrett French asked:


Every time you turn on any of your power tools you run the risk of catastrophic harm to your body. This sobering fact is always close to mind in the best woodworkers and other power tool using trades people, and it’s part of what keeps them safe. Furthermore, the safest people in the power tool using community know and follow the seven rules of power tool safety outlined for you below.

This article is not intended to replace the importance of reading the safety instructions in the manual that comes with every power tool… Be careful and be safe.

1) You Are The Most Dangerous Power Tool

Power tool users debate at great length about which is actually the most dangerous power tool. There’s widespread agreement however that the number one most dangerous power tool is the operator himself, as there are very few cases of any power tools leaping out to attack randomly. Remember that every time you turn on a power tool it’s you who are responsible for having the same number of fingers when you turn it off. This may seem like an obvious statement but it’s the arrogant, cocky and negligent power tool users who end up forgetting this cardinal truth.

2) All Tools are Equally Dangerous, but Some are More Frequently Harmful

Every tool in your tool box can be dangerous to you if you forget the cardinal rule, but some are definitely more frequent causes of trips to the emergency room. You should exercise caution especially when you pick up that box cutter of yours to break down some boxes. Also, the table saw is widely considered one of the most frequent manglers of fingers, as is the radial arm saw, the shaper and the chain saw.

3) Keep Your Tools Sharp, True, Clean and Running Smooth

Tool maintenance is another key factor in power tool safety. You should study the manual that comes with all of your power tools to learn how and how often you should be sharpening, aligning and cleaning your tool. And always be on the look out for changes in its operating function - listen for funny noises or any jiggles that may develop. These are signs that you need to spend some time getting your manual out and make some adjustments. A calendar in your shop that you can mark with tool maintenance times is a good idea too.

4) Keep Your Work Space Tidy, Well Lit and Distraction Free

Whether you’re working in your basement shop or a job site it’s vital that you keep it clean, well lit and free from distractions. The cleanliness and tidiness means that you won’t be tripping over any bits and pieces that you’ve left around. Get into the habit of cleaning up after yourself as you work and you’ll be well along your way to preventing any major problems with work-site accidents. Strong lighting too is vital to any power tool operation as the lighting is what keeps your fingers away from the blade and shows you exactly where blades are at all times. Get as many watts as possible on your next job and you’ll keep yourself out of the emergency room. Finally, make sure that there’s no music on that could distract you, or cell phones or anything else that pulls your attention away from where it needs to be.

5) Purchase or Make the Appropriate Safety Accessories

Woodworkers have their push sticks, feather boards and push blocks to make sure that they keep their cuts as true as possible while keeping their fingers away from the blade. Many power tools have common safety accessories and it’s up to you to make sure that you’ve learned as much as you can about each one and that you use it effectively to protect yourself from catastrophic injury.

6) Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

In addition to the normal stuff like bandages and peroxide you’re going to want to keep a couple of extra items handy that have a grizzly importance. Keep a plastic garbage bag handy for transporting any severed limbs with you to the hospital. Further, a hand mirror is vital for checking on your face in the case of a facial injury. Have these items available and hope that you never have to use them.

7) Always Trust Your Instincts

Most power tool operators report a little twinge of conscience right before they get hurt on a power tool. A little voice or feeling that says “hm… this isn’t safe.” If you get that feeling then stop what ever you’re doing right away. Further, it’s often when people try old jobs in new ways - that they just make up on the spot without thinking through - that they get hurt too. So pay attention to that little voice inside of you and you’ll be much more likely to stay safe!

Remember - it’s up to you to keep yourself safe when using power tools. Always read the manuals and remember the seven rules of power tool safety!



Theodore
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I cant find the power tool section at walmart.com?

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
himynameisjoe123 asked:


I know they have circular and jigsaws in the store but I cant find them online?

Lillie
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The 4 Companions of Power Tools

Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Debbie Johnston asked:


Power tools are great for accomplishing a variety of tasks. People who love to improve their homes need to know about the ‘companions’ of power tools. These companions of power tools make them not only safer, but also more effective. People who use power tools should use ear protection, eye protection, good lighting, and have extensive knowledge of the power tool usage and safety.



Ear protection is an essential companion of most power tools. Power tools that are extremely powerful can also be extremely loud. Depending on the work environment, the sound can echo and be even more damaging to the human ear. As a result, ear protection serves to ensure that professionals and people who use power tools at home will not suffer hearing damage.



Eye protection is also important when using power tools. Power tools are often used to cut wood and other things that can have debris. Eye protection serves to stop debris from harming the eyes. Additionally, accidents sometimes occur with power tools. Goggles can stop the power tools themselves from damaging the eyes.



Good lighting is very important when using power tools because power tools can be very dangerous if one is not completely aware when operating them. If the lighting is bad, then people can make mistakes and hurt themselves. Of course, if the job is very complicated and requires good vision, then good lighting is a must anyway. Bad lighting can result in mistakes that are not correctable. There are many different types of lights that can be used in work environments.



The most important companion of power tools is knowledge. Knowledge of use and safety is paramount to the effectiveness of power tools. Most accidents occur because people do not have sufficient knowledge of the best ways to handle certain power tools. Reading books, watching tutorials, and listening to more experienced users can help increase the safety and effectiveness of power tools. Never be afraid to ask questions, or consult a book, because one might discover new techniques that can make any job go more smoothly. Power tools can make any job easier, but not without the necessary precautions.



Joel
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Cordless Power Tools For Your Needs

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
David Kowalczyk asked:


The cordless revolution has very well left behind the days when we used to use the corded gadgets and the power tools are no exception to it. You will find an array of cordless gadgets around you which are now a part of the day to day life.

These new age tools are coming up with powerful batteries (which simply keep reducing in size everyday), which has give them the edge over the corded tools. Now take your cordless tools to your backyard or garage or wherever their service is required without carrying the extension cords any further.

There are now a plenty of power tools which are now cordless. Now you will find a suitable cordless power tool whether you require it for woodworking, landscaping, homebuilding, tiles installation, painting, metal working, welding or any other purpose.

Whatever the application is, you will find these tools well balanced, handy and powerful as the corded tools. There are numerous cordless power tools which you will find in the tool stores. They are mainly:

-Demolition Hammers

-Diamond Coring

-Drills

-Fastening

-Grinders

-Hammer Drills

-Heat Guns

-Lasers & Instruments

-Metalworking

-Nailers

-Planers

-Routers

-Sanders

-Saws

-Vacuum Cleaners

The cordless power tools can prove to be beneficial for your use but they certainly have some limitations. The first drawback over the corded tools is the limited time the battery offers (this is really evident with heavy jobs).

You need to recharge the batteries fully before starting the work and if the battery runs out before your work is finished you will again have to charge it which might take upto 30mins. Moreover regular cleaning is required to your cordless power tools to keep it going. So if the job is low volume one cordless power tools is what you should be looking for.

There are various trusted brands when it comes to buying cordless power tools. But I would recommend you to try and compare the products for their balance, weight in hand, battery life, body shell, etc. before making your decision.

It is better to read the reviews and compare the products and then having a trial of the short-listed ones. The recommended brands for the cordless power tools are Bosch, Black & Decker, Makita, DeWalt and Hitachi.

Once you finalize your cordless tools and start working with it please be sure to wear the recommended safety gear while working with the tools. Most of the tools come with the warranty so incase you come across with any problem in your power tool do not try to service it by yourself as it may damage the equipment completely or may hurt you in the process, instead take it to the companies service station. Also make sure that you do some research to understand the specifications in a better way. Reading reviews on different products is also beneficial as it helps you to find out more about them. Such reviews provide you with complete insight on various products available on the block and also detail you with the pros and cons of them.



Benjamin
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What is this power tool called in English?

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Timothy H asked:


http://www.lrtech.pl/frezarka_siodlowa_nrp_90_a_400_v_protool,pk,12,k,287,p,2617.html

Allan
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Best Power Tool to get as a gift?

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
jaxs84 asked:


So I have to buy my boyfriend a birthday gift and I was thinking of starting him off on a good power tool. He lives in an apartment right now so space is limited and doesn’t really do to much but I don’t want to get him a crappy one or one that has to much power that he will never have to use. Any suggestions?

Rodney
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Bosch Power Tools Explained

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
Zane Madisson asked:


Bosch power tools offers the consumer a full line of both cord and cordless power tools. They offer a large selection of power tools as well as accessories. In addition to the basic power tools that are offered including saws, drills, routers, sanders, nailers, power screwdrivers; Bosch offers some great specialty tools.

They are designed for specific projects. The Bosch heat gun offers several temperatures as well as two speeds. You can get a Bosh heat gun in several sizes. There are also various accessories available to fit your particular project. These accessories include the heat gun blower, spreader, and reflector. The Bosch foam rubber cutter is an excellent specialty tool that is designed to easily cut through foam rubber and flexible foams. The various blades will assist you with cutting foam this is of varying densities.

Bosch has some great new power tools on the market. The pocket driver is very compact, but very powerful. You can insert 100 screws with one battery charge. The I-Driver is a power screwdriver, designed with a pivot head to get into very tight spaces. The Brute Tough drill and driver is very powerful and versatile. It can be used for a variety of projects.

Bosch offers consumers something not many other power tool manufacturers have. It is called the Flexible Power System. With many of their power tools including drills and saws, you get to choose the minimum weight and the maximum power you want from that particular power tool.

Are you in the market for several power tools? One of the best selling products offered by Bosch is the five Pak. This is an 18 volt cordless tool kit. The Hammer Drill/Driver is the same as having a drill, a driver, and a hammer. The Circular saw is very powerful and comes with safety features for your protection. There is a reciprocating saw, great for precision cutting. The jigsaw is great for most any kind of cut that takes place away from the outer edge of the materials.

You will also get a great drop light and a heavy duty bag to carry it all in. As if that wasn’t enough you will also get two battery chargers, a drill bit holder, various saw blades, and two extra batteries. This power tool kit has everything you need to complete a variety of home improvement products at a price of about $500.

If that is more than your budget can handle, consider purchasing reconditioned Bosch power tools. You will be able to purchase them at 40% less than the retail price of that particular power tool. The Bosch website has information on the various reconditioned power tools they have available at this time. They come with a one year warranty and a thirty day money back guarantee. You will also get a certification of authenticity.

Bosch takes customer satisfaction very seriously. They strive to meet the needs of every customer. Bosch understands that down time with your tools affects your productivity. That can cost you time, money, or both. All Bosch power tools are guaranteed to be free from defects. Each comes with a one year warranty, a thirty day money back guarantee, and a one year service plan.

If you need repairs to a Bosch power tool, contact them directly. They work with service providers all over the world who will repair your Bosch power tool quickly and effectively. Generally, this can be done at any location that sells Bosch power tools. You are guaranteed your power tool will be ready within five days.

You can purchase Bosch power tools at most hardware stores and home improvement stores including Ace Hardware and Home Depot. They offer reliable power tools at a very comparable price. Bosch power tools are very versatile and meet or exceed the required safety requirements of the industry. You won’t be disappointed with the power tools you purchase from the Bosch brand.



Kenneth
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How can I replace a power tool battery with an ac adapter?

Monday, October 12th, 2009
John S asked:


I have several old power tool batteries that have died over the years… I really don’t like buying them over and over.
I got the bright idea (oh no), if I could find an ac adapter with the same volt and amp output, and I could fit it inside a battery case (take the batteries out of the housing), then I wouldn’t need more than one or two batteries while I’m away from an outlet. (Most of what I do, I do close to an outlet. Having cordless tools are just very nice.)
Anyway, I found an adapter with the spec I needed on eBay. Got it home and checked it out on my meter (right on the money for volts; less than 1/2 amp higher than the batteries).
I emptied out a worthless battery, fit the adapter in, carved a hole for the cord and fit the wires inside to connect to the “battery” terminals. Now it looks just like a regular battery, test the same, it just has a cord hanging out.
When I put it in any of my tools, however, the tool runs in VERY short bursts.
What did I do wrong?
New information…. (I’m still trying to figure it out)

If I plug the “battery” into a tool that is variable speed and sloooowly squeeze the trigger, THE TOOL RUNS GREAT!
If I squeeze too fast, though, it sounds just like a non variable speed tool.
rumm… rumm… rumm… about once per second.
Well… I thought it ran great. It only SOUNDED like it was running great. When you put it under a load, it dies. At full clutch, I can stop the drill with minimal effort with one hand. With a good battery and at full clutch, this drill is a wrist-breaker if it jams a bit in something!
What’s going on?!
If you read a bit closer, you’ll see I’m talking about a thing I made. Not a gimmick… I created it. It’s not a battery, but an ac adapter that I put in a battery housing.
DOES NOBODY KNOW?!
It is an ac to dc adapter.
And it was not an easy fit into the battery housing; it’s sitting at a sharp angle and a little carving on the battery housing was needed to get the top screwed down. (ryobi 18v)

As every test I’ve learned to do says it doesn’t have enough amps, my next plan is to replace the adapter with a laptop adapter at 18.5V and 6.5 amps.
That will either be enough, burn the motor up or tell me it isn’t going to work no matter what.

I really hope someone has a better idea.

Johnny

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What tangentially related industries have a inpact on the power tool industry? And why?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009
rebecca asked:


Please provide a reason you have said this.

Dale
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What Types Of Industrial Power Tools Are Available?

Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Robert Goldsmith asked:


Electric Sander

This device operates with a belt driven sander making short work of the most demanding sanding tasks. Buffing down an old wooden dresser ready for a fresh coat of paint or taking the knots out of the decking are but two possible uses for this power tool.

Drill

The common drill is probably one of the most often purchased power tool, using various sized drill bits to bore and auger holes in wood, plastic, metal and plaster for picture and shelf hanging and many other uses.

Saw

This is a industrial power tool for cutting wood or other material, consisting of a serrated blade (a blade with the cutting edge toothed) and worked either by hand or by steam, water, electric or other power source.

Lathe

In woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glass working, a lathe is a machine power tool which spins a block of material so that when abrasive, cutting, or deformation tools are applied to the block, it can be shaped to produce an object which has rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation. Examples of objects that can be produced on a lathe include candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts or camshafts.

The material is held in place by either one or two centers, at least one of which can be moved horizontally to accommodate varying material lengths. In a woodworking lathe, an adjustable horizontal metal rail between the material and the operator accommodates the positioning of shaping tools, which are usually hand-held. With wood, it is common practice to press and slide sandpaper against the still-spinning object after shaping.

Crushers

Crushers are commonly classified by the degree to which they fragment the starting material, with coarse crushers not reducing it by much, intermediate crushers fragmenting it much more significantly, and grinders reducing it to a fine powder.



Allison
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