Introduction to Power Tools
Module 00104-04
Section 1.0.0
Introduction
Section 2.0.0
Electric, Pneumatic, &
Hydraulic Tools
Section 3.0.0
Power Drills
1.0.0 Introduction
Power tools are used to make holes, cut materials, and even demolish pavement.
2.0.0 Electric, Pneumatic, and Hydraulic Tools
An example of an AC source of power is a wall plug.
A Porta-Power is an example of a hydraulic tool.
2.1.0 Safety
One important thing to remember when working with power tools is to disconnect the power before you replace parts such as bits, blades, and discs.
3.0.0 Power Drills
Drills are pretty common tool on a job site.
3.1.0 Types of Power Drills
Drill bits are held in place by chucks.
Various kinds are electric, cordless, hammer, electromagnetic, pneumatic, and electric screwdrivers.
Most drills have pistol grip switches, reversing switches, and interchangeable drill bits.
Chucks can be keyed or keyless.
Most of the time you can insert screwdriver bits and make a drill a screwdriver
3.1.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE
•Check trigger to make sure it is not on, mostly it is off
•Find out what is in a wall, make sure no water or electric lines
•Hold drill with both hands, and never ram drill while drilling
•Do not need much maintenance, but should be kept clean
•Keep drill’s air vents open and clean
•Do not overreach while on a ladder
•To prevent electrical shock, power tools should not be operated without the proper GFCI.
3.2.0 Cordless Drills
Useful for places where power is not available
They have a battery pack that can be removed to be charged
3.3.0 Hammer Drill
The hammer drill has a pounding action with the drilling to allow you to drill into concrete, brick, and tile.
Sounds like a mini jack hammer inside of drill
You need special drill bits for a hammer drill.
3.4.0 Electromagnetic Drill
Used to drill through thick metals, the base is set on the metal and power is turned on, then the drill is magnetically held to the metal to do the drilling.
3.5.0 Pneumatic Drill (Air Hammer)
Air hammers are powered by air
Typically used where there is no electricity, also do not have to worry about being electrocuted
Section 4.0.0
Saws
Section 5.0.0
Grinders & Sanders
4.0.0 Saws
Using the right saw for your job will make it easier.
Typical saws used are Circular saw, Saber saw, Reciprocating saw, portable handheld bandsaw, Miter saw.
4.1.0 Circular Saw
Many years ago, a company named Skil made power-tool history by introducing the portable circular saw.
This is why sometimes people refer to a circular saw as a Skil saw.
Designed to cut (cross cut) lumber and boards, also a can be used to rip & cross cut plywoods.
4.1.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Wear proper PPE, chips are spit back at you
•Make sure blade is tight
•Check blade guards to make sure they work right
•Never force the saw to cut, never reach under the work area while cutting
•Never stand directly behind work, stand to side
•Do not use hands to secure small pieces of wood
•Know where you power cord is, so you do not cut it
•Watch out for saw dust to build up on guards and vent areas, guards can stick and not work properly
•Always keep blades sharp and clean, sharp blade is a safe one
•Do not hold material to be ripped with hands
4.2.0 Saber Saws
Sometimes called a Jig Saw
Saws with fine blades that are excellent for delicate and intricate cutting are called saber saw.
Saw only cuts on the up-stroke, returns down.
Many models bases can be tilted to cut at angles.
The switch can be pulled to change speed of motor, variable switch or speed.
4.2.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Secure material to reduce vibration
•Use sharp blades, do not force a cut
•When cutting metal, use a metal cutting blade
•Always disconnect power when replacing blades
4.3.0 Reciprocating Saw
Also known as a Sawsall (name brand)
This saw’s blade moves back and forth, cutting both ways
Reciprocating saws are designed for heavy duty cutting
4.3.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE
•Always check walls before cutting for no water or electrical lines
•Always disconnect power when changing blades
4.4.0 Portable Handheld Saws
Best used when you have to move the saw to the work
Used to cut pipe, metal, plastics, wood, and irregular materials
4.4.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE
•Use only a bandsaw that has a stop
•The blade gets stuck very easily, never force the cut
•The blade should be waxed with proper lubricant
4.5.0 Miter Saws
A power miter saw combines a miter box with a circular saw.
There are two types, miter saw and compound miter saw.
You can pivot side-to-side and vertically from 0 – 45 degrees
4.5.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always check blade and check to make sure secured
•Keep fingers clear of blade
•Never make adjustment while saw is running
•Saw should be sitting on firm base
•Be sure saw is securely locked in position before cutting
•If working with long stock, have helper hold boards near end
5.0.0 Grinders and Sanders
Grinders can power abrasive wheels, brushes, buffs, drums, bits, saws, and discs.
They can drill, smooth, cut, and polish
Common types are angle grinders, bench grinders, belt sanders, orbital sanders
5.1.0 Angle, End, & Detail Grinders
These are grouped together cause they are all handheld
Angle grinders are used to grind heavy metal away
End grinders sometimes called pencil grinder
Pencil grinders are used to smooth the inside of materials such as pipe.
Detail grinders use small attachments, points, to smooth or polish intricate metallic work.
5.1.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE (eye and ear)
•Never use a grinder without a guard
•Choose a disc that is appropriate for your work
•Make sure the disc is correct fit for grinder
•Before grinding: make sure disc is secured and guards in place
•Always use both hands
•Direct sparks away from people
•When done, do not sit tool down while running
•Always disconnect power to change discs
5.2.0 Bench Grinder
Grinder that is located on a firm work surface for grinding
Wheels range from 6-3/4 to 10 inches
Each wheels max speed is given in RPMs
Usually you have a shield and a tool rest
5.2.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE
•Never wear loose or bagging clothing around these
•Adjust tool rests so they are within an 1/8 inch of wheel
•Keep hands away from wheels
•Let wheel reach full speed before using
•Shut off machine when done, but DO NOT leave until it stops
•Use pliers to hold pieces, not hands
5.3.0 Belt Sanders
Portable belt sanders use a continuous-loop abrasive belt stretched between two drums.
The back roller is powered, the front is spring loaded. You can release spring to change belts.
The bigger and longer the belt, typically the more powerful the sander is.
5.3.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Always wear PPE, and do not wear loose clothing
•Keep hands away from belt and power cords
•Let belt reach full speed before using, and do not sit down while running
•Always make sure belt is on and aligned
•Do not light a match while sanding in a confined space, dust can be explosive.
5.4.0 Orbital Sanders
This is a finishing sander, used to create even, smooth surfaces
Orbital (circular) and oscillating (back and forth) sanders have different movements and uses
Follow basic safety rules for belt sanders for this tool
Section 6.0.0
Miscellaneous Power Tools
6.0.0 Miscellaneous Power Tools
You will see many different types of tools, like air nail guns, powder-actuated fastener, impact wrench, jack-hammers, and hydraulic jacks.
6.1.0 Air Powered Nail Guns
Very common power tool, greatly speeds up installation of materials.
There are many different types of nail guns: roofing, framing, trim, flooring, finishing, just to name a few
The first step when using a pneumatically powered nailer is to read the manufacture’s instructions.
6.1.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Keep nailer oiled. Add a few drops before each use.
•Use the correct nail gun for the job.
•Never load with nail gun attached to compressor
•Never leave unattended
•If nail gun does not fire, disconnect hose before repairing.
•Keep all body part away from nail path
6.2.0 Powder-Actuated Fastening System
The gunpowder cartridges use to power a powder-actuated tool are called boosters.
They are used to fire drive pins (nails) into steel, concrete, walls, and so forth.
6.2.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Do not use until you are certified to use this tool
•Use proper pin for the job
•Do not fire close to the edge of concrete
•Never put your hand between tool and materials
6.3.0 Air Impact Wrench
Impacts are used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts
The speed and strength (torque) can be easily adjusted depending on the job
6.3.2 Safety & Maintenance
Always turn off air source when done
Always use clean, dry air source
Keeps hands away from work
Keep body stance balanced
6.4.0 Pavement Breakers
The name jackhammer comes from a trademark
Typical weight is between 50 and 90 pounds
6.4.2 Safety & Maintenance
Wear proper PPE
You MUST wear hearing protection
6.5.0 Hydraulic Jack
A portable hydraulic jack is also called a Porta-power.
Used to push objects, to lift objects, straighten frames, and etc.
Comes in a variety of sizes, both weight lifted and distance lifted
6.5.2 Safety & Maintenance
•Check fluid levels, if you can check
•Clear area while making a lift
•When lifting, make sure the jack is a level ground
•Do not use a cheater bar
•Watch for leaks
Performance Test
•Safely operate an electric drill
•Safely operate a circular saw
•Safely operate a bench grinder
•Safely operate a belt sander
•Safely operate an air nail gun
PERFORMANCE TEST on Friday September 30, 2011
WRITTEN TEST on Thursday September 29, 2011
SPIRALS due on Thursday September 29, 2011