Portable Power Tools Unit 14 Page 180

Introduction Portable Power Tool: A tool that can be held in the operators hands, but is not hand powered. Four common sources of power. Battery Electricity Pneumatic There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of power source. Engine

1. Electrical Power Very popular Usually use 120 V, 1ø power Disadvantages Must stay connected to power cord. Hazards of electricity Advantages Unlimited power Many different types of tools. Extension cord must be proper size and in good condition.

2. Pneumatic Becoming more popular where compressed air is available. Disadvantages Air must be clean and dry. A blast of high pressure air can embed objects in the skin or eyes. Air hose more difficult to manage than electric cord. Advantages Smaller dimensions for torque produced Torque easily adjusted (changing pressure) Popular in hazardous environments All common tools can be air driven. Drills Ratchet drives Sanders

3. Battery New technology in batteries has made battery powered tools the first choice for most professionals. Advantages Portability Sealed unit No electrical circuit hazards. Can be used with a wider variety of tools when compared to pneumatic. Disadvantages May be less torque Must have a charged battery to use. Batteries can have a short useable life and are expensive to replace.

4. Engine Popularity is gaining with the resent invention of lighter weigh engines. The elimination of 2-cycle engines will require a redesign. Advantages Portability No air hose No extension cords No battery Disadvantages Must be used in open environment. Disadvantage of engine maintenance. Safety concerns of gas engines. Usually only large sizes.

Portable Power Tool Safety Use GFCI protected circuit. Use three-wire electrical source if tool housing is metal or partially metal and not double insulated. Insure blades, bits, and other cutting devices are clean and sharp Support work carefully Keep all tools clean and free of dirt. Keep tool vent holes clean. Wear appropriate personal protection Avoid or use extra care when working in wet areas Do not force tools to work. Hold power tool firmly and insure your have control at all times. If the condition of the tool is in doubt, do not use. Announce to co-workers before starting a tool. Lay tool down correctly Take any faulty tools out of use and insure they are fixed before returning.

Nail Guns Popular because they are fast and efficient. Four types Produce enough force to drive 2 - 3 inch nail into dense wood. Accelerate nail to 1,000 feet per second. Four types Brad Framing Finishing Staple Power Pneumatic Electric Fuel cell Fasteners 1/4 inch brad and staples up to 4 inch nails.

Portable Drills Size Construction Options Size based on capacity of chuck Wattage difference within chuck size Common sizes are 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 & 3/4 inch Construction Case will be metal, non-metallic or a combination. Wide variety Options Variable speed Reversing Extra handle Hammer action Torque clutch Depth stop Drill press attachment Keyless chuck Screw chuck

Portable Drill-cont. Use many different types of bits., Drill holes and slots Use to drive screws Sanding disc and wire wheels can be used. Must be careful to not exceed the duty cycle Always center punch location of hole. Drill pilot hole before using a large drill bit.

Portable Drill Safety Inspect bit before using Tight chuck using more that one hole Center punch metal before starting to drill Hold material securely Do not exceed rpm of bit Use even pressure Ease off pressure when drill starts to break through Don’t bind the drill bit Stand in a balanced position Remove the drill from the chuck when finished Store portable drill and bits in case or designated storage rack.

Sander Three common types Belt Disc Pad

Sander-cont. Portable power sanders to the same job as hand sanding--just faster. Normally sand with the grain Exceptions Uneven boards Rough surface Removing difficult finishes Different grit paper available Coarse grit = rapid sanding, rough surface Fine grit = slow sanding, smooth surface

Belt Sander Very versatile Some belts are not bi-directional. Popular for rough sanding because of aggressive action with coarse belts. Can produce smooth finish with fine belt. Some belts are not bi-directional. Dust collection system highly recommenced.

Belt Sander Safety Wear appropriate PPE Check cords and switches Install appropriate belt for the desired cutting action and finish Lay sander on side when not in use Empty dust bag frequently Always start sander above the surface Use two hands at all times Keep machine in motion Lift off material while still running Never sand on the drums

Disc Sander Several tools with this right angle design look the same. Machine can use sanding disc, grinding wheel and wire brush interchangeably. Must follow manufacturer's recommendation for use. Switch Lock Power Cord Motor Housing Tool Rest Handle Sanding Wheel Switch Vents Sanding Disc Handle Guard Several tools with this right angle design look the same. Some are sanders, some are sanders/grinders and some are grinders. Big difference in construction Grinders are much heavier construction.

Disc Sander Safety Select the sanding wheel appropriate for the material being sanded. Aluminum oxide = wood or metal Flint paper = wood only Use the appropriate guard Wear appropriate PPE. Grip machine firmly in both hands before starting Do not force the machine to work Lay the machine on the tool rest, not the disc. Be aware of, and plan for the direction of material being discharged by the wheel. Hold small pieces in a vise.

Disc Grinder Safety Wear face shield plus safety glasses. Check grinding wheel for cracks before using Only use wheel designed for that machine. Never use grinding wheel that is less than 1/2 original diameter. Secure small pieces in a vise Do grind near combustibles Hold the machine with both hands at all times. Always be aware of were the discharged sparks and grit is going.

Pad (Finishing) Sander Switch Lock Handle Motor Housing Power Cord Handle Switch Paper Clamp Paper Clamp Sand Paper Pad Multiple pad movements possible. Reciprocating Circular Orbital Random Slower cutting

Pad Sander Safety Use appropriate PPE. Use correct size of paper. Disconnect power when changing paper. Only use light pressure when sanding

Portable Saws Portable saws can be divided into three categories. Sabre Reciprocating Circular

Sabre Saws A compact saw that is very useful for cutting curves. Designed for wood, but will cut thin metal. Blade uses reciprocating motion. Can be used for blind cuts. Base may tilt for cutting bevels. Switch Handle Power Cord Motor Housing Blade Retention Screw Base Tilt Lock Base Blade Toe

Sabre Saw Safety Wear appropriate PPE Select correct blade for job. Width of blade determines minimum radius Secure material being cut Let saw determine feed rate. Must maintain downward pressure on the saw when cutting.

Reciprocating Saw Motor Housing Usually heavier duty that the sabre saw. Longer stroke on the blade. Many different types of blades. Designed for wood and metal. Switch Shoe Switch Lock Handle Cord Blade Blade Retention Screw Vents Does not cut as precise as sabre saw. May be multiple speed. Can be used to make a blind cut. Very popular for demolition work.

Reciprocating Saw Safety Wear appropriate PPE. Select the correct blade for the job. Select the correct speed. Be careful not to bind, pinch or crowd the blade. Hold the shoe against the work at all times. Do not wear loose fitting clothing.

Circular Saw Most popular saw for carpentry work. Different size and types of blades are available. Can be used for wood and metal. Available in direct mount, right and left hand and worm drive.

Circular Saw Safety Wear appropriate PPE. Use face shield + safety glasses Use blade appropriate for work. Support work correctly. Disconnect the power when adjusting the saw. Adjust blade for depth so that only 1/4 inch or the depth of one tooth extends through the work. Hold saw in both hands. Start the saw before contacting work. If the saw stalls, back out of kerf. Watch the line ahead of the saw. Near the end of the cut reduce the pressure. For ripping use the ripping guide attachment or clamp a straight edge to the work.

Circular Saw Capacity Capacity of portable circular saws at 45 degree bevel and straight.

Router Routers are used for specialized jobs such as ornamental shapes, rabbets, dadoes, hinges, etc. Router bits turn at high speeds. May have several attachments. Must use guide to complete straight cuts. May be mounted on a table. Cord Switch Depth of Cut Adjustment Depth of cut Scale Handle Collet Base

Router Safety Wear appropriate PPE. Secure work. Insure router is unplugged before installing bit or setting depth adjustment. Always inspect bit for condition and sharpness. Install the appropriate bit. Insure bit shank is fully inserted into collet. Carefully set depth of cut. Set base squarely on work. Always use both handles Feed router into work at correct speed.

Questions