2. 5
Chapter
Power Tools

3. Objectives Identify common power tools.
Explain the function and operation of a carpenter’s principal power tools.
Identify the major parts of common power tools.
Apply power tool safety rules.
Makita U.S.A.

4. Types of Power Tools Portable tools Stationary tools
Lightweight and can be carried around
Powered through electrical outlet, lithium-ion battery, or compressed air
Stationary tools
Machines mounted on benches or stands
Workpiece is brought to them

5. Power Tool Safety Understand correct ways to use tools
Be wide awake and alert
Make adjustments before turning on power
Wear safety gear

6. Electrical Safety
Understand how electric current flows in circuits

7. Voltage Make sure electric power source is correct voltage
Turn switch to off position before plugging into electrical outlet
Receptacle for 120 V power source shown here

8. Extension Cords
Be careful in stringing electrical extension cords around site
Secure to prevent tripping hazard
Maintain ground continuity

9. Shock Protection Electric shock is potential hazard with power tools
Be sure proper grounding is provided
Ground fault circuit interrupters should be used on jobsites
Carol Electric

10. Portable Circular Saws
Used most by carpenters
Smaller sizes are often cordless
Often guided along layout line “free hand”
Combination blade is popular for ripping and crosscutting
Porter-Cable Corp.

11. Making Cuts Position stock on stable supports
Place so waste falls freely away from blade
Align guide mark with layout line
Allow motor to reach full speed
Feed blade into stock

12. Safety Note Wear safety glasses and hearing protection
Unplug saw to replace saw blade
Keep both hands on handles when cutting
Never pull back on saw when cutting
Keep hands clear of cutting line
Keep saw guard clean and lubricated

13. Saber Saw Also called portable jig saw
Wide variety of blade types available
Vary in how blade is mounted in chuck
Can be used to make straight or bevel cuts

14. Reciprocating Saw Cutting action is linear, not circular
Larger and more powerful than saber saw
Used where space does not permit use of circular saw
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.

15. Chain Saws Cut heavy timbers, posts, or pilings
Gas and electric models
Gasoline-powered types are more powerful
Blade lengths vary

16. Portable Electric Drills
Wide range of types and sizes
Size determined by chuck capacity
Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Most have reversing switch
Makita U.S.A.

17. Rotary Hammer Drills
Used to drill holes in concrete and other masonry materials
Anchor devices are placed in holes to receive bolts or screws
Depth rod allows drilling holes to preset depth
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.

18. Power Planes Produces finished wood surfaces with speed and accuracy
Have adjustable fence for planing bevels and chamfers
Power block plane can be used on small surfaces

19. Routers Used to cut irregular shapes and form contours on edges
Collet-type chuck used to hold bits
Motor moves clockwise
Feed left to right along an edge
Montachusett Regional Vo-Tech School

20. Safety Note Wear safety glasses and hearing protection
Securely mount bit in chuck
Securely clamp work
Place router base on work before turning on power
Hold router with both hands
Do not lift machine from work until motor has stopped

21. Belt Sander Size is determined by width and length of belt
Requires skill to use
Travel with the grain
Move back and forth in even strokes
Sand each area same amount
Montachusett Regional Vo-Tech School

22. Finishing Sanders
Used for final sanding where small amount of material needs to be removed
Also used for cutting down and rubbing finishing coats
Orbital sander
Oscillating sander
Montachusett Regional Vo-Tech School

23. Nailers and Staplers Wide variety available
Most are pneumatic (air powered)
Battery- and gas-operated also available
Nailer types
Strip-fed
Coil-fed
& C Paslode

24. Safety Note Wear safety glasses and hearing protection
Do not use nail gun with multi-fire trigger
Keep nose of nailer pointed toward work
Keep hands at least 12″ away from nailing point
Firmly hold tool’s nose against surface being nailed

25. Power Miter Saw Has base with fence to hold work in position
Part of base rotates left and right along with sliding arm
10- or 12-inch blade is common
Practical and easy to transport to jobsite

26. Thinking Green
Evaluate waste for other uses on or off jobsite before disposal
“Wasted” lumber can be used
Elsewhere in project
On different jobsite
In craft project offsite

27. Chop Saw Variation of power miter saw Does not tilt for bevels
Usually used for cutting metal
Can be set for miters or square cut offs only

28. Radial Arm Saws Motor and blade are on overhead arm
Stock is supported on stationary table
Use in construction has been greatly reduced
Safer and more efficient alternatives available
Delta International Machinery Corp.

29. Table Saws Basic machines used in finish work
Contractor saws
Cabinet saws
Used for ripping stock to width and cutting it to length
Be sure to follow safety rules for sawing
Des Moines Public Schools

30. Jointers
Used to dress edges of boards, plane board faces, or cut bevels
Size is determined by length of knives
Have adjustable parts
Infeed table
Outfeed table
Fence
Delta International Machinery Corp.

31. Specialty Tools Drywall screw shooters Powder-actuated tools
Speed up drywall installation
All but eliminate “nail popping”
Powder-actuated tools
Drive fasteners into concrete and structural steel
May be direct or indirect acting
Hilti

32. Power Tool Care and Maintenance
Important for proper functioning and long service
Follow manufacturer’s lubrication schedules
Clean and polish bare metal surfaces
Tool cases keep tools organized and protected
Cutters and blades should be sharpened by experts