Drilling Basics
Start driving screws or drilling slowly (i.e. with a low rotational speed, and gradually increase the speed). To do this, press the main trigger only slightly at the start. The more
firmly you press the trigger, the faster the tool drives screws or drills. This enables you
to start cleanly and prevents the screwdriver bit from slipping out of the screw or the drill bit from slipping away from the marked position.
Hold the tool in a straight position and press it perpendicular to the surface of the wall or of the work piece. If your drill/driver has an auxiliary handle, you can use this to increase the pressure you apply to the tool for more control.
When driving screws, using the wrong bit can strip the screw head. Match the screw head type (slotted, Phillips, or hexagon) and the right bit size to the type and size of screw.
Use the right type of screw depending on the project application: wood screws for wood
projects, drywall screws for drywall related projects. The diameter and length of the screws must also be determined: if the screws are too long, they will pass right through the work piece. If they are too thick, they can split thin wood.
On smooth surfaces such as metal, it is easy for the drill bit to slip slightly when beginning to drill. To avoid this, first knock a small hole or indentation in the metal with either a punch or a hammer and nail. Then place the drill bit in the hole or indentation. In the case of hard material, make a pilot hole with a small diameter drill bit then complete your drilling with the appropriate sized drill bit.
Circular Saw Basics
Be very careful when cutting large sheets of plywood, keep the cord across the board on the side AWAY from the blade to prevent "trapping" between the pieces.
Always use the correct blade and make sure that itÕs properly installed in the correct direction. Circular saws rotate counter-clockwise and most blades are marked with an arrow to line up with the counter-clockwise direction.
Always use a sharp blade. Dull blades bind and overheat. If a blade binds, donÕt force or wiggle it. Instead, power off the saw and use a shim to release the blade.
Set the depth of the blade to no more than 1/4 inch more than the thickness of the wood to be cut. Always stand to the side of the saw to avoid injury in the case of “kick back”.
Look for knots and nails before you begin. Avoid them if possible; if they cannot be avoided, be cautious when approaching them.
Never force the blade - instead guide it with a little pressure. If excessive force is required, there may be an obstruction in the wood or a new blade may be needed.
Sander Basics
Limit pressure applied to the tool - Let the tool do the work! If excessive pressure is required, you may need to change the sandpaper more frequently.
When removing paint or stain, replace sandpaper / sanding belt frequently as the sanding surface will clog with the material being removed. Make sure you empty the dust bag often and at completion of sanding.
Keep your tools and work area clean to prevent excessive dust exposure, which will help extend the life of the tool
.
Always wear proper respiratory and eye protection while sanding! Many compounds such as paints, stains, and other finishes contain toxic substances that can be dangerous when inhaled.
To avoid “S”marks or swirls, gradually step down the grit size. Too big of a jump between sanding iterations can leave marks on the wood.
Sanding Basics
Limit pressure applied to the tool - Let the tool do the work! If excessive pressure is required, you may need to change the sandpaper more frequently.
When removing paint or stain, replace sandpaper / sanding belt frequently as the sanding surface will clog with the material being removed. Make sure you empty the dust bag often and at completion of sanding.
Keep your tools and work area clean to prevent excessive dust exposure, which will help extend the life of the tool
.
Always wear proper respiratory and eye protection while sanding! Many compounds such as paints, stains, and other finishes contain toxic substances that can be dangerous when inhaled.
To avoid “S”marks or swirls, gradually step down the grit size. Too big of a jump between sanding iterations can leave marks on the wood.