Monday, November 22, 2010

The Different Types of Power Tools

Power tools are among some of the tradesmen devices that can help save time. These devices enable workers to finish a particular task in a shorter span of time compared to using traditional hand tools. Power tools are normally powered by an electric motor, compressed air, steam engine, or even natural power sources such as wind or moving water. These tools are used in the construction industry, and also around the house for drilling, cutting, shaping, sanding, grinding, polishing, painting and heating.
Power tools are divided into two categories. First is the Stationary power tool – these are usually industrial size machines that should be firmly fastened to a stationary object for the power tool to function effectively. Stationary power tools have more advantages when it comes to precision, power, smoothness, speed and accuracy. The second type is the Portable power tool which can be used in various locations and simply carried from one place to another. They are light enough to be operated while being held in a person’s hand. This makes them much more versatile than the stationary power tool.
Technically, the term power tool means that it notably simplifies a complicated and hard task. Below are examples of some commonly used power tools today:
1. Lathe - this is the oldest power tool, dating at least to the Egyptians and have been used in Assyria, Greece, the Roman and Byzantine Empire. This machine tool spins the work piece to execute several operations like cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, or deformation with tools that are applied to the work piece to make an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation. Lathes are also utilized in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning and glass working.
2. Chainsaw - A chainsaw is a handy mechanical saw which is powered by electricity, compressed air and hydraulic power. These types of power tools are commonly used to cut trees and trim branches, but specialized kinds of chainsaws can cut concrete, brick and stone. Chainsaws utilize a tiny engine to pull a bladed chain along a slotted guide bar.
3. Drills - This power tool is a tool fitted with a rotating cutting tool that is used for making holes in different materials. Drills use a motor to turn a bit which results in the rapid cutting of circular holes. This type of power tool is frequently used in woodworking, metalworking, construction and other handyman tasks. There are also specially designed drills that are utilized in medicine, space mission and other operations.
4. Angle Grinder – this power tool, which is powered by an electric motor, petrol engine or compressed air, is a handheld tool that is also utilized for cutting, grinding and polishing. Angle grinders are used in a variety of places for different jobs. Construction workers use them to cut through steel and concrete; rescue workers even use them to cut through the steel frames of cars; and road workers use them to cut through asphalt. Angle grinders are primarily a metal worker's tool, being used for all types of metal cutting or metal grinding tasks. They can also be used for masonry work using discs designed for this purpose.


5. Circular Saw – this is a hand held power saw that is commonly used and found in a carpenter, or home renovator's tool kit. This power tool is an electric saw which has an on/off trigger switch on the handle, an arbor nut to hold the blade in place and it also has guards to protect the operator from touching the spinning blade. This is commonly used to cut wood, metal, plastic and masonry.

6. Belt Sander – this power tool is utilized to sand down wood and other materials for finishing purposes. This does not only finish wood, but it also removes/strips paint from wooden cabinets and furniture, resurfaces stained wood, and smoothly round corners and edges. Furthermore, a belt sander can guarantee an entirely smooth surface. This is a necessary tool for those jobs who would take longer hours or days to manually complete.

There are plenty of useful power tools that are in the market and all of these are developed to make the tradesman’s job easier and more convenient. If you are looking for power tools to use, it is best if you research exactly what type of power tool is best suited to your job at hand. The web is a great source of information and will provide you with a good selection of information so that you can make an educated decision before you invest in a specific tool for your job. At the end of the day, what’s most important is you buy the appropriate tool for the right kind of job, that suits your budget and requirements.

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