Cutting, shaping and finishing; only to be used on WOOD

You will be using lots of different tools in the next year or so. There are many types of tools used just for marking-out work, and even more for cutting and making things the right shape. It will take a while to learn all the names of these tools, and know how to spell them correctly! But to begin with, it is more Important that you know the reasons and advantages for using each tool. Otherwise, It is easy to spoil practical work or not do things as accurately, and well, as it is possible to.

Small pieces of wood or plastic can easily crack, split or break; by using an unsuitable tool. It is very easy to spoil your practical work by using the the "wrong tool”. Trying to cut or mark-out a piece of metal with an unsuitable tool will break or ruin the tool!

Your teacher will show you the correct, easy and safe way to use tools, during practical lessons. Gradually you will become familiar with the proper uses of all tools, machines and pieces of equipment.

The information In this booklet Is intended to help you to understand more about tools, machines and equipment. You will then know the reasons why, where and when to use all of these ; so as to make practical work easy and enjoyable.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

P* means the tool can also be used to cut PLASTIC

RASP
Rasp look like a very rough file, with large individual teeth, see below. They are used to shape wood quickly, but they leave a rough finish. They must not be used on plastic or metal.

RASP

CHiSEL - Bevel Edge or Firmer
These are general purpose chisels, only used for removing wood. They are used on the Housing joint, and must be held correctly: always keeping both hands on the chisel.

COPING SAW (P*)
The coping saw Is able to cut out ‘odd’ shapes in wood and plastic. As the blade is so small, It can easily cut along a curved line; or even a complete circle. The blade can be removed and placed through a hole in the work. to cut out an interesting shape as below.

TENON SAW
These are used to make straight cuts into, or through. pieces of wood and manufactured board. They are Ideal for cutting a Housing joint, as shown above. This saw allows you to cut to the bottom of the slot. Notice how the work is held on a Bench Hook and how this is fixed in a woodwork vice.

Mallets can be used to help with chiseling and striking work; so as to avoid damage.

G-Cramps are useful for fixing work to the bench top or bench hook.

Cross Pein Hammers can be used to drive pins into wood, by using the flat (pein) end.

Pincers are used to remove nails and pins from wood. Do not pull them out, simply roll and lever nails; using the rounded pincer shape.

Pin Hammers are light in weight and best for hammering thin pins into wood.

Countersink Drills can be used to countersink the top of a hole. This will allow counter-sunk screws to “sit flat on the surface.