What Is A Power Tool?
From the research we have gathered, the definition of a power tool, is a tool in itself that is powered by force other than from manual labor like you would see from a standard “hand tool”. Power tools have a power source that mainly is driven by electric motors, or compressed air. However, through out history, power tools have been in existence. Some were powered by steam, internal combustion engines, wind, or water. You can not consider a “donkey pulling a plow” a power tool. Power tools can vary in different sizes, which would classify them as portable or stationary. From industry to housework, to construction or auto body repair, power tools have played a very vital role in getting the job done correctly and quickly.
Are Portable Power Tools Better Than Stationary Power Tools?
Portable power tools are classified other wise as “handheld” and can be easily used in the field, because of how easy it is to take them virtually anywhere. But I have personally experienced that stationary “large” power tools are better when it comes to how quickly and accurate they are. These tools have been known to produce objects that could not even be produced any other way. On a few occasions, we had older equipment that required certain size and thread style bolts we had to make completely from scratch on a lathe, because they were not produced anywhere in the world. Fittings, and accessories have also been produced as well as a back up plan on our lathes before. Most stationary tools that are used strictly for metalworking are also called machine tools, but that is not going to fall under the same name in the event a stationary tools is used for wood working. The ancient Egyptians are the oldest known civilization that used a lathe, that was powered by the force of running water. It was in the late 1800’s when an electric motor was invented, that paved the way for portable and stationary power tools that we have today.
In my own personal opinion, portable power tools are going to win in my opinion for which would be better. Simply because you can carry the tools anywhere they are needed. You do not have to bring work to a certain place. You can go directly to the needed place or job site to complete tasks that would otherwise take a very long time to get finished. Technology is advancing every single day, every year better produced battery sources, power delivery, and brush less motors. Brush less motors also use less energy, deliver 2x the power of a traditional cordless electric motor. The efficiency allows for a longer tool life as well. Making sure you get a 10x the return of your investment in the power tool. Even up until recently, we always had used extended “arms” and rollers to paint a house. However, because technology is getting better with power tool production, we can used a lithium battery operated paint tool that sprays and applies the house paint for us, which makes the time to paint the house 3 times as short, because you are not continually rolling the paint on the roller, and then onto the house itself. The accuracy of these paint power tools, give you a clear wide spray coverage area, that will also require less coats of paint. Once completed, you can still use a mineral spirit to remove any paint left behind in the tank, hose and nozzle, just as you would with a air compressor powered paint gun for an automobile.
What Are The Different Types Of Ways Power Tools Get “Power”?
Since the late 1800’s as stated earlier, has and still is the main source of energy for power tools. However, for those hard to remove bolts, nuts, and items that required “significant” force and power, air tools dominated that area for decades. But when experts were able to harness the power of Lithium battery technology, and improve the already “powerful” electric motor with a “brush-less” electric motor, battery powered power tools have become more and more popular the past 10 years.
Using chains, or belts, in particular, wind, and water was a great energy resource for power tools. The “water wheel” would capture the energy of a river or stream, and transfer the energy to turn heavy equipment to grind and mill flour and wheat.
Some tools used a “powder” cartridge, some power tools such as a chainsaw, trimmer, lawn mower, leaf blower, use gasoline or gasoline/oil mixture for power. Some also used powerful electric motors that would require a cord.
Are Power Tools Considered Safe?
Something we have always taken seriously is the power tool safety. Power tools are handy, and make our jobs so much easier, but they produce high decibels of sound. Because the average human should not allow decibels over 80 to 85, prolonged exposure to these sounds can cause the user to go deaf or have hearing loss. You should always wear protective ear plugs to keep your delicate ear drums safe.
Using power tools such as saws, grinders, or anything that produces massive amounts of dust or debris, particulates can be thrown into the users eyes, causing irritation or sometimes blindness totally. Always wear eye protection when operating any kind of power tool or aggressive chemicals you are not sure of.
In the early 1930’s most power tools (portable as well) were manufactured with a metal style housings, and because metal is a conductor of electricity. The user would always receive harsh shows, and sometimes electrocution. It was rumored, that Henry Ford, of the Ford Motor Company, helped assist in a lightweight, and portable drill to be used on his assembly line, to assist in the war efforts of WW2.
After the 1950’s, most manufacturers started experimenting with the use of polymer plastics. It was durable and stronger than cast metal, and didn’t conduct electricity either. It is basic and common practice to always remember that safety is first, and there have been and will continue to be power tool related accidents that could have been easily prevented had safety been considered first.
Proper Care For A Power Tools
Different power sourced power tools can require various types of care. When you are dealing with fuel powered tools such as lawn mowers, and string trimmers for example, it is always wise to use an air nozzle that is hooked up to an air compressor, and spray them down to remove any residual dust or debris that was captured or stuck on there while caring for your lawn. Wipe off excess fuel or oils, and make sure any leaks of said fluids are addressed immediately. Power tools that use batteries can use the same similar care, being kept clean and clear of dust and debris, exposure to the weather, rain, snow, sleet or ice. Proper storage of power tools would be a shed or garage, that would help reduce the chances of exposure to weather elements. All power tools manufacturers provide you a “users manual” or “users guide” that will give you specific requirements or requests on keeping your power tools safe, clean, and lasting you for many years to come.
What Are A Few Examples Of Some Power Tools?
Air Compressor – A device that contains a tank that holds pressurized air, which is delivered via hose, to other power tools, and is mainly refilled by a gasoline motor, that compresses the air into the tank. You can find great deals on air compressors online if you are in need of one.
Saws – There are a wide various types of saws, which we plan on doing reviews of, but a few for example: circular saw, reciprocating saw, steel cut off saw, table saw. Most are powered by an electric motor.
Sanders – belt sanders, disc sanders, floor sanders, random orbital sanders are just a few examples that are powered mostly by electric motors.
Other types include but are not limited to: lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, sewing machines, rotary tools, pressure washers.
We intend to eventually do reviews on all types of power tools, so we can educate and give proper reviews on each of the types, the way they are powered, and how they function as a tool to make your life easier. Check out Amazon.com to find the power tool you may need to help you on your next project.
Conclusion
There are some situations, that I will always be happy to use hand tools for my wood projects in particular. However, with the limited time I have, and the amount of labor involved, I find myself purchasing more power tools that can help assist me with more and more jobs, which I would have just used a hand tool and manual labor. The costs are justified, because most power tools produced today have such high quality battery power, quicker recharge times, and high efficient motors, producing more power on less energy. So you will get your moneys worth and then some.
I do believe it makes things easier on us as humans over all, and because we can complete tasks, projects, and jobs quicker, we can take on more work, allowing us to make better lives for not only ourselves, but it creates more jobs, and helps our families as well.