Machines, materials & finishing · National 5
Machines & power tools
7 cards · 4 quiz · 0 exam
Practical Woodworking · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about machines & power tools, specifically to:
understand
- machine care and maintenance for our log book
be able to
- use the pillar drill, mortise machine, belt and disc sanders safely
- use portable power tools safely and make pre-use checks
Success criteria WILF
- I can use the pillar drill, mortise machine, belt and disc sanders safely
- I can use portable power tools safely and make pre-use checks
- I can describe machine care and maintenance for my log book
Workshop machines
| Machine | Use | Key safety |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestal pillar drill | Accurate vertical holes; depth stop for blind holes | Clamp work in a machine vice; never hold by hand; remove chuck key |
| Mortise machine | Chops square mortises quickly with a hollow chisel and auger | Clamp the work; keep hands clear; set depth stop |
| Belt sander | Shaping and sanding flat surfaces and ends | Use the table/fence; keep fingers clear; dust extraction on |
| Disc sander | Sanding ends, angles and convex curves | Use the downward-moving side of the disc so work is pushed onto the table |
Portable power tools
- Corded and cordless drills: drilling holes away from the pillar drill.
- Cordless screwdriver: driving screws quickly with clutch control.
- Jigsaw: cuts curves in sheet material and boards. Clamp the work, keep the cable clear of the blade, wait for the blade to stop.
- Orbital sander: fine sanding of flat surfaces. Belt sander (portable): fast removal of material.
Before using a power tool: check the cable and plug for damage, check guards are fitted, check the blade or bit is tight and sharp, clamp the work, wear goggles and use dust extraction.
Machine care and maintenance
- Report faults to your teacher straight away and don't use the machine.
- Check cables for cuts and loose plugs.
- Check guards are in place and working.
- Check tool holding: chucks, collets and blades tight.
- Use dust extraction, and clean the machine after use.
These go in your log book: describe them in your own words, for tools from the course specification.
Key terms
| Pillar drill safety | Clamp work in a machine vice and remove the chuck key |
|---|---|
| Mortise machine | Hollow chisel and auger chop square mortises |
| Disc sander | Use the downward-moving side of the disc |
| Jigsaw | Cuts curves in boards and sheet material |
| Before using a power tool | Check cable, plug, guards and blade; clamp the work |
| Faulty machine | Report it and don't use it |
| Depth stop | Controls hole depth on a pillar drill |
Quick check
1. Which machine cuts square mortises?
- Mortise machine
- Pillar drill
- Disc sander
- Jigsaw
Show answer
A: Mortise machine. It uses a hollow square chisel with an auger inside.
2. Which side of a disc sander should you use?
- The upward-moving side
- The downward-moving side
- Either
- The edge
Show answer
B: The downward-moving side. The downward side pushes the work onto the table.
3. How should work be held on a pillar drill?
- Held firmly in your hand
- Resting on your knee
- In a machine vice or clamped
- Any way, as long as you're careful
Show answer
C: In a machine vice or clamped. Work can spin if not clamped.
4. What is a safety check before using a jigsaw?
- Remove the guard for a better view
- Wet the wood to reduce dust
- Paint the blade so it's easy to see
- Check the cable for damage
Show answer
D: Check the cable for damage. Damaged cables are an electric shock risk.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.