General common concepts with tools and machines
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Before you use any tool or machine there are always common concepts and principles schools use. In some respect these common concepts are generic questions and golden guidelines that you would ask yourself before you complete any process or use any machine or hand tool. These are as follows:
Do you know how to use the tool or machine properly?
Misconceptions occur when a student does not know how to use a piece of equipment properly - it can lead to damage to the material, work and injury. It can also damage the machine or tool.
Have you been given permission to use the tool or machine?
Some tools and machines are far too dangerous for students to use for example the circular saw - a pupil would never be allowed to use this piece of equipment. Some tools also may need supervision. Have you asked for this?
Are using the correct or most effective tool or machine for the particular material and process?
You do not want to damage your work or the tool/machine that your using. Just by taking a moment to think whether the tool or machine you use is best and correct can save you time and hassle. For example, would it be better to use a tenon to cut a straight line in your wood? Or would it be easier to use the Band saw.
Does the machine or tool have the potential to cause damage to your material?
You must make sure that with any tool or machine it does not pose any threat in damaging your work. For example when working with metal if you need to use a holding tool like a engineers vice, protect the metal so that it does not mark, scratch or dent it. We have been taught in lessons to use tape as well on plastics to avoid scratches and breakages.
When working on your material with a machine or tool is it held securely?
When using hand tools it is so important to hold your work whatever the material in a vice. The vice keeps it steady if your cutting it, it also makes it easier for you to cut it and you know when you have secured the material properly because it will not be making a squeaky noise when cutting. Using a guard and holders on machines also allows you to keep work steady. All of these principles avoid injury as well.
Does the tool or the machine work accordingly?
Tools and machines will not work properly if they are blunt. Although predominantly it is the technicians or teachers in the schools to be responsible of such matters yet, it is an important factor to be aware of. Also things like handles on chisels, is it loose? If so report it. The end of a chisel can cause a great deal of injury to someone if the handle is loose. Bhav has already informed us of a certain near incident.
Are you using the tool or machine correctly?
A hand tool should not be hard to use, if a student finds it difficult then most likely they are not using the tool properly. Your body position also aids with better use of the machine and saw, standing with your feet apart and standing head on allows your technique to be more accurate. You would never sit down in a workshop whilst using a tool or machine.
Do you know how to use the tool or machine properly?
Misconceptions occur when a student does not know how to use a piece of equipment properly - it can lead to damage to the material, work and injury. It can also damage the machine or tool.
Have you been given permission to use the tool or machine?
Some tools and machines are far too dangerous for students to use for example the circular saw - a pupil would never be allowed to use this piece of equipment. Some tools also may need supervision. Have you asked for this?
Are using the correct or most effective tool or machine for the particular material and process?
You do not want to damage your work or the tool/machine that your using. Just by taking a moment to think whether the tool or machine you use is best and correct can save you time and hassle. For example, would it be better to use a tenon to cut a straight line in your wood? Or would it be easier to use the Band saw.
Does the machine or tool have the potential to cause damage to your material?
You must make sure that with any tool or machine it does not pose any threat in damaging your work. For example when working with metal if you need to use a holding tool like a engineers vice, protect the metal so that it does not mark, scratch or dent it. We have been taught in lessons to use tape as well on plastics to avoid scratches and breakages.
When working on your material with a machine or tool is it held securely?
When using hand tools it is so important to hold your work whatever the material in a vice. The vice keeps it steady if your cutting it, it also makes it easier for you to cut it and you know when you have secured the material properly because it will not be making a squeaky noise when cutting. Using a guard and holders on machines also allows you to keep work steady. All of these principles avoid injury as well.
Does the tool or the machine work accordingly?
Tools and machines will not work properly if they are blunt. Although predominantly it is the technicians or teachers in the schools to be responsible of such matters yet, it is an important factor to be aware of. Also things like handles on chisels, is it loose? If so report it. The end of a chisel can cause a great deal of injury to someone if the handle is loose. Bhav has already informed us of a certain near incident.
Are you using the tool or machine correctly?
A hand tool should not be hard to use, if a student finds it difficult then most likely they are not using the tool properly. Your body position also aids with better use of the machine and saw, standing with your feet apart and standing head on allows your technique to be more accurate. You would never sit down in a workshop whilst using a tool or machine.