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How to Use a Wood Planer
Before using a wood planer, make sure the faces of the wood are 90 percent flat to ensure a parallel and flat result. Set the cutter depth before feeding wood into the planer with help from a...
How to Operate a Miter Saw
When operating a miter saw, it is important to make sure the board is flat, square and true to make the straightest cuts. See how to use and adjust a miter saw with help from a custom furniture...
How to Choose a Miter Saw
To choose the right miter saw, consider the types of cuts necessary, as straight cuts can be done using a basic chop saw while specific angles require a sliding compound miter saw. Select a miter...
Guide for Using a Circular Saw
When using a circular saw, only expose as much blade as necessary for the depth of the stock. Practice safety precautions when using a circular saw with help from a custom furniture maker in this...
How to Operate a Wood Router
When using a wood router, it is important to work with the rotation of the machine in order to make a precise cut. Learn to properly operate a wood router tool with help from a custom furniture...
Dremel Tool Instructions
When using a Dremel tool, be sure to move in an opposite direction to the rotation to have better control over the device. Understand the operation of a Dremel tool with help from a custom...
How to Unlock a Miter Saw
To unlock a miter saw, push down on the saw to unlock the head and loosen the knob on the table to make adjustments. Start using a miter saw with help from a custom furniture maker in this free...
How to Use a Drill Chuck Key
Drill chuck keys are used to tighten the bit to the chuck, and each key is designed to match up with the post, the angle and the tooth count. Understand the importance of a chuck key with help...
How to Select Band Saw Blades
The type of band saw blade depends on the project, as thicker pieces of stock require fewer teeth and tight curves require a thinner blade. Choose the appropriate blade for a band saw with help...
How to Remove a Drill Chuck
When removing a drill chuck, check with the manufacturer of the drill to find out if the chuck has a standard or reverse thread. Use an Allen wrench to loosen a drill chuck with help from a custom...
How to Remove the Chuck From a Hand Drill
Removing a chuck from a hand drill can be tricky, but calling the manufacturer of the drill can help identify the best way to remove it. Try using a large Allen wrench to loosen a drill chuck with...
How to Use a Pin Nailer
A pin nailer operates similarly to any other nail gun, but the pins are so small that the holes can simply be sanded out. Use a pin nailer to do finishing work with help from a custom furniture...
How to Use a Framing Nailer
A framing nailer can trigger sequentially, requiring a pull of the trigger for each nail, or bump fire, which shoots a nail each time the nose is compressed. Choose a type of fire method for a...
How to Oil a Framing Nailer
Framing nailers, or framing guns, should be oiled daily with each use, and a special pneumatic tool oil is the best product to use. Lubricate a framing nailer for the best results with help from a...
How to Use a Box Cutter Safely
When safely using a box cutter, only expose as much of the blade that is necessary, keep the blade clean and sharp, and store the tool properly. Cut away from the body when using a box cutter with...
How to Operate a Rivet Gun
A rivet gun is simple to operate by loading it with a rivet, lining it up to the wood and squeezing the trigger. Learn to use a rivet gun, also known as a pop rivet, with help from a custom...
How to Use a Palm Sander
When using a palm sander, avoid pressing down too hard on the stock and let the sander do most of the work. Extend the life of palm sander pads with help from a custom furniture maker in this free...
How Do You Operate a Band Saw?
Operating a band saw involves choosing the right blade width, trimming down the wood using rough cuts and clearing out small pieces of wood that get caught around the blade. Practice safety...
How to Read a Dial Caliper
A dial caliper is read in hundredths of an inch, and it can be used to take outside measurements, interior measurements and depth measurements. Find out how to use a dial caliper with help from a...
How to Remove a Chuck on a Cordless Drill
This video shows how to remove a chuck from a Panasonic cordless drill, but you can use the same procedure on any cordless drill.
How to Use a Lathe
A wood lathe is used by lining up the head stock and tail stock, bringing the tool rest close to the stock and starting off with a pace before speeding up. See how wood lathes are used with...
Types of Screws, Nuts & Bolts
Screws, nuts and bolts are distinguished by their size, diameter, thread count and style of head, such as pan heads, hex heads and machine bolts. Identify different types of screws, nuts and bolts...
Belt Sander Safety
When using a belt sander, safety is a top priority, so using hearing protection, eye protection and a mask is important to prevent damage to the user. Use a belt sander only when wearing proper...
Leatherman Tools
Leatherman tools, a brand name for multipurpose tools, are usually equipped with built-in pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, bottle openers, blades and even corkscrews. Find a Leatherman that is...
Why Are Safety Goggles Important?
Safety goggles are important to protect the eye from the front and the sides, as regular eyeglasses do not offer the proper barrier from all angles. Wear safety goggles when working on any home...
Adjusting a Table Saw
Table saws can be adjusted using hand wheels on the front and side of the machine that change the height and the angle of the blade. Adjust a table saw to accommodate the project with helpful...
Guide to Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are available in different sizes and tooth patterns, but the most common are the rip blade, the crosscut blade and the combination blade. Find the right circular saw blade for...
How to Magnetize a Screwdriver
An easy way to temporarily magnetize a screwdriver is to take another magnet and touch it to the screwdriver. Learn about magnetizers and de-magnetizers that can be bought and used on screwdrivers...
What Is a Door Planer?
A door planer can come as either a hand planer or a power planer, with the power planer using a rotating cutting head and the hand planer using a knife blade or cutting edge. Remove a section of a...
The Parts of a Chainsaw
Some of the major parts of a chainsaw include the bar, the cover assembly, the clutch assembly, the motor, the exhaust system, an oil tank, a recoil starter, the chain and the bar. Learn about...
How to Shorten the Chain on a Chainsaw
If a chainsaw chain has become stretched to the point that it no longer can tense up, the chain will have to be replaced entirely. Find out about specialty tools needed to shorten a chainsaw's...
How to Use Router Bits
When using a router bit, it's important to note that the router always cuts in a clockwise direction. Learn about determining the depth height of a router bit with help from a certified home...
Learning How to Read a Tape Measure
Tape measures are measuring devices that are used by a variety of different trades, and they allow the user to accurately measure dimensions of walls, boards and the like. Learn about the layout...
Starting a Chainsaw
When starting a chainsaw, it's important to know that the upper position is the stop position, and this is what will shut the motor down. Learn about using half choke and full choke positions for...
How to Tighten a Chainsaw Chain
Before tightening a chainsaw chain, it's important to have an understanding of what the chain tension is supposed to be, and this information can be found in the operator's manual. Use a socket...
How to Use a Damper on a Wood Stove
A damper on a wood stove is either mounted in the chimney or in the stove itself, and it is used to block off the air flow going out. Put a damper in an open position when starting a fire in a...
What Is a Reciprocating Saw Used For?
A reciprocating saw can be a jig saw, which is a small device used for cutting designs or holes into wood. Use a reciprocating saw to go places that a circular saw can't go with help from a...
How to Cope Inside Molding
Inside coping is a term that describes an alternative to 45 cuts that are made for creating the inside corners on molding. Discover how to use a chop saw to cut out the meat section of the molding...
How to Maintain a Chainsaw
Chainsaw maintenance procedures are laid out in the chainsaw's operation manual, and it usually provides advice on keeping a chain at the proper tension. Find out how to maintain a chainsaw's air...
How to Shorten the Chain on a Chandelier
There are two basic types of chandeliers, including one that plugs into a socket and one that wires into the fixture itself. Learn about shortening a chain on a chandelier with two pairs of pliers...
Chainsaw Troubleshooting
Oftentimes, a chainsaw that's not making good cuts or straight cuts is a result of a problem with chain tension or sharpness. Find out how to sharpen a chainsaw and adjust the tension with help...
Cutting Steel Tubing
The best way to cut steel tubing is by using a steel tubing cutter in conjunction with a cutting wheel that is manually rotated. Discover how a hacksaw can give steel tubing an undesirable,...
How to Adjust a Table Saw
There are a couple of basic adjustments for a table saw, including adjusting the height of the blade and changing the angle of the blade. Find out how to release the locking mechanism to adjust a...
About Cedar Lumber
Cedar lumber is a member of the redwood family, and it is desirable in that it deteriorates very slowly, thus making it useful for lap siding on the exterior of homes. Find out how cedar lumber is...
How Does a Two-Stroke Chain Saw Work?
A two-stroke chain saw includes a crankshaft that drives the clutch, which is connected to the sprocket that pulls the chain around for cutting. See how a chain saw works by studying disassembled...
How Does a Centrifugal Clutch Work in a Chain Saw?
The centrifugal clutch in a chain saw is connected to the crankshaft and uses counterweights and friction pads to keep the engine idling at a low RPM. Understand how a centrifugal clutch works in...
How Does a Chain Saw Automatic Oiler Work?
A chain saw automatic oiler works by storing oil in a holding tank reservoir, pumping the oil through a plunger assembly and pushing the oil up onto the bar and into the grooves. See how an...
How Does a Chain Saw Operate?
Chain saws can either be electrically operated, running off of standard house voltage, or gasoline operated, which requires pulling a string to ignite the gas that powers the engine. Understand...
Buying Maple Lumber
When buying maple lumber, inspect the wood for any imperfections, such as scratches, nicks or knots, and make sure the board does not bow in any direction. Choose flawless wood for the best...
About Medium Density Fiberboard
Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is a much cheaper alternative to solid wood for many home improvement projects, and it is often created from recycled sawdust. Use pressed and rolled...