Introduction to Powered Hand Tools

Prerequisite: Cage Access

Hand Power tools are a big part of making. Hand power tools include belt sander, palm sander, skill saw, jig saw, and reciprocating saw. You will need additional training to use the other equipment in the space. Many of these tools are also only available when David is around.

Our goal is to have you feeling comfortable using all of the power tools we have in our space. We also hope this information will be useful to you throughout the rest of your life as you continue to build and create in future maker spaces or in your garage.

The access to the use of power tools in the BBE Makerspace requires some effort on your part.   Here is a summary (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. of the power tools you might be using and the things we think are most critical regarding safety.

Key elements of safety can be boiled down to the following:

  • Hazards and PPE for those hazards include:
    • Spinning stuff: Drills, saws, and sanders spin. Tie your hair back. No loose clothes or dangly things.
    • Flying debris: Drilling and cutting results in little pieces of wood, metal, or plastic flying through the air. Small pieces can cause damage. Wear eye protection!
    • Loud noises: Hearing is a young peoples sport. Turn down the music or you will regret it later. Most tools are over any OSHA standard. Some are. Wear hearing protection all the time or as recommended (for sure with metal cutting).
    • Dust: Cutting, drilling and sanding creates small particulates that you can breathe in. Some is OK. Alot is probably not OK. We have masks (or use your COVID mask).
    • Tripping: No not on drugs. Like on extension chords. Keep your area clean!
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Summary: Safety glasses, No loose clothing or hair, earplugs and masks as needed.)
  • Stay focused. Obviously no drugs or alcohol, but also don't be chatting to others or thinking about calculus - focus on what you are doing.
  • Have a clean work area. 

When you want to learn wood tools schedule a time with David (schmi071@umn.edu)