2 Basic Hand Tools for Woodworking

These 12 basic hand tools will give you a great start for your woodworking toolbox. Don't be scared
by the potential outlay of money either. Flea markets and garage sales are great, economical places
to shop for these hand tool staples.



Combination Square: An indespensible tool for penciling or knifing a line at 45 and 90-degrees. It's
important to get a good one, because it will be accurate straight out of the box and it will stay that
way. The 12-in. is perhaps the most common variety.How to Use a Combination Square

Marking Gauge: Marking gauges excel at cutting a line parallel to the edge of a board, which is vital
for laying out accurate tenons, mortises, and the baseline for dovetail joints.

Marking Knife: Marking knives are often better than pencils for layinig out joinery locations. A cut
line is better than a pencil line becuase it provides a precise location and line for starting a chisel or
handsaw.

Bevel Gauge: Because it has a pivoting blade that can be locked into any angle, a bevel gauge is
useful for transferring angles from plans to work pieces and setting table saw blade angles. They're
also commonly used to lay out dovetails.

Dovetail Saw: You have two options for a dovetail saw: a Western backsaw or a Japanese pull saw
(dozuki). Japanese saws are a good place to start, because even the inexpensive ones are very
sharp straight from the box.

Coping Saw: Coping saws are great for getting rid of the waste between dovetail pins and tails.
You'll save a lot of time compared to chopping away all of the waste with a chisel.

Chisels: Start with at least four basic chisels: 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in., and 3/4 in. Steer away from
chisels sized in millimeters. Although their widths approximate their U.S. equivalents, they can be far
enough off to prove frustrating when squaring up mortises or cleaning up grooves made with
fractional drill bits.Basic Chisel Set for Furniture Making?

Shoulder Plane: Eventually, you'll want to invest in a shoulder plane. What makes this plane unique
isthat the blade extends the full width of the sole, so you can plane right into a corner. It's great for
cleaning up tenons.What's the difference between a shoulder plane and a rabbet plane?

Block Plane: For chamfering edges, leveling joints, and smoothing end grain, the block plane is
indispensable. Block planes are available in standard and low angle models, depending on whether
you want to use them on end grain or face and edge grain.

Card Scraper: These inexpensive tools are great for smoothing out tricky grain like tiger maple, or
when you've got a small bit of tearout on an otherwise clean board. They're cheap, easy to sharpen,
and last forever.How to Use a Card Scraper

Smoothing Plane: As you continue to develop your hand tool skills, you'll reach a point where a
good smoothing plane is a necessity. Eventually, you'll be able to go from machine marks to glass-
smooth surfaces without sandpaper!

Spokeshave: This is another tool that can wait till you've developed a bit of skill. It's probably the
most overlooked tool in most shops. It's actually a short-soled handplane with handles on the side,
rather than in front of and behind the blade. Great for smoothing bandsawn curves, the tool is
available with either a flat or curved sole.



















Basic Carpentry Tools - Hand
Tool Pouch : All framers need a good set of tool pouches.I recommend leather with
two separatepouches, three inch wide belt, and separate hammer holder. This is the
foundation of any set of basic carpentry tools.
Tape Measure : You pick the brand however, it should be 25, 30, or 33 feet long and have
a blade width of at least 1 inch.
Speed Square : A triangular shaped metal square, Swanson is the most popular brand.
Chalk Line : I would recommend a speed line, you should really have two, one for red
chalk and one for blue.
Chalk Line Clamp : A fairly new tool that eliminates the need for two people to chalk a
line.
Chisel : I carry a one inch wide one that I am not afraid to use on nails or as a small pry
bar.
Carpenter's Pencil : I usually carry two, sharpened at both ends so I do not have to drop
what is being done to sharpen a pencil.
Framing Square :
Get a good one (not the $8 special at walmart) made of stainless steel or aluminum so it
will last.
Utility Knife : Make sure that it is retractable.
Framing Hammer :
Straight claw 20-24 ounce are the best for framers. Stay away from steel shanked
hammers, fiberglass or wood are best.
Cat's Paw : I prefer the type that have a nail digger on both ends, one curved and the
other straight.



Basic Carpentry Tools - Power
Extension Cords : Good quality outdoor cords of at least 14 gauge, are required to keep
your power tools from burning up due to voltage drop. 100 foot cords are the most
common, however shorter length's can come in handy.
Generators : It is inevitable that you will get a framing job where there is no electric power
available. You should have a generator available, renting one is very expensive compared to
the price of owning one. The one I use is rated at 5000 running watts, 6500 surge watts
and will run my electric air compressor, saws, and drills.

Air Compressor : Gas or electric? I prefer an electric model, the one I use can run three
framing guns at the same time with a ten gallon portable tank attached.
Framing Nailer : Here again, do not skimp on quality. I prefer Paslode but also like the
newer Senco's.
Circular Saw : I use a 7 1/4" sidewinder for cutting sheathing, studs, plates, joists etc. You
can not beat a worm gear for tougher cutting jobs.
Ladders :
You need at least two 6 and one 8 foot heavy duty step ladder and two 24 foot extension
ladders.
Electric Drill : I recommend a corded 1/2 inch variable speed model.
Reciprocating Saw : They all claim you do not need a sawzall to build a new house. Then
why do they all carry one in their truck?






BASIC PLUMBING Tools
(Pictured: clockwise from upper left)

1. Propane Torch: Required if you're going to sweat copper pipe and fittings. Spend the extra
money for a self-igniting torch head ($30-$60) that lights at the squeeze of a trigger. You'll find it
much more convenient than using a striker or matches.

2. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: Commonly called by the brand name Channellocks, these pliers
are the first tool plumbers reach for when they need to grab, pull, twist, hold, tighten or loosen
something. Be sure to get two sizes: 10-in. ($10-$15) and 12-in. ($20-$25).

3. Hacksaw: Use this versatile saw ($15-$25) to cut through metal pipe, hardware, screws, nuts
and bolts and plastic pipe. Make sure the blade is tense in the frame for tough cuts, and be sure to
keep extra blades on hand. In tight spots, wrap one end of a loose blade in a cloth to create a handle
to slip the blade in for the cut.

4. Metal File: This tool removes burrs and smooths the edges of metal pipes after cutting. It's best
to have two files on hand: half-round ($10), which has both rounded and flat surfaces, and a rat-tail
file ($8), which is round and tapered.

5. Basin Wrench: An invaluable tool ($10-$20) for tightening and loosening nuts that hold sink
faucets in place. The tool's long shaft and swiveling jaw can reach up and into the deep, narrow
space behind a sink and lock onto the nuts. There's no other tool that can do what this one does.

6. Pipe Wrench: These large, heavy wrenches are used to tighten and loosen threaded pipes,
fittings and nuts. You'll need two--one for turning and one for gripping and holding. The serrated
teeth help the wrench hold its grip but can damage a fixture's finish--when you need protection, wrap
the wrench's jaws in a cloth. Buy a 10-in. ($10-15) and a 14-in. ($20-$25) model.

7. Hand Auger: Sometimes called a plumber's snake, this hand-cranked drain-clearing tool ($20-
$30) has a 25-ft.-long flexible steel cable that's effective at clearing obstructions from tubs, showers,
sinks, toilets and drain lines. Use it when the plunger (see below) fails to clear the clog.

8. Adjustable Wrench: This versatile tool is required for working on compression fittings, supply
lines and other plumbing parts that have hex-shaped nuts. When shopping, check that the moving
jaw holds a firm setting so that it won't slip loose under torque. Again, it's best to get two sizes: 6-in.
($10-$12) and 10-in. ($15-$20).

9. Tubing Cutter: Looking somewhat like a C-clamp, this essential tool provides the quickest,
cleanest way to cut copper pipe. Get both a standard-size tubing cutter ($10-$15) and a close-
quarter minicutter ($15-$20), which works in tight spaces.

(Not shown)
10. Plunger: This indispensable tool ($5-$10) isn't called the plumber's best friend for nothing. It's
the first tool to grab when you need to dislodge clogs from sinks, tubs, toilets, showers and floor
drains. When using it in a toilet, press down, create a firm seal around the drain, and pull upward.
The idea is to vacuum the clog out, not push it deeper.

11. Closet Auger: A manual clog-clearing tool ($14-$40) that's specifically designed for toilets. Its
long steel cable is tough enough to grind through the most stubborn clogs.

12. Fire-Resistant Cloth: A thick, specially treated cloth ($15) that's used to protect nearby
combustible surfaces when soldering with an open-flame propane torch. It's always smart to keep a
fire extinguisher nearby, too.






















Masonry Tools and their Uses
I have been a mason for about five years now and people ask me all the time for tips on making their
home projects a bit easier. I cannot stress enough the importance of having the correct tools. Masonry
can be hard work, but without the right tools, you will be fighting yourself the whole way.

With that being said, I'm going to go over all the tools one would need to make their at home masonry
project as simple as possible. There are several different types of material you might be using for your
project (brick, block, stone, pavers etc.) but the tools you will be using stay fairly consistent.

Variety of Trowels

-Trowel: The first thing you will need is a trowel. The masons main tool. The trowel is used to spread
(butter) the mortar (mud) on the material you will be using and scraping off excess mortar. There are
several different types of trowels which differ mainly in size. Which trowel you decide to use mostly
depends on how comfortable it is in your hand. Although, larger trowels are usually used for spreading
mortar while smaller trowels can be used for touching up old mortar joints and scraping the excess
mortar.

Mason Hammer
-Masons Hammer: This tool has two ends, one is small and flat like a hammer and the other is flat and
sharp like a small chisel. The chisel end is used for breaking brick, block or stone precisely. The hammer
end is used when you need a little extra power behind your swing. Like breaking off a part of a block or
brick that you have already chipped away with the chisel end.

Masonry Chisel





-Chisel: The chisel is used for splitting block or brick. A chisel is usually preferred over a masons hammer
because it makes a cleaner cut but is sometimes unnecessary.








Diamond Edge Blade

-Power Saw: If you're going to be making a lot of cuts in your block or brick, a power saw with a diamond
blade would be a great investment. The saw will allow you to make quick, precise cuts in your material.
You can use a handheld saw or a stationary Chop Saw but the blade must be a diamond edge blade to
prevent it from breaking or dulling quickly.



Masonry Level


-Level: A level is a very important tool to have at hand. Whether you're laying block or brick you are going
to want it to be as level as possible. Masonry levels come in sizes ranging from one to four feet. I would
recommend having one of each but they can be quite expensive. A three or four foot level is the most
commonly used and is what I would recommend for any brick/block work.

Chalk Line




-Chalk Line: If you are laying block or brick against a wall, a chalk line can be used to snap a line on the
wall, at the correct height, to give you a visible line which you can build your block/brick up to. It can also
be snapped on the foundation to be sure your first row of block or brick is perfectly straight.





-String and String Level: Once both ends of your wall are built to the correct

Mason Line
height a string can be stretched from the corner of a block on one end of the wall to the corner of a block
at the opposite end of the wall. By laying within the line it assures you are laying a plumb and level row of
block/brick. This is repeated on every row of block allowing you to rely on your eye rather then a level.

Steel Square




-Steel Square: A steel square is an L shaped piece of steel at a perfect 90 degree angle. It is used to
make sure the corners of your wall are at a 90 degree angle.






Round Jointer


Flat Jointer



-Jointer: There are two different types of jointers. One is used for brick and block and the other for stone
work. For brick/block a rounded jointer is used to run along the joint and compact the mortar into the joint
while scraping off the excess mortar. For stone a smaller, flatter jointer is used to scrape out excess
mortar from the joints once they have been grouted.












Basic Electronic Components and What They Do
By Doug Lowe from Electronics All-in-One For Dummies
You will work with a number of basic electronic components when building electronic circuits, including resistors,
capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Here is a brief overview of the functions of each of these basic
electronic components.
Resistors
A resistor is a component that resists the flow of current. It's one of the most basic components used in electronic
circuits. If you put resistors next to a penny, you get an idea of how small they are.

Resistors come in a variety of resistance values (how much they resist current, measured in units called ohms and
designated by the symbol and power ratings (how much power they can handle without burning up, measured in
watts).




Capacitors
Next to resistors, capacitors are probably the second most commonly used component in electronic circuits.
A capacitor is a device that can temporarily store an electric charge.

Capacitors come in several different varieties, the two most common being ceramic disk andelectrolytic. The amount
of capacitance of a given capacitor is usually measured in microfarads, abbreviated F.




Diodes
A diode is a device that lets current flow in only one direction. A diode has two terminals, called theanode and
the cathode. Current will flow through the diode only when positive voltage is applied to the anode and negative
voltage to the cathode. If these voltages are reversed, current will not flow.

Light-Emitting Diodes
A light-emitting diode (or LED) is a special type of diode that emits light when current passes through it.

Transistors
A transistor is a three-terminal device in which a voltage applied to one of the terminals (called thebase) can control
current that flows across the other two terminals (called the collector and theemitter). The transistor is one of the most
important devices in electronics.

Integrated Circuits
An integrated circuit is a special component that contains an entire electronic circuit, complete with transistors,
diodes, and other elements, all photographically etched onto a tiny piece of silicon. Integrated circuits are the building
blocks of modern electronic devices such as computers and cellphones.

CTC 105. Electrical Systems- Refresher
Basic Electricity
1.

What is electricity?


Electricity is the movement of electrons.
2.

What is an Electrical System?


An Electrical System is a system that is composed of one piece of equipment
connectedtogether to provide electricity.
3.

Examples of an electrical system.
a.

Car -
The car needs battery to start.b.

Home-
Our home needs electricity to power up lamps and appliances. Example: Air-conditioning
unit, heater and television.c.

Plant -
The plant needs electricity to run electric motors and other machineries.
4.
Basic electrical units and quantities.

Quantity Symbol Unit
QUANTITY UNIT SYMBOLS
Voltage V or E Volts
Electric Current I Amperes
Resistance R Ohms
5.

What is the law that explains the relationship of the basic electrical quantities?


Ohms Law
6.

What is Ohms Law formula?



V = I x R
Example of electrical calculations using Ohms Law
Problem 1.
In the Electric Circuit the voltage is 10 volts and the resistance is 5 ohms. What isthe
current?
Problem 2.
If the resistance is 4 ohms and the current is 5 amperes. What is the voltage?
Problem 3.
The voltage of the battery is 24 Volts an the current is 6 amperes. What is thevalue of
the resistance?