Power Tool Advancements Over The Years
Over the years lots of different types and designs of power tools have come and gone. One of the big questions on lots of people’s lips is: “How much better are modern tools, compared to the ones of say 10 years ago.” In the article I’m hopefully going to answer that question, plus maybe a few others along the way.
Firstly lets compare a classic, the Bosch GST 85 jigsaw with its newer cousin the Bosch GST135. I think it’s fair to use Bosch as an example here as they designed the first jigsaw way back in 1947, and they are the first choice for tradesmen all over the world. According to Bosch’s website, one in every two jigsaws in use world wide is made by Bosch.
Motor wise the 135 has a much more powerful motor at 720watts compared to the 580watt input of the GST85. However that said the 85 has a faster stroke speed of 3100spm.
So, I hear you ask those number are great, but how far has the jigsaw come since the GST85. Well, perhaps one specification will make it a little clearer. The GST135 can cut through 135 mm of wood. The GST85 only 85mm. Perhaps that’s how they get there name.
Ok well what about price. Well the GST135 retails for around £165, its list price is higher, but as a rule about £165 is what I’d expect to pay. The GST85 used to retail at around the same price if not more. What that tells me is there aimed at the same price range, but in the modern age of ecommerce the price of tools has come down.
In use the Bosch GST135 feels a lot more powerful and responsive. One specification I often hear about the 135 is it has 25% more torque that the GST85. It shows from the moment you turn the tool on. The newer model also offers the added function of dust extraction, and also the new technology of Constant Electronic. Constant Electronic basically is a clever piece of electronic trickery that boost the power output when under heavy loads.
I’d defiantly conclude in the case of jigsaws the Bosch GST135 is a major step forward over is predecessors, not only in specifications, but in use. If you ever get chance to use one I’m sure you’ll agree. Wielding one of these bad boys makes you feel like a true workman. Even Brazilian hard wood will yield easily under will of this Bosch power house.
In summary I suppose it is obvious that power tools get better as technology improves. However is it worth replacing your trusty old tools with the newer versions? That’s a harder question to answer. I recommend considering how often you use the particular tool and I suppose it depends on what you use them for.
So Johan I hear you ask “How much better are modern tools, compared to the ones of say 10 years ago?”
In short they are vastly better, but don’t get rid of your old tools until you require something better.
Cordless Power Tools For Every Homeowner
As any homeowner knows, there are a lot of things in a home that need to be repaired or assembled when you own a home. For new homeowners just transitioning out of apartment living, you may want to pay close attention to the list of power tools below. You can use the power tools below for remodeling work, assembling furniture and other jobs around the house. The list may be short, but these five power tools can help you get a lot accomplished.
Cordless Drill: A cordless drill is especially useful if you have holes to drill for an ongoing or upcoming project. It is great for making pivot holes for the screws, and you will like not needing to change out the screws between using the screwdriver and cordless drill. A cordless drill for home use is typically a three-eighth inch, while anything larger is usually considered commercial size.
Corded Drill: If you have a large number of holes to drill, you will want to use a corded drill since the cordless drill does have enough power to drill through certain material. Obviously, the attached cord takes away from the convenience found on any cordless tool, but extensions can be safely added to help compensate for the disadvantage and inconvenience of a cord.
Cordless Screwdriver: A cordless screwdriver can help you accomplish the small tasks that that need a good amount of power. For example, you can use it to screw furniture together or drill holes for picture frame hanging or hanging on heavy objects on walls. A great feature on most cordless screwdrivers is a reverse switch which allows you to remove the screw if you need to.
Power Circular Saw: Power circular saws cut more efficiently than regular hand saws and are much easier on the hands. If you need to cut large 2×4s or other lumber, such as particle board, this is a good tool to use. Usually, a power circular saw can cut up to three inches in depth without the need to cut twice.
Jig Saw: The jig saw is a good tool for more intricate work such as cutting around cabinet edges, for example. You will be glad you have it when you find you need to make a tough, tight cut.
Owning a home is a great feeling, but can be even more enjoyable when you have the proper tools to fix problems or more easily improve your home. Purchasing these five power tools will help you be prepared. There are, of course, additional tools you will need but you can gradually build up your tool collection.
Safety Tips for Common Power Tools
When using power tools, safety is the most important thing to consider. Using power tools correctly and safely will ensure the safety of you and anyone else around you. Different power tools gave different procedures to make sure that they are operating safely.
The router is a great tool for shaping wood quickly and cleanly. However, there are several things to keep in mind when using a router. Test out the router on a piece of scrap metal to make sure that it is of the proper depth. If the router is too deep or not deep enough, you will ruin the wood, and potentially harm yourself. Be sure to keep the bit away from the wood when you first start the router. When the router comes up to speed, firmly grip the handle and move the bit slowly and carefully into the object you are working on.
Reciprocating saws are used for cutting all kinds of materials, renovating and dismantling structures, and opening up walls. Naturally, this heavy-duty tool should be used with precaution. Holding the reciprocating saw with both hands when using it is a must. It is very powerful and has the ability to pull very hard on the user. The blades for this type of saw range from 6 inches to 12 inches. The blades can break, so have extras, and be careful with the blades when you are finished with the saw because the blades heat up tremendously while being used.
The power miter saw is also called a chop saw. It is used to make crisp, quick, and accurate cuts. It is often used on carpentry or picture framing. While in use, this saw should be raised off of the ground (this can be done with two-by-fours). It should be raised because the chips of wood that fall out of the machine can pile up and clog it if it is not elevated. Check the blade guard of the saw, and be sure to be cutting on a sturdy surface.
Finally, there are some general safety tips that can be applied to all power tools. Always wear goggles. This tip cannot be stressed enough. Eye injuries are very common when working with power tools, so always protect your eyes. Read all instructions thoroughly. All power tools have their little quirks. Read the instructions and learn the proper way to use the power tool. Follow warning labels. This may seem like a simple safety tip, but many people ignore warnings (for example: they stand on the very top of the ladder, and fall over). Finally, be very careful and eliminate distractions whenever possible. Following these few tips should help you be safer when using any kind of power tool.
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A Quick Consumer Safety Guide to Basic Power Tools
Throughout your life, your mom has probably told you more times than you’d care to count, “It’s better to be safe than sorry!” Well, your mom’s right, especially when it comes to using power tools and their attachments. Below you will find some quick tips to properly use power tools, all created with your personal safety in mind:
We’re going to start off our guide with a very basic philosophy- always wear the proper safety gear, including eyewear and hand protection. Goggles will keep your eyes safe and gloves will shield your hands from sparks, flying metal fragments, wood splinters and dust that can easily fly through the air while you’re working with any power tool. Your appearance should be the last thing on your mind, with safety being first. If you’re out trying to pick up a member of the opposite sex, please leave your power tools at home.
Our agenda now brings us to a few of the most common power tools on the market. We shall begin with the reciprocating saw, a very powerful hand-held tool used for dismantling entire structures and opening up walls. Keep them on while changing the breakable blades, as they get quite hot as they spin and can take a while to cool down. The 6″ to 12″ blades are incredibly sharp, so always wear the proper hand protection. Always hold this tool with both hands in a firm grip. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to use a broken blade to cut anything, no matter how simple the job seems; it’s a good idea to keep a few spare blades around when you plan on using this power tool.
While we’re on saws, let’s go over safely using a miter saw (sometimes referred to as a chop saw). The particular power saw is used for somewhat tight work and/or detailing thanks to its ability to make sharp, accurate cuts. The miter saw should always be used while it’s raised off of the ground due to the chips of wood that fall out from underneath the tool. If the tool isn’t raised, it will clog and eventually break. And as with any saw, check the blade guard to make sure that it’s functioning properly, and be sure to cut on a sturdy surface.
My personal favorite tool, the router, is the best when it comes to shaping and detailing your wood projects. You might want to check out the depth setting on your router on a piece of scrap wood or metal before working on your project, as you could easily ruin your handiwork. Remember to keep your gloves and goggles on, and start the tool at least 12″ away from your project and bring the tool’s spinning bit slowly into your project. You’ll be safe, and so will your project, when you put safety first.
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Bosch On How To Get Ahead In The Power Tool World
When it comes to power tools Bosch is the operative word. Bosch always appear to have a lot more choice on offer than many of the other manufacturers of similar tools. However, Bosch are indeed the largest manufacturer of power tools in the world, so you would assume there range of tools to be very impressive. Whether you are looking for a quality jigsaw, table saw, drill sander or dust extraction system, Bosch tools are internationally recognized as being among the best in the industry.
Following the vision laid out by its founder, Robert Bosch, Bosch Tools has continued to flourish by focusing on the manufacture of quality equipment and the development of innovative designs. Bosch has been synonymous with power tools since the first Bosch electric hair clippers in 1928, followed by the first electro-pneumatic hammer in 1932.
I myself have always been a fan of Bosch Equipment. As is true of the great majority of German engineering it really does seem to last and last. However its not just the reliability of Bosch that I like. They always seem to run much smoother and quieter in there operation that many other brands of the same level.
Bosch always seem to be a step ahead of the competition. They appear to have spent much of their research energies developing ways to make their tools more efficient, easier to use, lighter to carry and more compact for easy storage. When Bosch launch a replacement for one of there older machines there is always a massive improvement on its predecessor. Some manufacturers just seem to launch a new tool ever month, with out improving there old design. It seems that from the beginning Bosch engineers and technicians not only built tools, but also developed visions and translated them into a reality.
With Lithium Bosch have one again capitalized upon there advanced research. There are many benefits of a Lithium Ion Machine, such as maximum power and more runtime without a weight penalty, and Bosch seem to have checked them all of there list.
The study of ergonomic principles began in the early 1950s and Bosch is one of the first power tool manufacturers to employ ergonomic design in hand-held power tools.
In summary
Bosch engineering is driven by a desire to produce tools with low vibration, minimum noise level, precision, dust extraction/entrapment, simple and easy accessory changes and the best possible power-to-tool weight ratio. Put simply, in just about any category of power tool, there is just nothing better than the Bosch brand for reliability, design and performance. Robert Bosch’s high reputation is cemented because of their quality heavy duty power tools, their illustrious pioneering history, and their consistent drive in branching out and developing patents and ways to improve upon current technology.
