8 Key Trends in Power Tools Market

Power tools are gaining traction around the world as both professionals and DIYers look to get more done in efficiently and conveniently. A majority of power tools available in the market are made in China. Availability of raw materials and cheap labour in China has meant that power tools are available at affordable prices.

The value of the global power tools market was worth US$ 27.58 Bn in 2015, and it is expected that the market will reach a valuation of US$ 46.47 Bn by 2025. Some of the key trends in the power tools market are,

Power Tools Outpacing Hand Tools

Power tools are fast outpacing hand tools, as more consumers are preferring to accomplish minor tasks on their own. Increasing popularity of cordless electric saws, grinders, sanders, and polishers is providing impetus to the global power tools market.

High Demand from Professionals

Demand for power tools has also witnessed a surge among professionals, owing to resurgence in the housing market. The global volume of construction is expected to grow by 70% and reach US$ 15 trillion by 2025. The U.S., China, and India are expected to witness robust construction activity, owing to which demand for power tools is expected to increase in the future.

China Dominates Power Tools Market

China dominates the global power tools market, accounting for roughly 80% of power tools produced globally. Chinese vendors have a price advantage as they offer highly efficient power tools at competitive prices.

Shift from Corded to Cordless

The power tools market is also witnessing a shift from corded tools to cordless tools. For example, Hitachi Koki registered incremental sales of 5% in its power tools sales, owing to the introduction of cordless tools. Cordless power tools are expected to gain traction in the future, owing to their ease of use and performance advantages.

DIY Trend Gaining Traction in Developing World

The DIY trend, which has traditionally remained limited to developed world, is now gaining a foothold in the developing market. Rising disposable income and rapid urbanisation have introduced consumers to DIY, owing to which demand for power tools has received a fillip.

Lithium-ion Batteries Replacing Ni-Cd

Another key trend in the power tools market is that Lithium-ion batteries are replacing Ni-Cd technology, owing to the advantages that the former offers. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, highly efficient, and offer enhanced run time as compared to Ni-Cd batteries. Owing to these benefits, Li-ion batteries have become the preferred choice among end-users in the power tools market.

Focus on Product Development

Key stakeholders in the power tools market are focusing on product development initiatives to launch innovative products in the market. Companies are investing heavily into research and development (R&D) to enhance tool strength and durability of their offerings. For example, Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd. has introduced the series 36V cordless gardening tools along with the highly-efficient brushless motors. Furthermore, Makita, a Japan based manufacturer of professional and consumer power tools, is focusing on developing safe products with reduced dust emissions featuring low noise and vibration capabilities to meet environmental regulations.

Resurgence of Construction Industry in Emerging Nations

A key macroeconomic factor propelling the power tools market is infrastructure investment in emerging economies. Owing to strong growth in emerging regions of the world, construction industry in expected to witness growth opportunities, which in turn are anticipated to boost the demand for power tools. China, India, and the U.S. to account for nearly 60% of global market growth.

North America, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific together account for over 70% of share of global power tools market. Asia Pacific, which accounts for third largest share currently, is expected to gain more than 100 BPS to become the second most lucrative market by 2025.

15 Life-Saving Power Tool Safety Tips

The right power tools make it faster, easier and more efficient to complete DIY home improvement projects and other tasks. They also allow homeowners to produce more professional results. These days, there are power tools for nearly every type of home improvement task. Power tools cut, drill, sand, grind and perform many other functions. By investing in a selection of power tools, a homeowner will always have what he needs to get the job done quickly. As effective and efficient as they are, power tools are also extremely dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured while using power tools, which is why it's crucial to be aware of the top power tool safety tips.

Types of Power Tools

Power tools fall into two main categories: stationary power tools and portable power tools. The most popular type of stationary power tool is the table saw, which makes it a snap to cut wood and other materials quickly and precisely. As far as portable power tools go, there are dozens of popular options. At the very least, most do-it-yourself types own at least one drill. A few other popular portable power tools include chainsaws, electric sanders, and grinders. Some power tools are electric, and others are powered by gas. Some have cords and some don't. Regardless of which type of power tool is being used, certain safety precautions should be followed. This guide highlights 15 of the most important power tool safety tips.

Top Safety Tips for Power Tools

1. Always Use the Right Tool for the Job

Misusing a power tool is extremely hazardous. It is important to always use the right tool for the job. If the right tool isn't available, it should be purchased. The manufacturer will outline the tasks that a tool is designed to accomplish in the owner's manual. If a person is uncertain about whether a tool is appropriate or not, he should err on the side of caution.

2. Thoroughly Read the Instructions

Many people take their power tools out of the box and start using them immediately. Even if a person has experience with using a particular type of power tool, he should still sit down and read the instructions thoroughly. Some models have different specifications than others. Some are designed to accomplish different things. Furthermore, variations between power tools can result in different risks. For example, different precautions apply when using an electric power tool as opposed to a gas power tool. Similarly, different safety measures need to be taken when using a cordless power tool as opposed to a power tool that has a cord. By reading the instructions, a person will learn everything he needs to know about the power tool and may even pick up a few extra tips.

3. Keep Fingers Away from On/Off Switches

Most power tools are designed so that they don't turn on accidentally. However, people should still take care not to inadvertently press the on/off switch while handling these tools. For example, when transporting a tool from one place to another, a person should make sure that his fingers aren't positioned near the power button. If a safety lock is available, it should be engaged when the tool is not in use.

4. Disconnect Power Tools when Not in Use

For the sake of convenience, some people keep their power tools plugged in at all times. When they need to use them, they don't have to worry about plugging them in again. This may seem logical, but it's actually a recipe for disaster. When not in use, power tools should be disconnected. Power tools should also be unplugged whenever they are serviced or when parts or accessories are being replaced. When it is unplugged, a power tool can't accidentally turn on and cause injuries.

5. Be Careful with Power Cords

In addition to keeping a power tool in great shape, being careful with its power cord enhances everyone's safety. Power tools should never be carried by their cords. People should not swing power tools around by their cords either. Similarly, care should be taken when unplugging a power tool. As tempting as it may be, a power tool's cord should not be yanked roughly in order to unplug it from the wall. The plug should be grasped firmly and pulled carefully out of the outlet.

6. Inspect Power Tools Regularly

When a power tool is damaged, it can be dangerous. If a power tool isn't inspected regularly, dangerous damages can go unnoticed. In the case of a damaged cord, small nicks can be covered with electrical tape. If a deep cut or tear occurs on a cord though, the cord should be replaced. Safety guards should not have any cracks, and they should never be removed. If a safety guard becomes damaged, it should be replaced. Power tools should be inspected prior to every use. Power tools that aren't used regularly should be inspected every few months.

7. Keep Work Areas Neat

Working in a dirty, cluttered environment increases the odds of experiencing a serious injury. For example, sawdust can float in the air and end up in people's eyes. Sawdust particles are extremely dry, and they can actually ignite under certain conditions. When a work area becomes too cluttered, cords can become tangled, which can lead to serious problems. When a work area is messy, flammable liquids may not be stored properly. Power tools should never be used near flammable liquids for safety reasons. In addition to keeping people safer, a clean work area increases productivity and efficiency.

8. Wear the Right Clothes

When using power tools, people should never wear baggy clothing, which can be snagged or become tangled. Similarly, long hair should be tied back so that it doesn't make contact with the power tool. The same is true of jewelry, which often dangles loose from the body. To ensure safety, clothes should cover the whole body. When appropriate, hard hats, dust masks and other protective gear should be used. Work boots or steel-toe boots should be worn as appropriate as well. Heavy, durable gloves will minimize the risk of hand injuries too.

9. Avoid Hearing Loss

Many power tools are extremely loud, and excessive noisiness isn't reserved for cheap power tools either. The potential for hearing loss is very high. It's even worse when power tools are used in enclosed areas, where sounds reverberate off of walls, floors and ceilings. Even if a power tool doesn't seem to be too loud, earplugs should be used. Earplugs are cheap, and they are easy to use. By slipping some in before turning on a power tool, a person can dramatically reduce the risk of hearing loss.

10. Avoid Eye Injuries

Regardless of the type of work that's being performed, the eyes should be protected at all times. Power tools stir up a lot of dust and debris. Tools like drills and chainsaws can cause objects to fly loose. It's not uncommon at all for objects to fly directly into a person's eyes when power tools are being used. For optimal safety, a person should use impact-resistant safety glasses. These heavy-duty glasses will eliminate the risk of foreign objects getting into the eyes, where they can cause serious injuries. Extra pairs should be kept on hand as well.

11. Stay on Solid Footing

Working on ladders and elevated platforms is risky in general. When power tools are thrown into the mix, the danger level rises even higher. If at all possible, it is best to remain on solid ground while using power tools. If it is absolutely necessary to climb a ladder or work on an elevated platform, steps should be taken to ensure that the footing is as secure as possible. Wobbly ladders and platforms increase the risk of injury while using a power tool. Another person should remain on the ground while power tools are being used on ladders or elevated platforms.

12. Store Power Tools Where Children Can't Access Them

Young children are often curious about power tools. Even if young kids are told not to play with power tools, the temptation to do so may be too strong to resist. The best thing to do is to remove temptation altogether by keeping power tools safely locked away when they're not being used. Power tools should never be left out, even if they are going to be used again the very next day.

13. Maintain a Safe Work Environment

Power tools should only be used in areas that have adequate lighting. In dim conditions, it is all too easy to make a wrong move that can cause a serious injury. If an area is dark or dim, lights should be set up as needed. Power tools should never be used in damp or wet conditions. If a rainstorm rolls in during a project, the tools should be packed up until it is over. One of the biggest risks involved in using a power tool is electrocution, which is why these tools need to be kept away from wet, damp conditions at all times.

14. Secure Work Pieces with Clamps

When cutting or drilling a work piece with a power tool, the piece should be secured with a clamp. For example, a piece of wood should be completely secured before it is worked on with a table saw. Similar precautions should be taken when using power belt sanders, nail guns, and miter saws. If a piece is not secured, it could ricochet and cause serious injuries. A blade might not move in the correct way, or a nail gun could misfire. Securing a piece only takes a few seconds more, and it's well worth it.

15. Keep Observers at a Safe Distance

In some cases, people may want to watch the work while it's being performed. For instance, a child may want to watch his parent use a power tool. It's fine to allow people to observe, but they need to stay at a safe distance. Even if they are far away, they should wear goggles and other protective gear to reduce the risk of injuries. Children should be taught that power tools are extremely dangerous, which is why they need to stand a safe distance away.

Finding Power Tools on eBay

At a certain point, most power tools become so old and damaged that they need to be replaced. It's easy to find affordable, high-quality power tools on eBay. The power tools category can be found by first clicking on the Home, Outdoors & Decor category. From there, shoppers should click over to the Home & Garden category. The Tools subcategory can be found on the left, and the Power Tools section is easy to find from there. Replacement tools can be found easily in that section.

Use Power Tools Safely at All Times

While it helps to buy new, undamaged power tools, the safety tips that are outlined above should be kept in mind at all times. Even the most well-designed power tool in the world can cause injuries if it's not used properly. By taking the appropriate steps, a person can safely use power tools and get work done around the house a lot more quickly and efficiently. Protective gear like safety glasses is also available on eBay, and people should stock up on such gear to stay as safe as possible while using power tools.

The Power Drill: A Modern Man’s Guide to Tools

The go-to for many around-the-house projects, the power drill can also do the most damage. We'll make sure you get it right.

The power drill is a screwdriver that’s been bitten by a radioactive spider. You can attach “bits” to it, to match whatever screw you’re working on, and you can also attach “drill bits”, allowing you to drill holes in things.

You are likely to need a power drill for:

• Tedious screwing jobs, such as in construction or assembly
• Drilling holes into a wall or other surface
• Dentistry, but that’s a special kind of drill

How to Use a Power Drill

The main thing you need to know about a power drill is that you can swap out the bits (head ends). Most modern power drills tighten by leverage. Here’s how it works:

1. Loosen (remember righty-tighty, lefty-loosy),
2. Put your bit into the chuck (the three-pronged holder thingy)
3. Tighten. Make sure it’s plenty tight. You can tighten it a bit more by holding the big round part just behind the bit, then squeezing the trigger for a quick sec, but don’t come crying to us if you chafe your soft widdle hands. Many household drills use keyless chucks, meaning you can hand-tighten them, however some drills require the use of a “key” to tighten the chuck. The key is usually stored on the drill top, or in the handle.

The power drill has two other important components. There’s a button, near the trigger, that tells the drill whether to go forward (clockwise) or backward. There’s also (in most drills) a torque setting. When torque is set to its lowest (loosest) setting, it will tighten the screw until it feels a little tension, then start clicking rapidly. When torque is on its highest setting, it will keep tightening the screw until it cams out (see the screwdriver article, if you forgot what this means) or until something bad happens (strips the screw, pokes your eye out, etc.). Usually, you should start with a low to medium torque setting. Then, if you need more, adjust accordingly.

There are different types of drill bits for different types of material. The most common are general-purpose, with a simple head, and can be used for most around-the-house projects. Others include spade or flat bits (for construction framing bolt-holes in wood), masonry (for concrete), brad point bits (for word or dowel work), and bits with a diamond carbide tip (for drilling into porcelain or other tough surfaces).

When drilling a hole for a screw, make sure you are using the right size bit. To do this, hold up your screw with a drill bit in front of it. You should be able to see all of the screw’s threads behind the drill bit. In other words, the drill bit should be the same size as the screw’s body, but smaller than its threads.

If drilling a large hole — especially in metal, or with a precise center point — you may first need to make a smaller “pilot hole” to help guide the drill and protect the material from cracking. Some bits do this for you, but these are specialized tools, and you could probably live a full and happy life without ever seeing one.

In addition to all the pitfalls of using a screwdriver, power tools have more power than hand tools. Being more power-full, they can quickly do more damage to your screws, walls, hands, eyes, etc. Be careful when using them, move slowly, use eye protection. Also, never pretend to fight or shoot your friends with power tools. While such shenanigans are indeed hilarious, the saying “it’s all fun & games until …” applies.

When used as a drill, remember that you can always make the hole bigger, but you can’t ever make it smaller. If you’re not sure which size drill bit to use, better to err on the side of too small.

Also, if making holes in drywall, be sure to use drywall anchors (those little plastic things) . The tiny sharp threads of a screw are just too fine for the rough chalky composition of drywall. The plastic threaders are big and stretchy, and will stay in the drywall much better than a bare screw.

Difference Between Cheap And High Quality Hand Tools

If you own a cheap hand tool set and wondering why quality is such an important feature in hand tools, we explain the difference to you.

If you want to buy a high quality hand tool, be prepared to shell out more. However, they are worth the money, because they are made to last a lifetime. They are a one-time investment.

If you have lot of use for hand tools, it is always better to choose high quality tools. If you are not using hand tools for heavy duty work, you can buy cheap tools. Cheap tools work for certain jobs. You can use them for doing odd jobs around the house. They won’t last long; they won’t stand the test of time or offer the durability you need for industrial or heavy-duty jobs.

Here is a list of differences you’ll notice between cheap and high quality hand tools.

Cheap hand tools are prone to breaking

• If you don’t mind replacing broken tools on a regular basis, then buy cheap hand tools. Technicians who buy cheap tools end up spending a lot replacing them as cheap tools bow or crack under pressure.
• High quality hand tools will last forever with proper care and maintenance. They are worth the investment if you plan to use them often.

The way it feels

• By the very look of the tools you can make out whether they are cheap or expensive hand tools. The handles of hand tools that are cheap are not very comfortable to use. This is a big issue for mechanics who often use these tools for hours at a stretch. If you are not comfortable with the handles, the quality of work itself will get affected. And, your hands will start to hurt.
• Well-made tools will feature ergonomic handles that are designed to reduce strain and prevent injury. Cheap tools, on the other hand, just don’t feel good and you won’t find yourself reaching for them when you have a job to do.

Consistency

• If you are a mechanic, a carpenter or an electrician, reliability is a major concern. You want a hand tool that performs with consistency. Cheap tools can bend or break easily if they’re used heavily or if too much force is applied. You don’t want your work to get affected because of a broken tool. If you’re an electrician, first and foremost you should be concerned about your safety. A cheap tool is not something you can rely on to keep you safe from shocks.
• Well-made tools are produced from the highest quality materials and handcrafted for excellent dependability. They are made to withstand industrial specifications, and you can rely on them. They are not only safe to use, you can do quality work with them, too.

Cost factor

• High-quality tools are, indeed, expensive, so most people are tempted to buy cheap tools. But what you should understand is, if you are using cheap tools, you will have to replace them more often and in the process you will lose a lot of money.
• High quality tools, on the other hand, are a one-time investment. Since they are made of good quality materials you won’t need to replace them every now and then. So by buying well-made tools from a trusted brand you are actually saving a lot of money.

When you work with hand tools as part of your job, always buy tools that are made with good quality materials and from trusted brands. Don’t buy tools according to the price. Instead, make sure they’re made from the best materials.

How to choose the right power tool for home

Unfortunately, owning or living in a property requires a certain level of upkeep and maintenance. Many property owners quickly realise the costs of repairs and will attempt a few small odd jobs themselves.
For larger jobs they will call a licensed trades-person.

For small things that can easily be done around the house, an individual can use their own power tools to help them tackle the task at hand.

Property owners can spend a lot of time in warehouse hardware stores attempting to find the perfect power tool with little success.
Talking to specialist stores like Wilson and Miller can save novice and experienced renovators a lot of time and embarrassment. Wilson and Miller provides countless hours of training to ensure that there is always someone around to assist.

One of the first things an individual must do to ensure they are choosing the right tools is to get educated about what each tool does. Some tools are indispensable for repairing a leaky faucet and other tools may prove useless when handling such a job. If a property owner has a clear understanding of what the tool does and how it can be used they are much more likely to select the right tools that matter.

Secondly, having a clear idea of each brand is also helpful. The quality and durability of a tool will vary from brand to brand. Wilson and Miller is home to large range of brands and can guide customers through the benefits of each.

Thirdly, consider how often the tool may be used. One might be wise to choose a tool which offers a longer warranty over a tool which may not last as long. The difficulty of use for a power tool is a concern to many tradespeople as well as novice users. A tool which is simple to use, has simple instructions will provide satisfaction to the user every time.
When selecting power tools or any hand tool ensure you speak to the specialists at Wilson and Miller who know their tools!

Overview of basic tools.

Every home needs several good power tools, which will enable you to perform any minor (or sometimes not-so-minor) home repair or renovation job.

The Basic Power Drill

The first tool you need is a good quality power drill. The best drills will enable you to drill any surface from wood, to plaster, to concrete and even brick. However, even a basic drill will perform several useful jobs around the house. A lot of people like the versatility of a cordless drill, but corded drills often give better performance and power, and they don’t run out of power when you need it.

The Jigsaw

The jigsaw is another power tool, which can be used by beginners and more experienced people alike. It allows you to cut circular and curved patterns in wood. Some models are more versatile than others. Look for one that allows you to change blades easily and is easy to handle.

An Orbital Sander

An orbital sander is another very handy power tool. You can buy simple sanders that use plain sandpaper, or random orbital sanders which sands in a random motion to reduce sanding marks. Sanders can be used on wood as well as plaster (very handy when you need to patch holes in walls and other surfaces, and need to sand the surface smoothly).

The Circular Saw

Finally, a circular saw is a very useful power tool for the home handyperson. You may need to get a bit of practice with it, but once you’re comfortable it will enable you to perform a number of cutting tasks quickly and easily.

All of these power tools are handy additions to every household. They can be used by beginners and those who are more experienced, and while you may need a little practice it won’t take long before you can use them like a professional.

Taking Care of Tools

My father used his Yankee screwdriver all the time, and I still grab it when I have a lot of straight-slot screws to drive, say, when I’m installing door hinges. One long push on the handle gets me about three nicely controlled turns on the screw. Sure, cordless drivers are faster, but a Yankee screwdriver is easy on the wrist and quiet, never needs recharging, and has a bit that doesn’t slip off or over-drive the screw. These screwdrivers are still being made, thank goodness, so if my dad’s old one ever breaks, I can replace it.

RUST BUSTING:
Given enough time, rust will damage metal permanently. Here are some ways to keep it from forming on your tools and to get rid of it if you’ve got it.

To keep rust at bay: Because dust attracts moisture, store tools in a dry place, such as in a drawer or a toolbox. For extra protection, add a canister of silica gel or strips of vapor corrosion inhibitor, like the ones made by Wilson and Miller. They emit a gas that deposits a protective layer on metal surfaces. In damp basement workshops, keep a dehumidifier running.

When rust gets a foothold: Spray lightly rusted surfaces with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40, then scrub with a heavy-duty Scotch-Brite pad. Stay away from sandpaper; it scratches metal. Wipe off excess lubricant before putting the tool away.

For more heavily rusted metal, try a spray-on, wipe-off, acid-based rust remover like Rust Free. Follow with a rust-inhibitor spray like Boeshield T-9, which leaves a thin, waxy film on the surface. Wipe away any excess immediately.

STORAGE:
If you’re lucky enough to own any of the old wooden boxes that tools used to be packaged in, they make great storage places. The wood helps absorb moisture and shields the tools from humidity.

REPAIRING WOOD HANDLES:
A cracked wood handle is relatively easy to glue back together, especially if you can take it off the tool. I prefer yellow wood glue rather than epoxy. It’s easy to work with and stronger than the wood itself.

For handles cracked all the way through, gently separate the two pieces and clean the mating surfaces with a tooth­brush; don’t sand them. Spread a light coat of glue on both faces and into any fissures with a small brush, then clamp the pieces securely—rubber bands work well on length­wise splits. Wipe up excess glue with a damp rag. The clamp can come off in about an hour.

5 Hand Tool Tips and Tricks for Efficient, Successful Woodwork

Though I have been pursuing hand tool woodwork very seriously for almost three years now, in many ways, I am still very much a beginner. I didn’t grow up around tools and have found that I pick some things up very quickly and easily, whereas other common sense concepts are still completely foreign to me.  Until very recently, I worked at an incredibly slow pace in the woodshop, and not just because I try to skip power tools whenever possible.

To cut down on this time, I sat down and tried to make a list for how I could more efficiently practice woodworking. Here are five hand tool tips and tricks I discovered:

1. Use the right tool for the job

If you read any of my other articles, forgive me for repeating myself, but this is a very important concept, especially when it comes to hand tool woodwork. Yes, at any woodworking store, there is a specific tool, jig or fixture that promises to do every task imaginable, and you could spend a fortune buying them all, but you don’t need 99.99 percent of them. What you do need is an understanding of the necessary tools to furnish your toolkit and an understanding of what each of them does. If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of The Anarchist’s Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz at Lost Art Press. You won’t be disappointed.

When it comes to buying tools, buy the best you can afford. If you are just getting into hand tool woodwork, I have some great news for you. You can save cash and floorspace in your shop by avoiding all big, heavy machinery and instead investing in some heirloom-quality hand tools. Quality hand tools do have a much higher price tag, but take it from me — if you buy well the first time, you will save a lot of money, trouble and frustration in the long run.

When I was first getting started, my husband used to ask questions like “Why do you need to spend $100 on that handsaw when they have one at the home center that is only $10?” He has since learned to keep those things to himself, after watching me fuss with and agonize over bargain tools that never worked to begin with, only to go and spend more money the second time to get a tool that actually works.

Once you own a few quality tools, there are all kinds of tips and tricks to use them efficiently and successfully. For example, you don’t need to have every single size of chisel ever made. If you have three or four sizes, you can design your joinery around the tools you have. As you lay out your dovetails, make it so the bottom of your pins is the same width as your smallest chisel so you can save time while chopping out the waste. If the bottom of your pins is the same size as your chisel, you can remove all your waste in one quick pare with that chisel. That tip alone cut my dovetailing time in half.  

Sharpening tools

2. Take care of your tools

If you take proper care of your tools, they will always be ready when you need them. There are two very important pieces to this puzzle: keeping your tools sharp and storing them properly.

Using a sharp tool is crucial to success in hand tool woodwork. If your tool is tuned properly, many hand tool woodworking tasks are just as quick, if not quicker than their power tool counterparts. There are all kinds of videos on Youtube about sharpening whatever specific tool you are using. Do note, however, that for every woodworker, there are ten different methods of sharpening. Do a bit of research, pick one, learn it and stick with it. Though many woodworkers have strong opinions in the matter, I believe there isn’t one superior method. The method that you find most enjoyable and easy to learn is the best one for you, because at the end of the day, as long as your tool is sharp, I couldn’t care less how it got that way.

Take notice of how your tool works when properly sharpened and get into a routine that works for you to keep them sharp. A quick hone every now and then is better than an hour-long sharpening session if you wait too long. I try to keep my tools sharp all the time, but every so often I go through all my tools and give them a good sharpening just in case.

Woodworkers also seem to be very opinionated in the area of hand tool storage, but again, pick a method that works from you. Most tools are made of metal, and are prone to rust. The oils in your hands tend to corrode metals over time, and sawdust and shavings trap moisture on your tools. When I’m done using my tools at the end of the day, I like to shoot the dust and shavings off each of the tools I used that day with my air gun attached to my compressor.

Once clear of dust, I wipe each tool I used with a microfiber dust rag soaked in Jojoba oil and put the tool away in my tool chest. This wipedown removes the harmful oils from your hands and replaces it with a protective coating that will keep it safe until it’s next use. There are many oils that will work for this, Jojoba and mineral oils being the most popular among woodworkers. I prefer Jojoba oil because it seems to be better at repelling rather than attracting dust.

If I’ve just restored a tool or know it’s going to be a long time until its next use, I like to wipe down all the components with paste wax or T-9 Boeshield. Every once in a while, I like to take my tools I use less frequently out of the chest and take them apart to make sure there is no secret rust building. Because we have a lot of humidity and some salt our Seattle air, this saves me from some unpleasant discoveries after a long period of disuse.

3. Don’t take shortcuts

This is a lesson I am constantly re-learning. I am very much a product of this “instant” generation. I love living in Seattle because most of my Amazon.com  purchases arrive within a day of the time I order them. And then I get frustrated when I order tools and it takes them several weeks to arrive. I’m impatient and I have no problem admitting that. Hand tool woodwork has taught me to grow so much in this area, and I am continually challenged to be more careful, more thorough, and more patient.

Hand tool woodwork is all about preparation. Your success or failure depends on your thoroughness in planning and proper stock preparation. Materials need to be perfectly square for joinery to work and for finished pieces to come out of the shop as designed. Take those extra few minutes to make a few more strokes with the plane or to clean that last superfluous whisker of material out of your mortise, and you will find that, in the end, you’ve saved yourself all kinds of time because you don’t have to go back and remake the part you were too lazy to get right the first time.

4. Keep your shop clean and organized

I know a few woodworkers who would disagree with me about this, and a few of them tease me about spending more time cleaning my shop and caring for my tools than I spend doing actual woodwork. Sometimes they are right, but I have the advantage of walking into every project with confidence, knowing that each one of my tools is right where it belongs and it is ready for me to pick it up. If you allow your shop to become cluttered, you’ll likely waste time looking for the tool you need, often leading to taking shortcuts and settling for using the wrong tool for the job. If you get in the habit of putting tools away while you work, you’ll also save a lot of time in cleanup at the end of the day.

There is another reason I keep my shop as immaculate as possible: sawdust and shavings left on the floor for weeks and months at a time put your shop at risk for pest infestations and fire. This last year I lost several thousand dollars worth of stock to an infestation by the powderpost beetle. Because my shop is so clean, I noticed tiny sawdust piles under pieces of wood right away and was able to deal with the problem before it became worse. Mice also love to make themselves comfy in wooden bedding. I also love using candles in my shop, and one misplaced match or electrical spark in a pile of shavings could set my whole shop (which is attached to my house) on fire.

5. Measure twice, cut once

As I mentioned before, quality hand tool woodwork is all about preparation. Lack of care when measuring has not been a victimless crime in my shop. The coffee table in my living room is two inches shorter than I planned because I forgot to factor in tenon length when I cut the legs. I made a beautiful top for my teak writing desk, only to realize when I went to mount it on the base that it was six inches too short. The drawers in that desk could have more storage space, but I accidentally made them square instead of rectangular. The serving ladle I was carving for my mom turned into a salt spoon because I forgot to leave extra material to hold the workpiece as I was carving it. I could go on, but this is getting embarrassing.

Math is clearly not one of my strengths, so I’ve found that using a story pole and a series of sliding rulers and gauges set to project-specific lengths and depths works much better for me. Depending on how your mind works, find a system that helps you to be successful and practice it. Don’t forget to double and triple check everything.