Workshops/workshop skills

Workshop Skills

Covering the basic tools in the main workshop, how to use them safely and effectively.

Ideal if you are not comfortable with some of the non-induction machine tools, or want to learn some of the basic skills used in the workshop.

Sessions can be in small groups or 1:1 to cover specific tools or techniques.

Sessions will be relatively short - 30 minutes to an hour. Content will be tailored for the group from the list below.

• Correct selection and use of the available PPE
• General workshop etiquette
  • Considering what others are doing, or might come in wanting to do
  • Only using a tool if you're sure you can safely
    • If you're not sure, ask maintainers/inductors/others in the workshop/mailing list for help
  • Where might you send chips or swarf? Warn others or consider moving.
  • Maintain safe clearance around dangerous jobs
  • Warning people if you're about to make a lot of noise
  • Not "shoulder-surfing" unless invited to
  • Taking care of your safety
  • Stopping others from doing dangerous things
  • Trying to help out others if they're struggling
  • Cleaning up properly after yourself
  • And cleaning a little more of the general workshop if you have time
  • Putting tools and materials away when you're done
  • How to report broken/non-functional tools
    • Reminder you won't be in trouble for breaking something; you will be for hiding it
    • Label the tool as broken so others won't try to use it
    • Tell the maintainers
    • If you're not sure who is maintainer for that tool, post to the mailing list
• Tool selection
  • Cutting Tools
  • Joining Tools
  • Finishing Tools
• Drill selection
  • Types and what they are used for
  • Sizes
  • What to do if they are blunt / broken etc
  • When to use cutting fluid
• Using small drills
  • Battery drills
  • Mains drill
  • Dremels
  • Mag drill (When we buy one :-) )
• Using the pillar drill
  • Speed selection and changing belts
  • Using the dust extract where suitable
• Using the linishers (belt sanding machines)
• Using the air compressor and its tools
  • Checking over and starting up the compressor
  • What tools we have (need to check this!) (Need a page for these from the compressor, and a list of consumables)
  • Blowing down and putting away
• Selecting the correct saw
  • Hand saws
    • Tenon saw
    • Hacksaw
    • Fretsaw
  • Powertools
    • Jigsaw
    • Circular saw
    • Scroll saw
    • Table saw - seperate induction
    • Vertical bandsaw - seperate induction
    • Horizontal bandsaw
• How to use a hacksaw
  • How to check/change blade
  • Starting cleanly in a cut
• Using the scroll saw
  • Appropriate materials
  • Starting and stopping
  • Speed selection
  • Blade changing (and starting a cut from an inside hole)
• Using the horizontal bandsaw
  • Appropriate materials
  • Work holding
  • Starting and stopping
  • Use of cutting fluid
  • Cleaning after use
• How to use files
  • Types and what they're for
  • How to lubricate a file
  • Cleaning with file card
  • Action for curved surfaces
• Using the angle grinders
  • Grab this from the welding induction?
• Making screwthreads with taps and dies
• Other tools - Blasting cabinet, Ultrasound cleaner, Mortisser, Mini mill... ?
• Other techniques - some woodworking skills ? Marking out ? Using measuring tools ?