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
- Goggles are required for pretty much any power tool, face shields are fine too if you find them more comfortable
- Hearing protection is a good idea if there's much noise. You don't need to wait till the noise is uncomfortable before using hearing protection as by that time the damage has already started. As soon as you start to feel "hmm, that's a bit noisy" it's time to use hearing protection. We have ear defenders and earplugs.
- Dust protection is a good idea when doing anything that involves dust so sanding, linishing, cutting if you're doing a lot of it, grinding, wood-turning. We have regular dust masks for normal workshop use. Some jobs, for example plasma cutting in aluminium, or forging stainless steel, will require higher grade protection and you'll be warned about that in the inductions for those tools
- Gloves
- Overalls
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 sparks, dust, 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 ?