I have very very old power tools. I cannot afford new ones. The problem is, if I’m being totally honest, I’m largely afraid of the tools I have. I’d like to get over this. How does one do that without direct supervision?

More info: I inherited tools from my parents and grandparents. Things I could afford to replace, like drills and drivers, I did. What I have left are big bladed things (chop saw, table saw, tile saw, etc. no lathe sadly :( ) None of the users of these specific tools are still alive. They are all probably 30+ years old, and work fine, probably, but… are just super intimidating (tho my grandfather had a lot of pre-electrification manual tools and I love those - So nice to take a manual plane to a solid door and end up with something that closes properly!). Some of them have plugs that screw together so you can repair them and everything (those I probably won’t use, absolutely terrifying if you fuck up). I’m mid 30s so I remember most of these things being used but I also remember the table saw I have in my garage taking off half my step-dads thumb…

I know power tools today are built to be a lot safer, but I definitely can’t afford those (I wouldn’t even be able to afford these but they were free for me), and I don’t know anyone with power tool skills (last learning I got was in hs shop class almost 20 years back) so how do I get comfortable with them enough to actually use them for the little projects I need them for? I don’t live in a big metro area, so there aren’t clubs afaik.

  • Dave.
    5·
    5 months ago

    A few things:

    • Look up the appropriate safety equipment and use it. Eye and ear protection at a bare minimum. Power tools are loud, get a nice set of earmuffs so that you’re not startled every time you turn them on. Gloves… there are cases where not having gloves is safer, eg around drills where you can be caught up. Long sleeve shirts should have the sleeves buttoned or rolled up, jewellery should be removed, long hair should be tied up and under a hat.
    • Clamps and big tables/base plates. Don’t be afraid to clamp whatever you’re working on down tight to something big and sturdy. It gives you the opportunity to use two hands on the tools.
    • Always get in the habit of unplugging power tools when working on them. If your drills and what-not need a spanner or chuck key to change blades or bits, cable tie the tool you need to the power cable just behind the plug. It forces you to unplug it when working on it.
    • Finally, look at getting an inline, foot operated safety switch. It’s like an extension cord with the switch in the middle. Nothing works until your foot is on the switch. Use that with your tools if you don’t feel confident, and especially on older tools where switch interlocks and etc weren’t that great.

    Once you’ve got all that, practice. Things are a lot less intimidating when you’re working with things that are clamped down, with good safety gear, and everything is controlled.