What To Know About Choosing and Using a Hand Planer

A hand plane is a muscle-powered woodworking tool that shaves a thin layer from the wood to give it the desired shape.

Although the design of hand planes has not changed much in nearly two centuries, it just goes to show that a good hand plane will never go out of style. Woodworkers often use hand planes in a variety of projects, such as making furniture or DIY crafts. Read on for all you need to know about choosing and using a hand plane.

How To Choose a Hand Planer

If you're serious about woodworking, you need to own at least one quality hand plane. So, how do you know which hand planes are good and which are not? All well-designed hand planes have three main characteristics.

1. Thick blade that holds its edge

Often referred to as "plane iron", the blade of a hand plane can make or break a tool. The thickness of the blade is the first thing you should look at. Thicker blades will almost always give better planing performance than thinner blades. The reason for this is that thicker blades have better resistance to chatter, the movement and vibration that occurs when the blade bends during use.

Thinner blades vibrate more when cutting through wood, resulting in a rougher, more inconsistent surface. Thicker blades resist chatter, creating a smoother, flatter surface on the workpiece.

Although the thickness of different quality hand planer blades may not be very significantly different numerically, it can have a profound effect on performance.

The quality of the steel of the blade is also important. The best blades for hand planes are O1 steel, a hard grade that can be sharpened to the razor's edge and held for a long time. High quality hand planer blades will retain their sharpness even after a lot of planing.

2.Full blade support

Hand planer performance is also affected by a part called the frog. This angled steel component is bolted into the body beneath the blade to give it rigidity.

Cheap hand planers come with frogs that aren’t truly flat. High-quality planers have flat, true frogs that support the blade over its entire surface area.

3.Flat sole

The bottom of a hand planer is called the “sole,” and the flatness of this part is another indicator of quality. A truly flat, smooth sole lets hand planer glide over the wood evenly, leading to long, uniform and noticeably smoother shavings.

Good hand planer bodies are also made of ductile iron, which is much stronger and higher quality than the cast iron you’ll find in cheap ones.

Hand Planer Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the right length of hand plane: Generally speaking, the long-bodied hand plane is more suitable for planing the wood straight and flat. Shorter hand planes, on the other hand, are better suited for finishing and smoothing small areas of wood at a time.

2. Keep the hand planer blade sharp: A well sharpened blade is the key to success. Use a sharpener or sharpening stone with a grinding wheel to keep your blades sharp enough.

3. Round and sharpen the chipbreaker: This is a flat piece of steel with an angled front edge that is bolted to the blade to guide the chips up and away. The chipbreaker slot works better when the front end of it is rounded and ground smooth. For this purpose, it is best to use a grinder and a felt polishing wheel.

4. Use the correct throat setting: For rough work. If your hand planer has an adjustable throat, open it more for rough work and less for fine work.

5. Retract the blade for storage: Use the depth adjustment wheel to retract the blade when not in use. This will protect the blade.

Bricklaying Trowels - The Simple, Yet Essential Tool

Take a look at any mason's toolbox and you're sure to find a variety of small trowels. Masons use hand trowels to apply, shape and level mortar and concrete. These simple tools are vital to bricklaying and stonework.

Trowels come in all shapes and sizes to help masons with the different tasks involved in their work.

What are Trowels Made of?

The blades of trowels are usually made of cast stainless steel or forged carbon steel. Trowels made from stainless steel tend to have a longer life and are less prone to rusting. However, stainless steel blades are heavier and less flexible. A forged carbon steel blade, on the other hand, may feel lighter, but it will rust.  

The trowel works best when made from a single piece of sheet metal. By using a separate piece of metal, it helps prevent the blade from cracking or weakening. 

The handle should be made of durable material, but feel comfortable enough for frequent use. The handles of brick scrapers are usually made of wood, but there are some made of rubber, leather or plastic.

Types of Bricklaying Trowels

The brick trowel is probably the most common tool used by masons. Often referred to as a mason's trowel, the blade has a pointed design that makes it suitable for laying mortar on concrete or brick. Its angled shape helps the small trowel apply the material more precisely. 

In addition to brick trowels, you can find other varieties in the mason's toolbox, for example:

-Corner trowel - Shapes the concrete at the corner. The handle is positioned in the center of the 90-degree angle bend to allow Mason to apply even pressure from both sides of the corner.

-Closing spatula -Smoothes the surface after the concrete has set.

-Edging trowel: the flattened tip of the blade is ideal for mortar placement in tight areas and corners where a conventional masonry trowel will not fit.

What to consider When Choosing a Trowel

A trowel is a necessary tool for a mason. Depending on the work being done, you may have to use a trowel for several hours a day. 

Size and weight: Brick trowels come in a variety of styles and sizes. A trowel with a larger blade can usually hold more. While this may seem like an efficient option, the more mortar or concrete on the blade, the heavier it will be. This weight can put pressure on your hands and wrists. Choosing the right size depends on personal preference and how you work. If you can work effectively with a larger blade, it may be the better choice. However, if you are prone to hand or wrist pain, a smaller blade may be a better choice. 

Handle: When choosing a trowel, also consider factors such as comfort and the angle of the handle. Wood is the most commonly used material, but can be slippery. Wooden handles may require you to grip the trowel harder, which can put unnecessary stress on your hand or wrist. You can also add a non-slip material to the handle to improve your grip. 

Leather and rubber handles are more comfortable to grip, but they may absorb water, making them heavier to hold. 

Keep in mind that the angle of the handle may affect work performance. Keeping the wrist and hand at a straight angle can reduce injuries and thus improve work efficiency. 

SINOTOOLS offers a range of masonry scrapers in different sizes and styles, made of high quality materials for durability and strength. Feel free to contact us for any other questions.

What is a Bow Saw Used For?

What is a bow saw? Bow saws are best suited for trimming tasks and processing medium-sized firewood. People choose bow saws because of their lightweight design and ease of portability. The bow saw provides a lightweight, portable and effective cutting tool for many trimming and sawing tasks.

In this article, we will discuss the uses and features of bow saws. 

What is a Bow Saw? 

The bow saw is a handheld saw for pruning small and medium-sized branches. The bow saw can work well for branches that are too large for pruning shears to handle.

This tool is called a bow saw because it has a bow-shaped handle fixed to the ends of the blade. Bow saws also come in different sizes for different sizes and types of cutting jobs. There are also bow saws that can be folded and stored for easy portability. 

When Should I Use a Bow Saw? 

The bow saw is a versatile tool. You can apply it to a myriad of projects. However, the advantages of a bow saw are for tree trimming and crosscutting small wood. You can also use a bow saw for woodworking projects.

Many people take a bow saw with them when they go camping. Loggers often have a bow saw ready to cut small trees and shrubs. Gardeners like to use a bow saw to trim irregular branches.

Here are a few good times to use a bow saw.

-For pruning small to medium branches

-For cross-cutting firewood 

-To excise an old bush 

-Felling a small tree 

The more you use the bow saw, the more comfortable you will become and the more projects will come to mind. 

What are the Advantages of Bow Saws?  

1.Bow Saws are Inexpensive 

A good bow saw may cost you some money, but it's still much less than a chainsaw. If you have some branches in your backyard that need to be cleared, a bow saw is quick enough to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Even if you purchase a quality bow saw, it is usually within an acceptable price range. 

2.Bow Saws are Light and Portable 

If you're going camping, you can easily load up a bow saw to cut firewood. Not only can many bow saws be folded up for storage and transport, but using them in public places won't cause as much disruption as a loud chainsaw. 

3.Bow Saws are Easy to Maintain 

Bow saws are relatively easy to maintain. You just need to keep them clean, keep them dry, and oil them. With just these simple steps, they can be used for a long time. 

4.Bow Saws Can Perform a Wide Range of Cutting Tasks 

Bow saws come in handy when it comes to maintaining your landscape. Cut dead brush, trim trees, and everything in between.

In addition to being a great landscape tool, the bow saw is also a great camping tool - cutting small firewood and clearing areas for campsites are all things that are within the bow saw's capabilities. 

How to Maintain Your Bow Saw 

A quality bow saw will last a long time, but it also needs to be properly maintained. Below, we have listed a few things to remember when maintaining your bow saw.

-Protect your saw from moisture - Like any tool, a bow saw will rust if exposed to water. Store your saw in a cool, dry place.

-Keep your bow saw lubricated - Lubrication not only prevents rust, but it keeps the saw blade from cutting into the material, always making clean, fast cuts.

-Use a blade cover - The teeth of a bow saw can become bent and dull if exposed to dust and accidental impacts. A blade cover will protect you from cuts and scratches and will also keep your saw blade safe. Also, consider removing the blade regularly for cleaning and long-term storage.

-Check the hardware periodically - Bow saws usually have several screws holding everything together. These screws can become loose or rusty with frequent use, remember to check them regularly and make sure they are in good condition.

Measuring Tapes Explained

Almost everyone on the planet has used a tape measure at some point in their lives. Although the tape measure is a common tool, the choice can be daunting. With so many tape measures to choose from, it can be overwhelming. In this article, we will examine the various options and offer some tips to help you decide on the best tape measure.

Outer Housing

First, let us explain the types of housing. The housing is the spool onto which the measure is wound. There are two types of housings: open and closed. The open case makes it ideal for outdoor use. Even if debris gets caught in the tape, it is easy to clean, and most open cassettes can be washed with soap and water. Some open models have a rubber spatula-type handle for a comfortable and sturdy grip.

The enclosed housing measure is ideal for indoor use. Its compact size eliminates the need to worry about debris. The sealed housing protects the tape when not in use. Most have a belt clip and lock so there is no worry about the blade retracting during use. 

The Blade

The next thing to consider is the "blade". This is the tape that actually fills in the dimensions. There are two common types of tape materials: steel and fiberglass. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Most pocket measures use metal blades. More durable and longer-lasting than fiberglass. Metal tapes do not stretch, but are susceptible to extreme heat. Many are coated with nylon or lacquer to protect the tape from rust and abrasion. The more frequent the coating, the longer the tape will last.

Fiberglass measuring tape is inexpensive and does not rust. It will stretch if too much tension is applied. Tapes with a high number of glass fibers are stronger and return to their original size when force is applied.

A Few More Things to Consider when Selecting a Measuring Tape

-Metal blades conduct electricity, so if you are working in an area where electricity is present, you may want to choose a fiberglass blade.

-When working in windy areas. The longer the blade extends, the more susceptible it is to wind. Alternatively, thinner blades are lighter and less susceptible to wind.

- "Protrusion" is how far the tape can be extended before it "breaks" or bends on its own.

Units of measurement

-Imperial (English) = feet and inches, usually 1/8 or 1/16. the official unit of measurement in the United States.

-Engineer's (tenths) = feet, tenths and 100ths. Most commonly used for engineers, in this unit of measurement, feet are divided into 10'ths and 100th.

-Metric system (SI) = meters, decimeters, centimeters and millimeters. The official unit of measurement for every country except Liberia, Myanmar and the United States.

If you need more than one unit, don't worry about conversion. Some tapes have two different units on each side.

The Tape End

The measure has a choice of "ends" depending on how it is used. Hooks can be hung on the corners or edges of the board. Most hooks have a small notch to hook onto a fingernail. On some straps, the hooks can be slid to adjust the width. Loop ends are another good option. They can be installed on poles, stakes, or nails. They are also less likely to entangle debris.

Some measuring tapes do not start at the zero point of the cutting edge. Sometimes they start one foot behind the other. This is called an offset zero or "dead foot" (because the first foot of the blade is not marked). This is useful when the end of the tape cannot be placed directly at the starting point. Simply drive a stake one foot away from the starting point and align the zero point with the starting point of the measurement.

As a tape measure manufacturer, SINOTOOLS has outstanding advantages. If you choose to become a business partner with us, we will never let you down.

What Are Non Sparking Tools?

Every professional working in the oil and gas sector knows how important it is to have specific hand tools that minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace. Worker safety is a top concern in every industry, which is why they choose non-sparking tools to help avoid situations like fires and explosions.

When it comes to ensuring safety in the workplace, investing in spark-free safety tools is probably the best course of action. These tools are known for performing at their best in industries such as coal mines, oil refineries and offshore oil rigs.

Now, you must be a little curious to know what's so special about these tools and what they are made of to eliminate sparks and ensure safety in the workplace. But before we get into that part, let's start with some brief explanations of spark-free tools.

What are Non Sparking Tools?

Non-sparking safety tools, also commonly referred to as "spark reduction", "spark resistant" or "spark proof", are used in work environments containing flammable gases, vapors, dust, residues and liquids. They prevent the generation of sparks, thereby eliminating the risk of fire and explosion.

Non-sparking tools are usually made of non-ferrous metals (metals that do not contain iron) such as bronze, brass, copper-nickel alloys or copper-aluminum alloys to reduce the risk of sparking during tool use.

These tools are popular in industry because they prevent fires and explosions in environments that may contain flammable vapors, dust, residues or steam. The use of non-sparking safety tools is best practice when working in confined spaces and areas where flammable dusts, gases or liquids are present.

Because these tools are made of non-ferrous metals, they are softer than standard tools made of high-strength alloy steel. They also have lower tensile strength and resistance, which makes them wear out faster. But they have an advantage that other types of tools don't have, and that is that the cold sparks they produce have relatively low heat, not enough to ignite anything.

How To Use Non Sparking Safety Tools?

An important tip: Clean all non-sparking tools thoroughly after use, making sure they are free of any ferrous contaminants or rust, as ferrous contaminants can render the non-sparking properties of the tool useless.

Also, remember not to use tools in direct contact with acetylene, mainly in the presence of moisture, as this can lead to highly dangerous and explosive acetylene.

In addition, do not forget to regularly sharpen all your sparking tools, follow safety procedures such as protecting your face and eyes, and use the proper tools to collect the powder. Finally, you must ventilate the premises to eliminate potentially harmful powders and vapors from the atmosphere.

These are some simple rules you can follow to ensure the long-term operation of your tools and to minimize possible hazards in the workplace.

Final Thoughts

Non-sparking tools have unique properties that make them ideal for use in flammable environments. Thanks to these tools, work in different industries, such as chemical, oil and gas, coal mining, pharmaceuticals, etc., has become easier and safer. In addition, these tools are non-magnetic, so they do not create electronic interference in the industry, maintaining high safety standards.

Safety tools are different from ordinary hand tools and are guaranteed to last a long time. With these tools, professionals can operate effectively without putting their safety at risk.