DTE - tools and processes

Disc or belt sander

A long length of abrasive paper rotates. The machinist can then press a workpiece up against the abrasive surface to sand or to remove thick surfaces such as old paint.

Band saw

A band saw has a long continuous blade stretched between two wheels. They can be used for very large cuts or with a finer blade for cutting curves and shapes.

Pillar drill

Pedestal or pillar drills can be floor standing or mounted on a workbench. The drill table is adjustable and a depth stop can be fitted to ensure holes are drilled to a predetermined depth.

Turning

Lathes are commonly used for turning timbers or metals at speed. A tool can be held against it to cut, sand and deform evenly around the object.

Drilling

A drill contains a drill bit, which is the cutting tool. This cuts a circular hole into timber, metal or plastic.

Countersink bit

Cuts a slightly larger hole to allow the head of the screw to sit flush or just below the surface of the material.

Flat bit

Wide, flat blade used for cutting larger diameter holes.

Hole saw

Cylindrical metal blade to cut bigger holes in timber, metal or plastic.

Centre punch

Used on metal to create a tiny mark or dent in the work piece. This helps to guide a drill and prevent drift.

Bradawl

Marking and making holes accurately before drilling or screwing.

Twist bit

General purpose for creating holes in timber, metal or plastic.

Abrading

Abrading scrapes or wears away by friction. Small particles of waste can also be removed by filing and sanding.

Rasp

A coarse file with individual teeth for shaping wood. Produces a rough surface which will need sanding.

Wet and dry paper

An abrasive paper with a waterproof backing to allow use with water. Commonly used for paint finishing on metals or to finish acrylic edges to produce a very smooth surface.

File

Hand tool used to remove fine amounts of material. Available in different shapes and coarseness for a range of surfaces.

Abrasive paper (Sandpaper)

Sheets of paper coated with an abrasive surface ranging from coarse to fine. Abrasive papers are rubbed against a surface to shape and smooth.

Wasting

A process of removing unrequired material by cutting sections off or out of a larger piece.

Rip / cross-cut saw

Uses: For cutting wood along or across the grain.

Tenon saw

Uses: Cutting shallow lines into small pieces of wood. Wood joints.

Coping saw

Uses: For cutting curved lines through a thin material.

Hacksaw/junior hacksaw

Uses: Fine toothed for cutting hard materials such as metal and plastic pipes.

Jig saw

Uses: A handheld power tool suitable for making straight or curved cuts. It has a reciprocating, narrow saw blade.

Sander

Uses: A sander consists of a wheel or pad, covered with abrasive paper. The wheel or pad spins or oscillates rapidly to remove waste material.

Router

Uses: A handheld router cuts a shape or profile by moving it through the material. CNC routing follows a cutting path.

Planer

Uses: For shaping and smoothing by slicing off thin shavings of wood. Planing should follow the direction of the wood grain.

Chisels

Wood chisels are hand tools used for carving, chipping, paring and cutting to shape wood.