Modern Carpentry
Chapter Components
Objectives. Provide an overview of the chapter
content and explain what should be understood on
completion of the chapter.
Technical Vocabulary. List of important technical
terms introduced in the chapter. The terms in this
list are displayed in bold italic type when they first
appear in the chapter text.
Running Glossary. Definitions of important terms
introduced on the page. The running glossary rein-
forces the terminology carpenters will encounter
on the job.
121
Power Tools
5
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
• Identify common power tools.
• Explain the function and operation of the
carpenter’s principal power tools.
• Identify the major parts of common power
tools.
• Apply power tool safety rules.
Technical Vocabulary
Power tools greatly reduce the time required
to perform many of the operations in carpentry
work. The carpenter can plane, route, bore, and
saw in less time with less exertion. In addition,
when proper tools are used in the correct way,
a high level of accuracy can easily be achieved.
There are two general types of power tools:
• Portable tools are lightweight and intended
to be carried around by the carpenter. They
may be used anywhere on the construction
site or on any part of the structure.
• Stationary tools, usually called machines,
are heavy equipment mounted on benches
or stands. The workpiece is brought to them.
Benches and stands rest fi rmly on the fl oor
or ground. The machines must be level when
used on the job site.
This chapter provides only brief descriptions
of the kinds of power tools most commonly
associated with carpentry work. It should be
supplemented with woodworking textbooks
and reference books devoted to power tool oper-
ation. Manufacturer bulletins and operator’s
manuals are also good sources of information.
Belt sander
Chain saw
Continuity monitor
Drywall screw
shooter
Electric drill
Finishing sander
Frame and trim saw
Ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI)
Jointer
Magnetic starters
Nailers
Panel saw
Plate joiner
Portable tools
Powder-actuated tools
Power block plane
Power miter saw
Power plane
Power stapler
Radial arm saw
Reciprocating saw
Rotary hammer drill
Router
Saber saw
Stationary tools
Table saw
Portable tools: Lightweight tools that are intended to
be carried around by the carpenter.
Stationary tools: Heavy equipment mounted on
benches or stands. Usually called machines.
Chapter 6 Building Layout
155
The rod shown in Figure 6-8 has graduations
in feet and decimal parts of a foot. This is the type
used for regular surveying work. Rods are also
available with graduations in feet and inches.
When sighting short distances (100′ or less),
a regular wooden or metal folding rule can be
held against a wood stake and read through
the instrument. This procedure will be satisfac-
tory for jobs such as setting grade stakes for a
footing. Always be sure to hold the stake and
rule in a vertical position.
Working Knowledge
Leveling instruments and equipment will
vary somewhat, depending on the manu-
facturer. Always carefully read and study the
instructions for a given brand.
6.4.2 Care of Leveling
Instruments
Leveling instruments are more delicate
than most other carpentry tools and equip-
ment. Special precautions must be followed in
their use so they will continue to provide accu-
rate readings over a long period of time. Some
suggestions follow:
• Keep the instrument clean and dry. Store it
in its carrying case when not in use.
• When the instrument is set up, have a plastic
bag or cover handy to use in case of rain. If
the instrument becomes wet, dry it before
storing.
• When moving the instrument from its case
to the tripod, grip it by the base.
• Never leave the instrument unattended
when it is set up near moving equipment.
• When moving a tripod-mounted instrument,
handle it with care. Hold the instrument
upright; never carry it in a horizontal
position.
• Never over-tighten leveling screws or any of
the other adjusting screws or clamps.
• Always set the tripod on fi rm ground with
the legs spread well apart. When it is set up
on a fl oor or pavement, take extra precautions
to ensure that the legs will not slip.
• For precision work, permit the instrument
to reach ambient (air) temperature before
making readings.
• When the lenses collect dust and dirt, clean
them with a camel hair brush or special lens
paper.
• Never use force on any of the adjustments.
They should easily turn by hand.
• Have the instrument cleaned, lubricated,
and checked yearly by a qualified repair
station or by the manufacturer.
Setting up the instrument
Use the following procedure to set up a tripod-
mounted instrument.
1. Place the tripod so it will be a fi rm and stable
base for the instrument. The base of the legs
should be about 3′-6″ apart. Make sure the
points are well into the ground and the head is
fairly level.
2. Check the wing nuts on the adjustable legs.
They should be tight enough to carry the
weight of the instrument without collapsing or
sinking. Tighten the hex nuts holding the legs
to the head to the desired tension.
3. Carefully lift the instrument from its case by the
base plate. Before mounting the instrument,
loosen the clamp screws. On some instruments,
the leveling screws must be turned up so the
tripod cup assembly can be hand-tightened to
the instrument mounting stud. Set the telescope
lock lever of the transit in the closed position.
4. Attach the instrument to the tripod. If it is to
be located over an exact point, such as a
benchmark, attach the plumb bob and move
the instrument over the spot. Do this before the
fi nal leveling.
4
Working Knowledge. Supplemental information
and hints related to the components or procedures
discussed in the chapter.
Procedures. Detailed, step-by-step instructions
for accomplishing specific carpentry tasks. The
procedures promote a logical, organized approach
to completing common jobs.