Five Common Power Tools

A power tool is called such because it is powered either by an electric motor, compressed air motor, or gasoline engine. It can be stationary or portable (handheld). Stationary power tools are also called machine tools mainly used in metalworking and woodworking. Power tools are widely used in industry, construction, and household for cutting, drilling, grinding, painting, polishing, sanding, shaping, etc. The common power tools are drill, saw, router, sander, and lathe.

1. Drill - has a rotating drill bit used for drilling holes either by slicing off thin shavings, grinding off small particles, or crushing and removing pieces. The drill bit is rotates when pressed against a target material.

2. Saw - has a blade or wire with an abrasive edge to cut through different materials. It can either be made by brass, steel, or diamond. A saw powered by hand is not considered as a power tool. However, there are saws powered by steam, water, electric, and gas.

3. Router - a woodworking tool used to hollow or rout out an area off a wooden piece. It is chiefly used by pattern and staircase makers. It is also used in recessing door hinges and lock faceplates.

4. Sander - has sandpaper attached to plates used to smooth wood, metal, and other surfaces. It is widely used in aircraft and automotive parts. It is normally powered by electricity and compressed air.

5. Lathe - is the oldest power tool being used by ancient Egyptians, although initially as a hand-powered tool. Later, it was powered by water, steam, and electricity. It spins a block material to perform different operations like cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, etc. It is useful in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glass working.