DIY Network

Mechanic's Tools in the Workshop From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-326

In this segment, David Thiel and Aime Fraser, author of Your First Workshop, explain how some automotive tools can be used in your workshop.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

• The advent of modern technology and machinery in a wood shop has brought tools normally reserved for the auto mechanic's shop into the woodworker's shop. The tools can be more powerful and more accurate than tools normally used in a wood shop.

• A vise grip (figure A) can be more useful than pliers for some applications. A screw in the end of a set of vise grips changes the width of the jaws of the tool. The lever closes the jaws tightly around an object. Place an object between the jaws and pull the handles together to lock the object in the tool. Since the tool is holding the object, you don't have to grip it with your hand. This tool can also be used for removing broken screws. Vise grips come in several sizes so you can choose the right tool for each application.

• Feeler gauges (figure B) are strips of metal with varying thicknesses. They are normally used for gapping spark plugs in a car, but they can be used in the workshop to set the distance between the blade and the guide on a band saw. Slip the correct size gauge into place, then use a hex key to make adjustments.

• Can't find the right hex key? A pocket knife-like tool (figure C) comes with hex keys in both metric and English size increments for a variety of applications. A hex key on a socket wrench gives you a little extra torque.

• On a table saw, the relationship between the fence, blade and miter slot is important for safety and accuracy. A dial indicator (figure D) helps you check the position of the blade and the fence against the position of the slot. Set the dial indicator in the miter slot to zero, then move the dial indicator to a corresponding tooth on the end of the blade and check again. If the indicator still reads zero, the blade is in perfect parallel alignment with miter slot. Turn the dial indicator around and follow the same steps to check the position of the fence.

• Another type of dial indicator (figure E) usually used with auto engines can be used to set jointer knives and planer knives.

• Most auto body shops use air sanders. A six inch random orbit air sander (figure F) is much smaller than its electric counterpart. It doesn't have dust collection, but it's battery powered so you can wet sand without worrying about the cord. Wet sandpaper comes in grits much finer than regular sandpaper, so you can get a high quality finish.

• Another way to achieve an automotive-quality finish is by using an inline sander (figure G). The tool pushes the sandpaper in a back and forth motion. The inline sander is commonly used with very coarse sandpaper. An in-line sander is the only sander that lets you get the project extremely flat.

RESOURCES :

Hitachi C10FL Table Saw
Hitachi
Phone: 800-829-4752
Email: market@hitachi-powertools.com
Website: hitachipowertools.com

Delta Bandsaw
Delta Machinery
4825 Hwy. 45 North
P.O. Box 2468
Jackson, TN 38302-2468
Phone: 800-223-7278 Canada: 800-463-3582
Email: contactus@pnrtoolgrp.com
Website: deltawoodworking.com

GUESTS :

Aime Ontario Fraser
Author: Your First Workshop
Ashgrove Studio
1341 Railroad Ave.
Brigeport, CT 06605
Email: aof@aofraser.com
Website: aofraser.com