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The jig saw concept first came about when an engineer attached a saw blade to his wife's sewing machine. Jig saws are used to cut out intricate patterns in the material you are shaping. If you need a curved edge or a circular cut out in the center of your material, a jig saw is the tool to do it. A jig saw blade moves in a rapid up and down motion to cut the material you are working with. The important thing to remember is that your body is softer than the material you are cutting and the blade will cut through you faster than the material. Be observant of where the blade is at all times and avoid cutting yourself. Bosch power tools were the first toolmakers to offer a jig saw to consumers. Bosch power tools are designed to aid in the workplace by being built to withstand the punishment professionals give their tools in the rush to finish work on time. Most are built to withstand a drop of ten feet and still work reliably afterwards. After vibration was noticed as detrimental to the physical health of workers, Bosch power tools set out to reduce vibration from their equipment. Bosch power tools has reduced the vibration by 60% over the years. Along with the low vibration, Bosch power tools are designed for low sound emissions as well. The fan motors are pitched to be less irritating and pointed away from the user as well so little noise directly impacts the worker. Handles and weight distribution are designed to make the tools comfortable to grip and use. Buttons and switches are conveniently placed to make the operation of Bosch power tools easier to do one handed. Bosch power tools even have left handed equipment available. Bosch power tools are ergonomically friendly, tough enough to withstand abusive treatment and quick to make adjustments to while working. This allows more production to be accomplished in a professional setting. This also makes them some of the most expensive available. There is an old saying that you get what you pay for. With Bosch power tools, this is definitely true. Shop and Personal Safety Dave Markel Don't let your table saw catch you working unsafely in the workshop. Shop and Personal Safety: Being safety conscious should be the priority for everyone whether they are a serious wood worker or just a week-end warrior. Shop safety begins when you buy a new tool, before operating it you should read through and understand the operators manual. This will have important instructions about the safe operation of that particular tool. Lets face it! All wood working machines are made to remove wood, which is considerably harder than flesh and bone. Some tools are much more dangerous than other. I would say that a table saw is the most dangerous stationary tool and the circular saw the most dangerous hand tool. Aside from reading the manuals that come with your tools, protecting your hearing and eyes should be high on the safety priorities list. Some people, me included, rely on prescription glasses for protection. This is OK but really doesn't provide full coverage. If you don't protect your ears you will loose your hearing. This is not debatable! After 25 years of operating power tools without protection my father wears a hearing aid. One aspect of safe wood working that is often overlooked is dust. Wood dust is a carcinogenic. Recient studies have shown wood workers that don't use dust masks or have a dust collection system have higher rates of nasal cancer. Make sure you avoid loose clothing and roll up your sleeves. Remove rings, and tie up long hair. Having sharp tools and blades is important. It takes less force to perform the cut and that reduces the chance of getting injured. Some safety measure should be no brainers. Don't drink or take drugs and operate power tools! Part of being safe is to also be prepared. Accidents do happen despite all precautions. Do you have a plan in the event you get injured? How far away is the phone? Will somebody hear your call for help? Do you have a first aid kit in the shop? Plan now because you won't be thinking too clear after you are injured. The important thing to remember is to not get complacent. Performing repetative actions can cause one to loose focus and thats when you get hurt. Remember to read manuals, and if you aren't sure how to do something ask. Go online and learn how to do things properly. About the AuthorDave Markel is the author of The All Wood Working Journal. He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at http://www.aaarticles.com/article9312.html | ||||||||||||||||||||
