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Wednesday 3 March 2021

Hydraulic Power Tools

Hydraulic tools are often heavy equipment. These tools Transmit high-pressure hydraulic fluid throughout the various motors and cylinders. This fluid is automatically controlled by valves, which are distributed through hoses and tubes.

Water in a contained system has pressure put on it from one side. That pressure forces it against a piston on the other side of the container. This transfers the energy into the piston, forcing it upward to lift something. Because the pressure on the water will not let it flow backward, the piston can never move in the opposite way unless that pressure is released. This means that whatever the piston is lifting is secure until the system operator allows it to be released. 

Safety precautions


Only fill pump to the recommended level; only fill when the connected cylinder is fully retracted.
Check each component before you set up your hydraulic system. Do not use damaged or worn components. Turn them in for repair or replacement.You must know the weight of what you intend to lift and choose a ram with at least 20% more capacity. Be aware of possible load shifts requiring more capacity at any particular lifting point.

Here are some Hydraulic power tools in the workshop.

Hydraulic riveter









Hydraulic punches

Engineering Power Tools

Mains electricity is the general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply. In New Zealand, Mains voltage is 230V. Which is an alternating current (a.c.) This means that the current is constantly changing direction. Which means it changes direction and back again 50 times per second. Mains powered tools are the tools Mains power can only be used on (eg not battery-powered tools).  

We use Power tools are used in industry, in construction, in the garden, for housework tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and around the house for driving (fasteners), drilling, cutting, shaping, sanding, grinding, routing, polishing, painting, heating and more.
Check the handle and body casing of the tool for cracks or other damage. If the tool has auxiliary or double handles, check to see that they installed securely. Inspect cords for defects: check the power cord for cracking, fraying, and other signs of wear or faults in the cord insulation. If your tools won’t start, it could hint at some larger electrical problems, including a short or part malfunction. Your tool starts, but the power level is so weak that you’d probably be better off with a manual screwdriver. or handsaw. Or a bicycle pump.

3 examples of Mains power tools I've already used.
Belt sander, Air compressor, Grinder.

RCD stands for Residual Current Device. It's a device that prevents any fatal electric shocks if you touch anything that might be live. Such as bare wire. An RCD will most likely be used in the workplace, or at home.

Double insulation is an appliance and tools that have two levels of insulating materials between the electrical parts of the appliance and any parts on the outside that you can touch. The double insulation construction of appliance and tools allows the manufacturer to produce a lower-cost product.

Making sure that the cords on the power tool don't have any breaks in it or wires aren't on the outside, is some safety checks you need to check before using each tool.

Hazards of extension cords. If the extension cord is covered, heat cannot escape as a result, the cord will catch fire. Making sure extension cords are visible and not running across highly trafficked area's as they are a tripping hazard for people which are walking in that area.

Always wearing appropriate PPE is a must. PPE such as goggles, dust masks, gloves, hard hats and safety boot must be worn at all times.




Friday 12 February 2021

Air compressor

Pneumatic tools are powered by air that's typically delivered from an air compressor. Air compressors work by forcing air into a container and pressurizing it. They then force air through an opening in the tank where pressure builds up. Just like an opening of a balloon; we can use compressed air as energy as it's released. The three most common air compressors are the reciprocating, rotary screw and centrifugal. However, a two-stage double-acting reciprocating compressor is the most energy-efficient air compressor. Because it compresses air in both downward and upward strokes, doubling the capacity of the cylinder. Air compressor power tools can range from an air impact wrench, air drill, air hammer or air ratchet wrench.

Here is a simple diagram of how air compressors work

 
Safety
  • Do not use gas air compressors indoors.
  • Perform a routine safety check before each use of your air compressor: Check hoses, ensure proper power supply, check the oil level, etc.
  • Always wear eye protection such as safety goggles.
  • Wear hearing protection when operating your air compressor.
When using tools such as Impact driver, Air ratchet, Dust off Gun and Air riveter, you must take extra safety precautions such as...
  • Never wearing a tie, loose clothing or jewellery (Watch, rings, Etc)
  • Tie long hair back or secure under a cap.
Here are some Air compressors and links to where you can buy them from in Christchurch.




Super Cheap Auto
Stanley Air Compressor 2.5HP Belt Driven 50 Litre tank, , scanz_hi-res