A brick bolster is used for cutting bricks into various shapes and sizes. This implement should always be used with protective goggles.
A brick bolster is typically spade shaped and incorporates a 100mm blade width.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 23rd November 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Power Tools, Tools
When buying a new drill, you need to bear in mind a few key points:
Drills
• Do I want a mains powered drill? They tend to give higher revolution speeds and quicker penetration. Prices are usually cheaper than cordless versions.
• Do I want a cordless drill? Battery powered drills tend to lack the raw power of a mains connected drill, but offer real versatility without the constraints of a mains lead.
• If you’re looking for a multi purpose drill, then you’re going to want a variable speed mains drill with hammer action and reverse gear. This gives you the option to drill into concrete or masonry.
• A 13mm keyless chuck enables you to drill holes up to 32mm diameter in timber and 13mm in metal or masonry.
• A cordless drill can also offer a powered screw driver option.
• More powerful batteries are often heavier.
• Ensure that you select a cordless drill with rapid recharge.
Read more...
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Fri 19th October 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in DIY Safety, Tools
1. When using a circular saw it is important to plug into an adapter containing an RCD (Residual Current Device). This device shuts down the saw should the cable be severed.
2. When using the circular saw, make sure that the cable is kept well away from the blade.
3. Unplug the saw when not in use.
4. Ensure that the blade is properly fitted every time you use it.
5. Wear protective goggles.
6. Always change the blade if it appears blunt or out of shape.
7. Always remove the saw from the timber after it has ceased.
8. Make sure that the flex is completely in tact. If it’s wearing down to the copper wire, replace it immediately.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Mon 13th August 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Decor, Tools
Paint can be tricky stuff to remove. However, a blowtorch can make paint stripping easy work.
A blowtorch is operated from bottled gas which lights straight off with a naked flame emanated from a nozzle. The nozzle can hook onto an attachment that distributes the flame over a wider surface area.
If you do paint stripping infrequently then you’re probably better off hiring. If you’re purchasing a blowtorch then make sure gas refills are widely available.
For more testing jobs you may want to up size your blowtorch and gas bottle. This should ensure that you get your stripping done in a timely fashion
It is absolutely essential that you wear appropriate protective gear while using a blowtorch. In particular a high quality gas mask, protective gloves and safety gloves.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Thu 14th June 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Power Tools, Tools
The fence guide on the saw must be adjusted to an appropriate distance from the edge of the timber. The catch is that the cut will only be as straight as the edge of the timber.
To make the cut, you simply slide along the edge of the timber - the fence guide must be kept in touch with the edge.
If you are cutting a wide piece of timber in the middle then obviously the fence guide can not be used. To get round this you can nail a straight timber batten to the wood you want to cut. This then acts as a guide for the circular saw to follow. Ensure that the line you have marked to cut along runs paralell to the timber batten you have nailed in. The sole plate of the saw should run along against the batten in order to get a straight cut.
