The Technique of FURNITURE MAKING

Portable power tools and accessories

All power-driven machines can be grouped within three broad classifications:

Fixed floor mounted machines.

Bench mounted machines—fixed, but not permanently so.

Portable power tools, either electric, battery powered, or driven by compressed air, the latter being more appropriate to a production workshop or factory.

There is an extensive range of power-tools available which can be used on or at the bench; and while they can never supplant the fixed sawbench, planer, spindle-moulder, etc., they are nevertheless extremely useful adjuncts and can lighten the work considerably, giving also a measure of precision which might not be attainable with pure hand methods. Various types or categories are available, viz. light duty, often described as 'home duty' but intended for intermittent use within the limits of the frac­tional horsepower available; general duty for tradesmen's use, and sturdy enough for inter­mittent but reasonably heavy work; heavy duty, with consistent power necessary for production work; and in some cases super duty, to give 'fit and forget' service over long periods.