Woodworking tools are like your children, and if you take good care of them, they will be there for you in the long run.
You don’t have to do much to make sure that your tools are in good condition. Some of the things that you have to do include proper storage and cleaning. Also, you have to regularly inspect tools and lubricate them. Finally, you have to follow the manuals.
There are a lot of tools that you might have to do your woodwork. If you are a woodcarver, then you probably have a lot of hand tools like chisels and mallets. You probably have electric tools such as chainsaws and drills, too.
Maintenance of woodworking tools ensures that they function like new for years after the initial purchase. Furthermore, tools that are in good condition and reduce the possibility of accidents.
Storage
The first thing that you should do is fix your storage habits. Make sure that you store all the woodworking tools in the right places. Keep tools that come with packets or boxes in their designated places.
Don’t use one tool packet to keep other tools. And don’t try to stuff as many tools as possible in one box. For this reason, caring for the box is equally important as caring for the tool.
One thing that you have to remember is that moisture can ruin your tools. Keep your tools away from water and humid places. You don’t want to find out that your tools are rusty on your next project.
It’s a good idea to organize your tools that hang. You can make a rack on your wall for such tools. And try to keep them out of work’s way. You don’t want accidents from machines dropping from high places.
Cleaning
You might need an air compressor to clean your electric tools. If you don’t have one, then first turn it off. Next, wipe the surface with a soapy water cloth.
The moving parts might need oiling. Do so with quality oil, and take your time oiling. Make sure that you don’t miss a spot.
As for your hand tools, clean them with soap and water. After you have washed them properly, wipe them dry. Don’t neglect to dry your tools after cleaning, as it may lead to rust.
The handles of the hand tools, on the other hand, need to be wiped with linseed oil because it keeps the handles healthy and looking good.
Cleaning is a really important part of proper maintenance. You should clean your tools every time you finish a project. And if your tools are just laying there month after month, check on them and see how they are doing.
Inspection
Firstly, inspect for any handles that are splintering, loose, and/or cracking. If your tools have damage on their handles, then it might lead to accidents.
To avoid this, sand down the problematic area. Once the surface is smooth, apply a layer of linseed oil.
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This technique is fine if the problem is small. If the gap is really big, then don’t take the risk. Get yourself a new tool.
Next, check out rust buildup in the early stages. If it’s early, you can remove it. If the rust or corrosion is deep, then don’t risk an accident. Replacement might be costly, but it’s better than paying a medical bill.
Read more: How-To Remove Rust Using Electrolysis
The next thing that you have to pay attention to is the dulling of your tools. It’s a good idea to sharpen all your tools that need sharpening every six months.
After that, pay attention to your power tools. They need regular oiling and care. If you don’t take proper care of them, then they get out of order and you end up needing repairs. And repairs can be complex, so you might need to hire a professional.
Lubrication
Lubrication is necessary to increase the lifespan of the tool. Hand tools are easy to lubricate. On the other hand, power tools are a bit more complex because they have many parts to lubricate.
If you don’t lubricate power tools, then they might malfunction, and it’s going to cost a lot of money to repair, so be sure to lubricate regularly. Take your time doing it and get all the right spots.
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Before lubricating, consult the manual. There might be parts that you are not supposed to lubricate. You may do more damage than good with your oil.
Always use a good lubricant and store it properly. You don’t want the water to get into your lubricant. Finally, keep it away from the grasp of children.
Follow The Manual
The last thing that you have to remember about maintaining your woodworking tools is to always follow the manual. Each tool comes with instructions for proper use and maintenance. You should always consult the manual, and soon enough, you will have most of it memorized.
The manual is something that you need to consult all the time so keep it nearby. Also, feel free to use markers and colored labels on your manual to highlight important information.
Conclusion
Woodworking is an art, and just as a painter has brushes, you have tools. You need to take special care of your tools so they are by your side longer. To take good care of all your tools, you have to remember all the steps of proper maintenance.
To take good care of your tools, keep the tools away from water or humidity. Keep them in their designated packages and boxes. Next, you need to clean all your tools every time you finish working on a project.
You can clean them with water and soap. Also, there might be oiling required for your power tools. When you are cleaning, make sure that you consult the manual or a professional.
Next, remember to inspect and repair your tools regularly. If you have a tool that is beyond repair, it’s time for you to get a new one.
Lubricate your tools well, and use a good lubricant to do so. Make sure that water does not mix with your lubricant. Finally, always follow the manual when it comes to the operation and cleaning of tools.
