Using Your Tools Like A Pro

Regardless of whether you are a professional contractor or a weekend DIY enthusiast, making use of power tools properly can yield above average results. There are a few guidelines to follow in order to guarantee that you and your power tool are working with each other.
Always keep your bits and blades sharp. No matter what the tool, dull or pitted blades and bits will result in poor tool performance, and damaged materials. Dull drill bits will burn wood, and bore sloppy holes. When working with metal, dull bits will break, and they will tax a drill motor to the point of burning it out, if the operator is not paying close attention. Blades on circular saws and reciprocating saws will have similar results. Replacing blades and bits, or having them professionally sharpened is critical for power tool performance.
Allow the power tool do the work, so your job as an operator is not to push the tool. Whether drilling or cutting, your task is to steady and guide the tool because forcing tools to work through materials will trigger binding and erratic behavior. This can cause you to stop the tool during the task, leaving you with the unfortunate job of trying to reignite the power tool mid cut.
Learn to fully grasp power curves, and other subtleties that go along with power tools. When making use of a circular saw for example, get to know how it cuts, based on the physical points on the saw. Material consumed by a blade can cause nominal measurements to vary, depending on how you guide the saw down its preset direction.
Be very aware of your work area. Whether you are working in a shop or on a job site, always know the location of power cords, saw horses, and other materials that might be close to you. Getting your foot wrapped around a cord, or running out of room while making a long cut can often force an operator to stop work midstream, so this is something that you always want to avoid. Practice fundamental safety because good safety results in good work. Wearing safety goggles will keep your eyes clear so that you can see your work area. A clean work area will give you ample room to make consistent cuts safely. When you are comfortable working with a power tool, the results will be obvious. Working logically and not "bulling" through a job will make you look like a pro.