FAQS: Power Tools

General

• What are the differences between electric or cordless power tools?

  Electricity flows in two ways; alternating current (AC) which is found in electric tools,
  and direct current, (DC) found in cordless power tools. AC power tools need to be plugged
  into wall outlets to draw current to power the motor, meaning users are restricted to working
  near a socket. Whilst DC power tools draw current directly from a battery and can be used anywhere.
  

• Where do I find answers to my questions about batteries and chargers?

  You will find all the answers you need in Accessories FAQs.
  

• I have lost my manual. Where can I get another one?

  An archive of discontinued model instruction manuals will be available shortly.
  Otherwise, all current models have an instruction manual available to download
  as a Acrobat PDF on their web page.
  

Angle Grinders

• What type of applications are angle grinders suitable for?

  Angle Grinders are a very versatile powertool that cuts, grinds, sharpens, carves and sands simply by changing to the various accessories available.
  

• What sizes are there available?

  Angle grinders are available in a wide variety of disc sizes ranging from 100mm through to 230mm.
  The larger sizes are generally associated with more powerful motors and greater depth of cut.

• How do I decide which size angle grinder is suitable for me?

  Basically the larger the diameter of the accessory disc the deeper the application and the longer the disc will last before replacement.
  But remember this will also equate to a heavier more powerful motor.

• What is the benefit of a rotating rear handle?

  This feature is a safety feature that ensures the operator maximises their grip
  and control particularly on the larger 230mm models.
  

• What is the benefit of soft start on an angle grinder?

  Typically found on larger models, it provides for increased safety and control by slowly starting the motor
  and gently building to full speed. This prevents the tool from wrenching or twisting on start up.
  Note, that you must wait for the motor to obtain full speed before applying the disc to the work.
  

• What is the benefit of having a guard that can be rotated?

  Guards that can be rotated provide constant user protection from debris,
  as angle grinders are regularly used from different angles and direction.
  This is an excellent safety feature on heavier more powerful models.
  

• Why would I use the lock on button for?

  It is used for long demanding jobs to reduce fatigue and allow free movement of the grinder.
  

• What is the spindle lock feature used for?

  Spindle lock provides for a single wrench/spanner accessory change.
  First disconnect the power tool and then by depressing this button, rotate the disc until it locks.
  Then use the wrench/spanner to loosen or tighten the arbour.
  Never operate the spindle lock whilst the tool is in use.
  

• When grinding and sanding, roughly what angle should I have the angle grinder to the material?

  Generally 10 - 15o between the wheel and the work piece is best.
  If the wheel is too flat your angle grinder can be to difficult to control
  whereas if the angle is too steep, burning (wood) or scoring (metal)
  to the work area may result.
  

• Is it safe to use worn down 230mm discs on smaller angle grinders?

  No.
  Each size has it’s own maximum speed rating which should be carefully checked
  before fitment even if the arbour is of the same size.
  

• Is it safe to use other blades such as TCT blades from a circular saw?

  No. Not at any time.
  The guard on a circular saw is not designed for this use and can cause serious injury
  to the operator. Use only accessories designed specifically for angle grinders.
  

• Can I use an angle grinder for polishing and buffing?

  Yes providing you select a model that features a variable speed
  so that you can slow the RPM down to 1200 – 1400rpm max
  which is a safe speed that will not burn or damage the surface.
  

• What can I use to remove paint and rust from a metal surface?

  Use a wire wheel or wire cup brush.
  

Circular Saws

• What are typical applications that circular saws are used for?

  Simply cross cutting and rip cuts primarily into wood, but can also be used for PVC pipe
  and aluminium when using a fine toothed blade.
  

• Can my circular saw be used to cut other materials such as metal?

  Generally speaking it is not recommended for use on metals (other than aluminium) and masonry.
  Tool design and the required accessory/blade generally do not match for speed ratings and safety requirements.
  

• Which size circular saw is generally recommended?

  Circular saw come in a variety of sizes. In deciding which is right for you,
  first determine the maximum depth of cut you will require as the larger the blade,
  the deeper the cut. As a general rule, saws with smaller blade capacity weigh less
  and are easier to control.
  

• What is the difference between a crosscut and a rip cut?

  Generally, a crosscut is a shorter cut that goes across the grain of the wood.
  A rip cut is a longer cut that goes along the grain.
  

• When should I use the depth adjustment?

  Proper depth adjustment is important for both safety and for the finest finish in the material.
  Correct depth of the blade is when approximately 1/2 a tooth is visible through the underside
  of the material. This will provide the most efficient use of the blade teeth to create a smoother cut
  and to reduce the chance of any kickback (the saw returning back up out of the wood).
  

• What is the bevel adjustment used for?

  The bevel adjustment slants the bottom plate so that the blade will then
  cut on an adjustable bevel angle. It is used generally when two pieces of wood
  are to be joined together. Select a bevel adjustment between 0o and 45o
  (Some models go to 50o) and then tighten the knob before cutting.
  

• How does an electric brake work on a circular saw?

  Electric Brakes reverse the flow of electricity to the saws brushes when the trigger is released.
  Reversing the current stops the blade's momentum quickly in as little as 2 seconds,
  compared to up to 12 seconds for a saw without this feature.
  

• What is the spindle lock feature used for?

  Spindle lock provides for a single spanner accessory change.
  First disconnect the power tool and then by depressing this button, rotate the blade until it locks.
  Then use the wrench/spanner to loosen or tighten the arbour.
  Never operate the spindle lock whilst the tool is in use.
  

• How do I best cut a long, straight line through a piece of timber?

  First fit your rip fence to the tool, and then adjust the fence to the desired width
  with the blade set to the outside edge of your cutting line. You can also clamp
  a straight piece of wood to the plywood creating an edge for the saw to ride against.
  

Drivers

• What is an impact driver?

  Typically cordless, it is a compact tool delivering approximately 3 times more torque
  than traditional cordless drills.
  

• What are typical applications for an impact driver?

  Their primary applications is for heavy duty screwdriving and for pre-drilling small holes
  into steel for screws and rivets. Impact drivers are also ideally suited for removing screws
  requiring high torque not normally possible with a cordless drill.
  

• What is the difference between a cordless or corded drill / driver and an impact driver?

  Corded / cordless drills are sometimes also referred top as 'Drill / Drivers' because
  they are suitable for both drilling and screwdriving.
  
  Impact drivers are specialty hi torque drivers only, though hex based drill bits
  can be used for smaller hole sizes.
  

• How are impact drivers able to deliver so much more torque over conventional cordless drill / drivers?

  This is achieved by initially delivering high rpm to the bit until a non adjustable torque level is reached,
  after which the rpm is reduced as the impact mode is automatically activated. Normal impact is derived
  by 2 plates with high and low points to provide the hammer like action from the rear of the drive shaft.
  The high torque delivered by an impact driver is provided by 2 internal anvils side striking the drive shaft
  whilst rotating. This is a similar action to hitting the end of a spanner with a hammer to loosen or tighten a bolt.
  

• What is the bit retainer size of a DIY impact driver?

  6.35mm or 1/4 inch.
  

Mitre Saws

• What is a mitre saw used for?

  The mitre and compound mitre saw is used for performing cross, mitre or bevel cuts
  and a combination cut known as a compound mitre cut. There portable lightweight design
  makes them suitable to transport from job to job. They are used for building house frames
  to making picture frames.
  Traditionally a trade only tool, new affordable models have seen mitre saws fast becoming
  a standard addition in the home workshop. In recent years this has expanded to
  slide compound mitre saws which have increased cross cutting capacities.
  

• Which size mitre saw do I need?

  Mitre saws come in a variety of sizes up to 305mm. In deciding which is right for you, first determine
  the maximum depth and width of cut you will require. The cutting capacity of a mitre saw is determined
  by both the blade diameter and sliding action if featured.
  
  Straight mitre saws rely completely on the blade size for the height and width capacities while
  slide compound mitre saws have the added benefit of the slide action to increase the cutting widths
  dramatically. As a general rule, saws with smaller blade capacity weight less and are easier to control.
  

• What is a slide compound mitre saw?

  Slide compound saws have the additional advantage over the traditional mitre saw
  that it has a much greater cross cutting capacity, however this is associated with
  an increase in both size and weight.
  

• What is the correct operation for performing a cut with a slide compound mitre saw?

  Slide action mitre saws are operated by first pulling back the blade and then lowering to the work
  then pushing forward as they cut.
  

• What is a double bevel mitre saw?

  Until now, this feature has only been found on professional models. It allows the mitre saw
  to tilt / bevel to both the left and right hand side. Traditionally, to be able to perform both a left
  and or right handed bevel cut required the operator to spin and realign the timber ready
  for the opposite cut.
  

• What is the difference between a slide mitre saw with one slide arm and models that feature two?

  Typically single arm models are less accurate and far less smoother in their slide action
  compared to twin slide arm models.
  

• How does an electric brake work on a mitre saw?

  Most commonly electric brakes reverse the flow of electricity to the saws brushes
  when the trigger is released. Reversing the current stops the blade's momentum
  quickly in as little as 2 seconds, compared to up to 12 seconds for a saw
  without this feature.
  This is a very handy feature when there is a lot of repetition cuts to be made as it allows
  for faster set up times in aligning The blade to the cut line. The downside is that this system
  can increase the wear on brushes.
  
  

• What is the spindle lock feature used for?

  Spindle lock provides for a single spanner accessory change.
  First disconnect the power tool and then by depressing this button, rotate the blade until it locks.
  Then use the wrench/spanner to loosen or tighten the arbour. Never operate the spindle lock
  whilst the tool is in use.
  

• What are the pre-set stops in the mitre table used for?

  These are notches in the mitre table that allows for quick reference points
  to the most common angles used. Once located, the table is locked off into position
  ready for making the cut. These angles are 15o, 22.5o, 30o, 45o and 0o both left
  and right of table centre.
  

• Can I create a trench or rebate type cuts with a mitre saw?

  Yes, but this feature is only found on slide compound mitre saws.
  It allows for the depth of the blade to be controlled via an adjustable stop.
  When the blade is drawn across the timber it cuts a groove/trench at a constant depth.
  Depending on the required depth, you might need a sacrificial piece of timber between
  the fence and the material to be cut to ensure the full depth of the cut is completed.
  
  

Sanders

• What are the different types of sanders available?

  Generally there are 3 main types:

  • Orbital Random
  • Orbital
  • Belt

• Which sander is right for me?

  Detail / Rectangular Sander

  • Small surface area
  • Odd shapes and tight corners
  • Leaves fine swirl marks (must be hand sanded out prior to staining)
  • Suitable for finishing work only

  Random Orbital Sander
  

  • Suitable for Larger flat surface.
  • Fast & efficient
  • Can handle jobs from very course to very fine

  Belt Sander

  • Large surface areas
  • Rapid material removal but must be kept moving to avoid trenching
  • Very aggressive and takes reasonable physical effort to operat

• What is a platen?

  This is the base to which the paper is adhered to.
  The paper is either attached via clamps or hook and loop.
  

• How do I maximise the life of a platen?

  By avoiding to press to one edge of the platen and instead maintain it
  flat to the surface will increase it’s life and shape.
  

• My platen is no longer flat. Can it easily be replaced?

  Yes.
  Usually it required the simple unscrewing of 4 or 5 screws holding it into position.
  Replacement platens usually require ordering as a spare part from Bunnings Special Orders
  or your Authorised Service Centre.
  

• What is hook and loop (HL) paper?

  Similar system to Velcro™ where by the paper is adhered to the platen
  by utilising a series of hooks and loops.
  
  

• The hook and loop paper doesn’t stick properly any more?

  This is a common occurrence which is generally caused by one of two things.

  • Inferior hook and loop paper
  • Excessive force in replacing the paper

  The correct method is to carefully peal the paper back when removing.
  Rapid “tearing” off of the paper will break the hooks and loops and eventually making it ineffective.

• What is an orbital sander?

  An orbital sander, also known as a finishing sander is a power tool designed mainly
  for fine surface sanding of timber. A finishing sander has a sanding base that operates
  with an orbital action parallel to the processed surface.
  

• What sizes do orbital sanders come in?

  They come in a variety of sizes - 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 sheet.
  These sizes simply refer to the size ratio of a standard sheet of sandpaper.
  All perform the same task with the only difference being the size of their platen.
  
  There is also a fourth sander known commonly as a detail sander with it’s platen shaped similar to point triangle.
  
  

• What is the typical power of the orbital sanders motor?

  All types are typically low powered at between 115 to 250 Watts.
  

• I have heard that orbital sanders leave tiny swirl marks in my finished work. How can I avoid this?

  Work your way down to a very fine paper such as 240 grit or beyond.
  Then with a damp cloth rub over the surface which will raise the now very fine rough burrs
  which can now easily be sanded back. The damp cloth will also expose any remaining
  swirl marks that would become prominent when applying any varnish or stain.
  

• What is a random orbital sander?

  They have a round sanding pad (115 to 180mm) which is positioned off centre
  on the drive shaft and which can rotate freely or with restricted guidance parallel
  to the surface.
  
  This action of orbital together with the random motion makes these sanders
  highly efficient at rapid material removal right down to delivering a fine finish
  by simply changing sanding paper grit.
  
  Typical power ratings are between 350 and 750 Watts.
  
  

• What is the variable speed control on a random orbital sander used for?

  As with most powertools that feature a variable speed control, it allows for greater range
  of applications the tool can be applied to. A common application would be for polishing furniture
  or even your car. By fitting a lambs wool or imitation lambs wool bonnet to the platen,
  you would slow the speed of the tool down top avoid any damaging heat build up.
  

• What are the holes for in the bottom of the base of my sander?

  This allows for the sawdust to be extracted through the base when using sanding paper with holes.
  

• What is a belt sander?

  Belt sanders are equipped with a continuous rotary sanding belt.
  They are known for their high removal rate which makes them ideal
  for large surface area work such as floors and large rough timber surfaces.
  Due to their action and high power they generally take reasonable
  physical effort to control. Average power is between 500 and 1200 Watts.
  

• How do I prevent my belt sander belts from breaking apart?

  Before fitting the belt, check the inside of the belt for directional arrows.
  Match the direction of the arrow with the arrow on the side of your belt sander.
  

• Why do some sanders come with dust collecting bags whilst others don’t?

  Some types of sanders are more self efficient at extracting the sawdust than others.
  Generally orbital sanders are far less efficient at this and require connection to
  a separate vacuum system to perform this function.
  

• Can I use my sander on plasterboard?

  Yes, however it is highly recommended you use both dust extraction directly connected
  to the sander and some form of airborne dust removal from the room such as an electric fan.
  Plasterboard dust is extremely fine and abrasive and can easily damage the motor.
  You should always ways eyes, ears and mouth protection.
  

• Can I use my sander on metals?

  Yes.
  Start by loosening and scraping any loose paint or rust with a metal-toothed brush
  or coarse steel wool. Starting with a coarse grade of sandpaper move regularly over surface.
  Continue in this manner with increasingly finer grades of sandpaper until reaching
  the level of desired smoothness.
  

Screwguns

• What is a drywall driver?

  It is an electric or cordless tool similar in style to a drill used to put in plasterboard screws
  at high speed with auto depth stop for fast repetitious operation
  

• What does the term 'drywall' mean?

  This is an American term which has been adopted by us when we refer to screwguns
  used to hang plasterboard. Drywall means plasterboard. We sometimes also refer to it as
  Gyprock® which is actually a brand of plasterboard.
  

• What are some key benefits of a drywall screwgun?

  • A screw head is smaller and easier to conceal than a nail head indented with a hammer blow
  • Driving screws is a lot faster than driving nails
  • Attaching plasterboard generally requires fewer screws than nails
  • A screwgun pushes drywall against the frame as it fastens the panel
  • A screw's holding power is much greater than a nail's by around 350%
  • Only screws can attach drywall to metal framing

• Why would I use a screwgun over simple hammer and nails?

  When hanging plasterboard, plasterers can go through as many as 6,000 nails/day.
  So it’s easy to see that doing this with a powertool is going to be far more efficient
  

• What size and style is the bit holder in a drywall screwgun?

  1/4 inch Hex bit.
  

• Can you use a drywall screwgun for roofing screws?

  No.
  Due to it’s high speed and low torque rating this product is NOT suitable
  for heavy screwdriving application such as roofing screws