Power Tools Q&A

John S asked:

I have several old power tool batteries that have died over the years… I really don’t like buying them over and over.
I got the bright idea (oh no), if I could find an ac adapter with the same volt and amp output, and I could fit it inside a battery case (take the batteries out of the housing), then I wouldn’t need more than one or two batteries while I’m away from an outlet. (Most of what I do, I do close to an outlet. Having cordless tools are just very nice.)
Anyway, I found an adapter with the spec I needed on eBay. Got it home and checked it out on my meter (right on the money for volts; less than 1/2 amp higher than the batteries).
I emptied out a worthless battery, fit the adapter in, carved a hole for the cord and fit the wires inside to connect to the “battery” terminals. Now it looks just like a regular battery, test the same, it just has a cord hanging out.
When I put it in any of my tools, however, the tool runs in VERY short bursts.
What did I do wrong?
New information…. (I’m still trying to figure it out)

If I plug the “battery” into a tool that is variable speed and sloooowly squeeze the trigger, THE TOOL RUNS GREAT!
If I squeeze too fast, though, it sounds just like a non variable speed tool.
rumm… rumm… rumm… about once per second.
Well… I thought it ran great. It only SOUNDED like it was running great. When you put it under a load, it dies. At full clutch, I can stop the drill with minimal effort with one hand. With a good battery and at full clutch, this drill is a wrist-breaker if it jams a bit in something!
What’s going on?!
If you read a bit closer, you’ll see I’m talking about a thing I made. Not a gimmick… I created it. It’s not a battery, but an ac adapter that I put in a battery housing.
DOES NOBODY KNOW?!
It is an ac to dc adapter.
And it was not an easy fit into the battery housing; it’s sitting at a sharp angle and a little carving on the battery housing was needed to get the top screwed down. (ryobi 18v)

As every test I’ve learned to do says it doesn’t have enough amps, my next plan is to replace the adapter with a laptop adapter at 18.5V and 6.5 amps.
That will either be enough, burn the motor up or tell me it isn’t going to work no matter what.

I really hope someone has a better idea.

Question posted courtesy of: Andrew

Avelyn asked:

what kind would she be and why?

A.) Circular Saw - Large, heavy, and ear-piercing but is always right where you left her– in other words, very loyal.

B.) Scroll Saw - A little too skinny, delicate, but goes around and around a topic without getting straight to the point.

C.) Saw Horse - Sturdy, well-built, extremely supportive of you and your family but is very plain and unexciting.

D.) Sand Paper - Can go with you anywhere and loves the same activites as you but sometimes can be irritating and rub you the wrong way.

E.) Screw Driver - Knows just how to turn your “head” but you can never find her when you need her and sometimes she’s in someone else’s tool box.
I asked these in singles and dating are they just attacked me! Can you believe it?

Question posted courtesy of: Lydia

Q-Tip M asked:

I really want to get into woodworking/carving, especially carving cool pieces of wood with a dremmel tool. Space is limited in the garage and stuff. any tips on getting started?

Question posted courtesy of: Benjamin

OhioFantastic asked:

So, I had originally decided to start my boyfriend on a nice toolset. Now, i’ve delved a bit deeper only to discover that what he is actually interested in is woodworking. He wants to be able to build, and put fancy details on, things like tables, chairs, shelves… the like. We both live in apartments until we’re married, and neither of us have a garage or anything, so my set for him needs to start small. What is a great first tool or several tools that every woodworker should have? What will prove to be the most useful, and what should I avoid? I’ve already got a gift for him for Christmas this year, but our anniversary is coming up, as is valentines day, as is his birthday… so many ideas would be great! Please tell me specifically what to look for, how much it should cost, what the best/worst brand is, and where i can go to get it (i’m in michigan… we have home depot, lowes… and…i think thats it). thanks guys!

Question posted courtesy of: Clara

mary asked:

Does anyone know where I can find a large woodworking pattern for a helicopter. One the is large enouth that childern can play on . Like the train set.

Question posted courtesy of: Tina

WhiteDove asked:

He has several types of big saws, and all the little power tools-drills, dremels (sp?), power sanders and the like. He is good at woodworking, but I don’t think he has many woodworking type tools. Any guy or girl out there who enjoys working with tools, what tools are you glad you own, or what tools are on your wish list??

Thanks!

Question posted courtesy of: Kyle

Wendy B asked:

My husband has been working in custom cabinets for the past 10 years. He knows all phases from fabrication to install, but has focused the last 5 as the finish department manager. At 32, it’s pretty clear that the pay is topped out already and for the most part, we’ve yet to find a company that offers medical benefits of any sort. He’s also concerned about being exposed to all the paint fumes 40 hours a week.

He enjoys what he does, but is considering a change to hopefully earn what he’s worth and get benefits.

To those of you who have experience in the woodworking field, what can you tell me about careers in cabinets…does the pay get better? What about becoming a general contractor? Up’s and down’s of opening his own shop to do finishing and refinishing work?

He’s exploring possibilities right now and he really wants to make a smart move….where there is room to grow, decent money, and lots of work. We would like our own business, but $’s an issue. Thanks.

Question posted courtesy of: James

FLINT SUMMERS asked:

for routers miter saws biscuit jointers jigsaws planers sanders circular saws chop saws

Question posted courtesy of: Lucy

J D asked:

i want to start with woodworking (Hobbie) i don’t know much about it but i am very handy
ill like some help in what to buy first and what is the best project to start with for me?

Question posted courtesy of: Katherine

ahker27 asked:

i am interested in doing volunteer woodworking work in Atlanta GA only. if you have any information please reply

Question posted courtesy of: Cheryl