Recommended Power Tools for Assembling a Pirate Play Ship
Each age brings with it new tools designed for specialization and economy of effort. The present day craftsman or DIY enthusiast makes use of those tools that enable him to realize his plans and ideas in wooden playhouse construction in the most complimentary way possible. The affinity between tools and their users must be a close one. Above all, the tool must not impinge itself on the user by making excessive demands in the way of maintenance, lubrication, adjustment; and continued internal repair.
Electrical tools are usually more complex than their manual counterparts. However, they afford the user an unrivaled luxury in that they simplify the task at hand by minimizing physical strain and effort. These advantages alone make them highly useful in the playhouse development process, and for this reason they should be considered as serious contenders in the tool marketplace.
Today, power tools are in most cases inexpensive and within most budgets. A hand drill, saber saw, and circular saw, all outfitted with nominal accessories can be had for less than 150 dollars. These are tools made by dependable manufacturers who take pride in their reputations.
Of course, one can make very decent wooden pirate ship-style playhouse without the use of power tools whatsoever. Many of the world's finest playhouses and toys were crafted in an era when power assisted tools had not yet become a sparkle in an inventor's eye. Particular delight is felt when a fine wooden toy is made without the means of giant drill presses and radial-arm saws. The hand tool, manually operated or otherwise, seems to be more in scale with the user.
Perhaps because it fits within the palm, it somehow becomes more of a natural extension of the hand, arm, and body. Consider the manually operated tool and its power tool counterpart carefully before you decide. Strive for a practical balance in your work area, incorporating each tool where it is useful in its own special way.
ELECTRIC DRILLS
Electric drills are sometimes referred to as "power drills." Used to drill holes in a wide range of materials with an assortment of readily available attachments, an electric drill performs a multitude of tasks. The chuck capacity to accommodate drill bits ranges from ¼ inch to 1 ¼ inch. Speed selection, reversing switches, drill size capacity, and general construction should all be considerations carefully weighed before you decide which drill to purchase.
Search out useful attachments, such as drill stand, grindstone, buffing cloth, sander, and rasp and file fittings. Drill bits come in graduated sizes and are usually housed in a plastic container with each slot marked for drill bit placement or storage.
CIRCULAR SAWS
These are portable saws that are used to cut solid lumber and board to size. The saw is a highly useful tool with revolving blades of 6- to 10-inch diameter. It can be used for ripping or crosscutting at any angle, from 90 degrees down to 45 degrees. The depth of the cut can be adjusted from 0 to 2 3/16 inches on a 7-inch model. Thus you can use the saw for grooving and dadoing, as well as for sawing timbers.
All portable circular saws should be fitted with a fixed upper blade guard and a lower blade guard, which is pushed back as the saw passes through the work. The lower guard is spring loaded and will quickly resume its non-cutting position once the cut has been completed.
Blades are specifically designed for special jobs requiring a precise arrangement of teeth. The wrong blade can destroy a cherished piece of wood, as well as bring excessive wear prematurely to the blade and saw itself. Keep in mind that blades are best sharpened by a professional person who is equipped for such work. The following circular saw blades are recommended for constructing a large structure such as a pirate ship playhouse intended for multiple children.
Rip Blade
The rip blade is used for cutting lumber parallel with the grain. It has pronounced teeth.
Crosscut Blade
This blade is designed to cut across the grain of solid lumber and is characterized by its fine, sharp teeth, evenly serrated.
Combination Blade
The combination blade is suitable for sawing lumber in any direction and for use while cutting particle or composition boards.
Flooring Blade
The flooring blade is to be used on second-hand lumber, especially when there is a risk of cutting through nails, screws, and other thin metal shafts.
SABER SAWS
These are in effect jigsaws driven by electric motors. The saw is fitted with straight, narrow blades, which can extend several inches below the base and move up and down in short strokes. Select the model that has variable speed selection. This tool is useful for cutting circles and other irregular shapes and for making inside cuts. Special files are available and can be used in place of the blade for sanding purposes. A guide fence, which easily attaches to the saw for more accurate cutting, is also a handy attachment.
BELT SANDERS
Belt sanders are used to sand wood quickly by means of an abrasive belt. This tool is recommended for those times when paint, varnish, and other superficial coatings must be quickly removed in order to expose the underlying wood. If coarse paper is used, it will abrade the wood surface considerably and, therefore, should be used with discretion.
A dust bag can be attached to those models so equipped making them ideal for environments where dust in the air is a nuisance. Sand the wood with the grain, exerting just enough pressure to achieve the desired results. Inordinate pressure will cause the motor to overheat and will slow the belt action. Keep several grades of sandpaper handy for finer work and refinishing.