tips for tools

[timinny420]

anyone got any tips on making graphite tools - i have some 3/4" rounds and some 4X4" and some 4"X6" plates that want to put handels on - thanks -

[dellis326]

Use a dust mask at least ( A respirerator is better ) when cutting and sanding!

You can get at most home centers an aluminium channel made for holding plywood, comes in sizes 1/4" to 3/4" so pick one that'll fit your graphite plates after you've sanded them smoothe. If you size it up before you sand then it will be too loose. If its too loose you should use a metal shim stock instead of trying to bend the channel.

A drill press is much better to use to drill your holes in graphite because there is no give if you go crooked or tilt the drill while your drilling, the graphite will chip, break or you'll cut an oval hole. Use new or resonably new bits.

When you sand it, start with 100 grit to get any saw marks out, then work your way up to 400 or 600 grit for a smoothe surface, after that, buff with stiff cloth. Get wet/dry sand paper, Sanding by hand with a sanding block under running water stops dust and the sand paper will last longer. Hopefully it goes without saying, don't use water with an electric sander! Besides, power sanders can take off to much quicker that you'd think.

If you need to cut it, a saw with fine teeth works much better, slower but better. A cabinet saw is better then a hack saw, look for one with no rake or as little rake as you can find. Rake means how far to the side the teeth are bent in regards to the side of the saw blade, the less rake the thinner & cleaner the cut will be. The newer style japanese or pull saws work great for this and they don't cost too much.