Using tools

Take time to learn the safe use of each tool, and practice with them until you feel comfortable. Look them over occasionally to check their condition. Make sure that handles are secure and in good shape, that blades are sharp, that screwdriver tips are not worn, and that saws blades are not missing teeth.

- When hammering, remember that several light hits are better than one hard one. If the parts that you are nailing are limber or unsupported, hold a heavy weight like a hammer head behind them to give them support. Use a few light taps to start the point of the nail into wood, and then GET YOUR FINGERS OUT OF THE WAY. If a nail starts to bend, try to straighten it before you drive it too far. If it won't straighten, remove it. When pulling nails with a claw hammer, put a scrap of wood between the hammer head and your work to keep from damaging your boat.
- Always clamp or firmly hold down any piece of wood that you are cutting with your hand saw. Use the thumb of your free hand to guide the SIDE of the saw blade when starting a cut. Once the saw is cutting, use long strokes that use the full length of the blade, and always support the waste piece of wood when the cut is almost through.
- The hand plane is one of the most useful tools in your tool kit, and one of the most difficult to setup and use correctly. The blade should just barely project through the bottom of the plane, and should be sharp. Use the longest strokes possible, and support the piece to be planed. Be sure to have a good grip on the plane at all times, so that it stays at the correct angle to the wood.
- The shape of your boat depends on the accuracy of your measurements. If you are using a tape measure, make sure the hook on the end is not bent. Double-check all of your measurements before you cut or fasten anything. Remember the old carpenter's saying " measure twice, cut once". If you need to duplicate a measurement many times, think about cutting a piece of scrap wood to that length, and using it as a pattern.
- Always use a sanding block or wrap sandpaper around a piece of wood when you are sanding a flat surface. This will keep the sandpaper from digging into the face of the wood. Also, always round over any sharp edges of plywood or lumber with sandpaper before coating with epoxy or painting.
- If you are working with epoxy and get it on your gloves, change them before you use your tools.

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