Hardware and Tools - Printing in Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer - page 7

C H A P T E R 2

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Hardware and Tools

Unlike a lot of DIY projects, the 3D Printer you're going to build isn't going to require a large number of
tools, just those that can cut the structure of the machine from plywood and drill the holes for bolting
parts together. (The electronics portion of the build will be covered in later chapters, along with any
specialized tools that you may need.)

■ Caution As with any project that requires tools, we want to issue the standard warnings and recommendations:

read the manuals, handle all tools with care and respect, and never rush things.

If you're unfamiliar with the proper usage of a power tool, find the manual and read it, or ask
someone knowledgeable for assistance. Also remember that the Internet is your friend. If you've lost a
manual, you can probably find it on the manufacturer's web site as a downloadable PDF file. There are
also videos galore (on sites like www.YouTube.com ) that provide tutorials on how to use tools properly—
maybe even the exact tool you're using.
Tools are dangerous if you don't respect them. With parts that move at hundreds or thousands of
RPMs (revolutions per minute), your eyes and fingers and other body parts are no match for power tools.
Wear goggles (get in the habit of putting them on anytime you enter your work area) and always be
aware of where your hands and fingers are with respect to the business ends of power tools.
And finally, this isn't a race. Yes, we know you're anxious to build and finish your 3D Printer. But
take your time. Working with a table saw, for example, is much faster than using a handsaw. But table
saws are hundreds of times more likely to remove a finger than a handsaw (where you're holding the tool
in one hand and the part to be cut with the other). The benefits of power tools are, of course, power and
speed and accuracy, so balance these out with a good bit of patience and awareness of what you're doing
and, most importantly, where your fingers are located.
Respect the tools you're using, and you won't be one of the over 175,000 people who end up in the
Emergency Room each year from improper power tool usage. We're not trying to scare you away from
building a 3D Printer, but we hope we've convinced you to spend some time learning how to properly
use the required tools.
And what tools are those? Glad you asked.