Timber iQ August - September 2020 // Issue: 50 August - September 2020 | Page 17

FEATURES
Tooling for professionals
FESTOOL
Saws form a major component in the timber industry, and technology by leading manufacturers continues to improve on performance and safety.
By Benjamin Brits
Tooling forms an integral part of any professional’s work in the timber industry, no
matter what their speciality.
With each element in the timber sector comes a range
of tooling to add to the arsenal, and when it comes to
technology there is no lack thereof. No matter if you
are cutting, planing, trimming, drilling, pinning, joining,
sanding, routing or installing – the range of tooling is endless.
A professional’s tooling would encompass not only the actual tools
required but also specialist attachments, fasteners and systems needed
to get the job done quickly efficiently, and most importantly, safely.
With options in fixed tools, portable workstations, handheld power
tools and battery operated equipment, the range in working with
wood is not shy, and leading manufacturers continually invest large
amounts into research and development into all aspects of tooling:
be it comfort, convenience or ergonomics, lifespan, strength and
ease of installation, and even as far as storage solutions.
In a statement received from Rutherford-Makita, the company said,
“Lithium-Ion cordless technology has taken our local market by storm
over the last few years. Makita has produced one of the world’s
largest ranges of 18V power tools, and through its continuous
research and development is constantly producing innovative new
and exciting tools to enhance its range and offer greater versatility to
professionals. Using cordless technology is a simple and effective
way to ensure productivity without compromising on performance
when a power source isn’t available.”
The first tool of a mechanical nature dates back centuries – to the
1300s where clear evidence of turned products were discovered.
The good old lathe claims the title as the very first tool developed
and used in Ancient Egypt according to various historical findings.
Back then of course it was driven by hand, wind or water – similar to
systems they used in food preparation such as crushing grains.
The lathe is also said to have been the ‘founder-tool’ for the invention
of a large range of other equipment and tools in many sectors today
including industrial metalwork, the motor industry and even musical
instrument manufacturing. But a lot has changed since then as the
drive for more is sought out by industry professionals.
“Tooling is a very important topic because not everyone knows
exactly what tool or product is used for a specific application. Many
people (including professionals) would typically just walk into a
hardware store and ask for what they think they need, or more
commonly nowadays, have an image of what they are looking for on
their phone. Education is key in this industry to make sure you are
using the correct products and are also making sure that these
products are applied or installed correctly. Even professionals can
improve on the technique they use and benefit from a proper
knowledge and application of all tooling catering to the sector. This
education must further be shared to address construction in the more
rural areas where a DIY approach is common. Here you see
completely wrong applications which are dangerous and possibly
www.timberiq.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020 15