Tool Literacy 101

Tool Pedagogy Specification

Tool use is embedded in a decision-making system. See Integrated Tool Pedagogy for framework.

Integrated technique for building or using tools considers a wide build context. This includes:

1. Design - If a build design makes it difficult to build using known tools, one can consider a redesign which is easier to build.
2. Tools - what they are and what they can do
3. Tool fit for the job (is this the best tool for the specific task)
4. tool modification - getting extra functionality from the tool either by simple addons, jigs, or deep mods
5. tool settings (to improve quality, speed, or cleanness), (6) materials, (7) measuring, (8-) marking, (9) cutting, (10) assembly, (11) adjacent workflow, (12) workpiece modification (such as taping wood for a cleaner cut) and (13) relationship to other build steps - as all the elements that need to be understood for effective tool use - for example, if one is doing several workflows in one day, it may be more effective to bring a general function tool as opposed to too many of the specific tools simply because of tool logistics. Very much context specific.

Poor technique, on the other hand, may refer to using a tool - without considering how a built object is designed (redesign can be part of simplifying a build), without considering whether a better tool is available for the job, without adjusting settings for better function, without considering the working material in which case another tool may be better, with inefficient marking or workflow. If the relationship

An integrated builder understands the wider context.

To teach integrated build technique and tool use, we teach

101 tools in 1 hour

#	Tool	Function	Instructions	Required Accessories / Blades / Bits	Difficulty (1–3)
1	Cordless Circular Saw - DeWalt DCS391B	Cross Cut	Measure and mark the cut line with a speed square. Set blade depth about 1/4 in. below the workpiece. Secure the material. Align the blade with the waste side of the line. Start the saw before contacting the wood, then feed steadily through the cut while keeping the shoe flat.	24T framing blade, speed square, clamps, sawhorses, safety glasses	1
2	Cordless Circular Saw	Rip Cut	Measure the desired width. Clamp a straightedge or rip guide parallel to the cut. Set blade depth correctly. Keep constant pressure against the guide while feeding smoothly through the material.	24T rip blade, rip fence or guide rail, clamps	1
3	Cordless Circular Saw	Angle (Bevel) Cut	Loosen the bevel adjustment and set the desired angle (typically 22.5° or 45°). Tighten securely. Verify with an angle gauge. Make the cut while maintaining even pressure.	Combination blade, angle gauge, speed square	2
4	Cordless Circular Saw	Miter Layout Cut	Mark the angle with a framing square or protractor. Align the blade to the waste side. Follow the layout line carefully without forcing the saw.	Combination blade, framing square, protractor	2
5	Cordless Circular Saw	Notch Cut	Mark all sides of the notch. Make two boundary cuts first, then make several relief cuts between them. Remove the waste with a hammer or chisel and clean the bottom.	24T blade, hammer, chisel	2
6	Cordless Circular Saw	Plunge Cut	Set blade depth. Tilt the saw forward so only the front of the shoe contacts the workpiece. Start the motor, slowly lower the spinning blade into the material, then continue the cut after full penetration.	Combination blade, straightedge, clamps	3
7	Cordless Circular Saw	Pocket Opening (Interior Cut)	Drill a starter hole near the cut line. Insert the blade through the opening or perform a plunge cut. Follow the layout lines carefully to complete the opening.	Combination blade, drill with spade or Forstner bit	3
8	Cordless Circular Saw	Sheet Goods Breakdown	Support the plywood or OSB with rigid foam or sacrificial supports. Clamp a guide rail. Cut with the good face down (for right-blade saws) to reduce tear-out.	Fine-finish blade, guide rail, foam insulation board	2
9	Cordless Circular Saw	Long Straight Precision Cut	Clamp an aluminum straightedge or track guide. Set blade depth. Keep the saw firmly against the guide from start to finish without stopping.	Track guide or straightedge, finish blade	2
10	Cordless Circular Saw	Repeated Identical Cuts	Clamp a stop block at the required measurement. Measure only once, then cut each workpiece against the stop for consistent lengths.	Stop block, clamps, framing square	2
11	Cordless Circular Saw	Cut Pressure-Treated Lumber	Install a carbide framing blade. Support the board well because treated lumber is often wet and heavy. Feed slowly to avoid binding.	Framing blade, sawhorses	1
12	Cordless Circular Saw	Trim Door Bottom	Mark the trim line using a door guide. Clamp a straightedge. Score the finish with a utility knife before cutting to reduce splintering.	Fine-finish blade, straightedge, utility knife	2
13	Cordless Circular Saw	Cut Composite Decking	Install a blade recommended by the decking manufacturer. Support both sides of the cut. Feed at a moderate speed to avoid melting.	Composite decking blade	2
14	Cordless Circular Saw	Cut Cement Board	Install a fiber-cement blade. Work outdoors if possible. Wear a respirator and eye protection. Feed slowly to minimize dust.	Fiber-cement blade, respirator, eye protection	2
15	Cordless Circular Saw	Bevel Ripping Roof Rafters	Calculate the required bevel and layout. Set the bevel angle and depth. Follow the layout carefully while supporting the rafter securely.	Framing blade, framing square, angle finder	3
16	Cordless Circular Saw	Birdsmouth Rough Cuts	Lay out the seat and heel cuts. Cut each line carefully without overcutting the intersection. Finish the inside corner with a handsaw if necessary.	Framing blade, speed square, handsaw	3
17	Cordless Circular Saw	Taper Cut	Lay out the taper. Clamp a taper jig or straightedge. Make one continuous pass while maintaining contact with the guide.	Straightedge or taper jig	3
18	Cordless Circular Saw	Gang Cutting Multiple Boards	Clamp identical boards tightly together. Verify blade depth exceeds the combined thickness. Make one cut through all boards.	Long clamps, framing blade	2
19	Cordless Circular Saw	Flush Trim with Guide	Clamp a spacer or guide against the finished edge. Use a fine blade and maintain constant guide pressure to achieve a clean edge.	Finish blade, guide strip	3
20	Cordless Circular Saw	Rough Framing Production Cuts	Use layout marks and a speed square as a fence. Maintain consistent body position and cutting rhythm while ensuring each board is fully supported.	24T framing blade, speed square	2