Questions tagged [tool-usage]
For questions regarding the use of a certain tool. This includes asking after instructions on how to properly use it, how to improve your usage, how to prevent injuries, and more.
17
questions
5
votes
1answer
72 views
Is there a way to "revive" or protect hand sewing needles from corrosion?
I often find myself hand sewing small seams or buttons, repairing a garment or embroidering something using standard hand sewing needles. After about 8 hours of active use, the needles start to become ...
3
votes
1answer
64 views
Desk Pencil Sharpener - what's the purpose of the feeding arm?
Pretty minor - but it puzzles me. All desk pencil sharpeners I've encountered have a spring triggered "feeding arm" (see image where the arm is extended).
What's its purpose? I can sharpen ...
4
votes
2answers
123 views
How can I avoid chipped edges on glass etching with a Dremel?
I've been trying my hand at etching glass with my Dremel 4000 & a Flex Shaft. I've been experimenting with different diamond bits and speeds but my edges always come out chipped.
I use a water ...
1
vote
1answer
123 views
How can I create a center disk to put under a compass point?
I want to get my hands on one of these disks used to rest the sharp point of a compass on so it will not make a hole in the paper. Someone suggested this device in another question, but I can't find ...
3
votes
0answers
41 views
Punch needle tool settings do not match kit instructions
I received a couple of needle punch kits from Joann's for Christmas, along with a 2.2 mm adjustable length punch needle (Boye), which was the recommended tool for the kits.
I was reading the ...
9
votes
2answers
357 views
How to use a protractor if you can't see what you are measuring?
I have this protractor:
It seems to be the same or similar as this one: Robinson 5001# Stainless Steel Protractor
RBS-R-5001 but there are no instructions there.
The main problem with this protractor ...
7
votes
3answers
933 views
Masking tape tears paper off!
Well, I thought masking tape is used for painting on paper because it can come off easily. I simply put masking tape on a drawing sheet and just to see whether it comes off easily or not, I started ...
6
votes
2answers
504 views
Align concentric holes of different sizes in 2 pieces of metal on drill press
I'm trying to make a file guide using 2 steel blocks that I want to connect using bolts, like this:
The bottom block will receive 2/4 (still experimenting what works best) 5mm holes that I'll tap ...
1
vote
1answer
46 views
Does a flex shaft need to be on a stand?
I am thinking of getting a flex shaft for jewelry and stone setting. I have seen most installs require a stand but every once in a while I'll see a video/pic where someone has forgone the stand and ...
3
votes
0answers
116 views
Why does my Cricut cut some images in the right place, and some off to the left? [closed]
I'm trying to do print and cut stickers and some don't work out.
I've attached two examples — the one with the flag always comes out perfect, but the illustrations with the white outlines always come ...
5
votes
2answers
77 views
How to regain a row of slipped stitches?
Last night I was doing knit stitch on a practice piece of knitting in a small patch, 26 stitches long. When I got to the end I'd realised I'd messed up and I had 27 stitches. The yarn I'm using is ...
5
votes
3answers
477 views
Precise microwave oven control
I use a microwave oven for a lot of crafting projects (heating, curing, and drying materials). This often needs to be very precise and controlled. I experiment with times and power levels. However, ...
4
votes
6answers
159 views
Something against hand pain due to writing?
I sometimes write for hours per day (calligraphy), and my hand starts hurting because of holding the pen for so long.
Is there a solution to this problem, e.g. some kind of glove or pen-strap that ...
3
votes
1answer
496 views
How do I use this old compass?
I found this old compass at a garage sale, and want to use it:
The problem is that I don't know about any of the parts.
Does anybody know what it is for and how to use/tighten it?
The compass won't ...
2
votes
1answer
266 views
How can I blend soft pastels without removing too much colour?
I want to know which is the best blending tool to work on soft pastels. Every time I try to blend the colour seems to lighten. I use normal brushes or my fingers.
1
vote
1answer
74 views
Learning to work with a rotary tool
More or less by occasion as I searched for something original I could craft myself, I decided to craft a walnut jewelry box for the proposal. It went well! :-)
For this purpose I had bought a rotary ...
8
votes
4answers
711 views
Rotary tool: How to insert bits into collet straight?
I've got a rotary tool (aka Dremel) with a collet like this one (aka quick change collet):
You insert the shaft of an accessoir like a drill or diamond bit and tighten the collet nut to hold the ...