Introduction to Power Tools
Discover a variety of power tools used in general, residential, and light commercial construction today. Learn the basic functions, how to safely operate them, and which accessories will help you and your team get the job done right.
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Train with a Pro
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Spanish Subtitles Available
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Mobile Access
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24 In-depth Lessons
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Certificate of Completion
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Practical Resources
Lesson Plan
24 Video Lessons · 4H 53M
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1. Introduction
Jordan Smith is a professional builder and the owner of Smith House, a design-build firm in Austin, Texas. In this course, he shares the history of power tools and basic power tool terminology, noting how to select tools by power volume and charging preference.
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2. Types of Motors and Power Sources
Jordan introduces two power systems: brushed motors (reliable, inexpensive, heavy) and brushless motors (lighter, powerful, more expensive). You’ll learn why brushed motors work best for heavy machinery and why brushless motors are ideal for hand tools.
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3. Common Power Tools: Drills
Jordan explains how drills work. Plus: using a hammer drill with a concrete drill bit.
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4. Common Power Tools: Impact Drivers
They may look similar, but impact drivers and drills differ when it comes to energy transfers and fastening power. Jordan breaks down the anatomy of the driver and shows how to attach drill bits.
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5. Drill Bits
Discover everything from paddle to auger bits. Jordan explains which work best for particular jobs and shows proper attachment and use.
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6. Fasteners
Jordan covers a range of fasteners, from Phillips heads to star bits. Find out which bits and impact drivers work best with certain fasteners.
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7. Common Power Tools: Nailer
Learn all about nailers, one of the most common power tools. Jordan explains the differences between pneumatic and battery-powered nailers and shows how to safely use framing and trim nailers.
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8. Powder-Actuated Tools
Powder-actuated tools drive fasteners into concrete and steel. Here, Jordan explains how they work and how to properly load and fire one.
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9. Circular Saw: How It Works
Learn about how circular saws work and why Jordan prefers cordless saws over corded saws.
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10. Circular Saw: The Blade
Learn how blade teeth affect a cut. Jordan shares which circular saw blades he prefers and how to select a blade for a project.
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11. Circular Saw: Avoiding Kickback
Always be cautious of kickback when using a saw. Jordan explains how it happens and which techniques can help you safely avoid it.
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12. Circular Saw
Jordan shows how to change the blade on a circular saw, explaining how each part functions.
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13. Circular Saw: Safely Cutting Dimensional Lumber
Jordan lists the essential safety equipment he uses when working with saws. He shows how to make clean, quick cuts with a framing saw.
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14. Circular Saw: Ripping Sheet Goods
Learn to use a circular saw on non-dimensional lumber. Jordan shows how to properly measure, mark, and cut the wood with precision.
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15. Table Saw: How It Works
Jordan breaks down the anatomy of the table saw. You’ll learn to set table saw height, change the saw angle, and use a fence accessory.
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16. Table Saw: Prepping Your Saw
Prep your saw by using dust extractors, attaching the blade properly, and clearing debris before it’s switched on.
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17. Table Saw: Making Cuts
Make precise cuts with a push stick, miter gauge, and fence attachment.
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18. Miter Saw: How It Works
Learn all about the miter, which slices in a controlled, up-and-down motion.
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19. Miter Saw: Making Cuts
Jordan demonstrates various cuts: 90-degree crosscuts, bevel cuts, and miter cuts.
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20. Miter Saw: Changing the Blade
Learn to safely change the blade and set the saw back to zero. Jordan explains the difference between loose and tight saws.
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21. Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are mainly used for demolition. They can cut through nails, studs, and metal. Learn about various types of reciprocating blades, how to change them, and how a reciprocating saw works.
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22. Oscillating Tool
Oscillating tools make precise cuts for demolition, framing, trim carpentry, and more. Jordan explains how they work, lists various blades, and demonstrates cuts.
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23. Jigsaw
Jigsaws are ideal for making curved cuts, especially in finish carpentry. Jordan breaks down the anatomy of a jigsaw, reviews useful features, and demonstrates an S-shaped cut in a piece of wood.
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24. Closing
Power tools are always evolving, but some basic tools are essential in construction. Jordan stresses the importance of knowing just what they are, how they work, and how to safely use them with care.
Who it's for: This course is designed for those beginning a new career in the trades looking to learn about the most common types of power tools, proper safety procedures, and techniques to use when working with various tools on a construction jobsite.
Key Topics
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Power tools
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How to use a circular saw
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How to use a table saw
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How to use a Miter saw
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How to use a jigsaw
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How to use an impact driver
5 stars
Overall rating of 29 students
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5 out of 5
Imer R.,
Jun 03, 2024
h
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5 out of 5
Andrew R.,
May 24, 2024
It was a good course with there being videos explaining everything, an show to use certain tools.
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5 out of 5
Joseph N.,
May 22, 2024
it was good
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5 out of 5
Caleb P.,
May 20, 2024
It was intresting
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5 out of 5
Isaac H.,
May 17, 2024
good
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5 out of 5
Anthony O.,
May 06, 2024
Idk
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5 out of 5
Diego O.,
May 01, 2024
it was nice
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5 out of 5
Jarwin R.,
Apr 12, 2024
.
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5 out of 5
Gerald T.,
Mar 10, 2024
Hbgr
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5 out of 5
Brian S.,
Mar 03, 2024
Great Course ..good refresher and Jordan provide some useful tips that I will use.
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5 out of 5
Gabby B.,
Mar 01, 2024
it was a bit hard but understandable
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5 out of 5
Alex V.,
Dec 20, 2023
Lots of information. Satisfied.
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5 out of 5
Jonathan K.,
Dec 01, 2023
excellent course lots of knowledge and how to properly use them
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5 out of 5
David O.,
Nov 29, 2023
Poe
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5 out of 5
Colton L.,
Oct 02, 2023
Good
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5 out of 5
scott K.,
Aug 23, 2023
loved this course
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5 out of 5
Abby C.,
Jul 09, 2023
Thanks for the detailed look at each of these tools
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5 out of 5
David B.,
Jun 12, 2023
Great course, very digestible, and extremely knowledgeable teacher!
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5 out of 5
Aida C.,
Jun 12, 2023
Definitely a page turner. working with saws, we need to pay more attention for safety and for making better cuts.
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5 out of 5
Gavin K.,
May 08, 2023
Lessons were delivered with the effortlessness of a deeply experienced pro as well as at an ideal depth and breadth
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5 out of 5
Michael K.,
May 08, 2023
Very thorough
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5 out of 5
Sita K.,
Dec 11, 2022
Jordan is articulate and knowledgable.
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5 out of 5
Ricardo R.,
Aug 29, 2022
Very clear and detailed explanation of tools we have at work , the tricks of how to use them, the why we use them a certain way and how all those new features that manufacturers are coming up with...
Read More... -
5 out of 5
Stephen B.,
Aug 04, 2022
These videos had alot of information.
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5 out of 5
michael M.,
Jul 21, 2022
Jordan shows you how to be more productive by mastering power tools in construction. He not only shows you how to use the tool, but why you will use the tool. A must watch for beginners in the...
Read More... -
4 out of 5
DAVID B.,
May 12, 2023
Informative
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4 out of 5
Rich D.,
May 03, 2022
Good information
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3 out of 5
Bryan B.,
Nov 25, 2023
Everything is well explained although the use of diagrams while explaining would help enhance learning.
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3 out of 5
Rick T.,
Jun 01, 2022
This is a good source of general information on power tools for the novice woodworker. It would be helpful to have some better demonstrations regarding the mechanics of the tools, to better describe...
Read More...
Jordan Smith
CEO of Smith House Company
Your Instructor
Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co.
Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings.
Become Job Ready
This course will increase your knowledge for jobs like:
Carpenter
Apprentice Carpenter
Construction Laborer
Carpenter's Assistant
Carpenter Helper
Remodeler
For more information on these roles, visit our career page.
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Common Questions
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What is MT Copeland?
MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.
Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job. -
What do courses include?
Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.
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Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?
Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.
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Where did the name MT Copeland come from?
MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.