Small hands & power tool

[Beth (Guest)]

Misery loves company so I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only one who has a problem with grips made for 6' men. Someone mentioned a new line of "women's" tools from Dewalt, does this actually exist. I couldn't find anything on their web page. Has anyone thought of trying to make a list of tools that have comparatively smaller grips? Weight doesn't really concern me, diameter of the grip is a real issue. After just a little while using a router today I'm in so much pain I really don't know how I'm finishing the project.

[John Lucas]

Beth, Have you tr5ied using a D-handle router. Let me tell you that routers tend to be uncomfortable all too often. They either give you those little ball grips or place comfortable ggrips at a cumbersome angle. Even the D-handle ones can be awkward but I think that you might find it easier to use...and be sure to get a "soft-start." It is so much nicer than having to feel you are about to be spun around the room.
John Lucas
www.woodshopdemos.com (http://www.woodshopdemos.com)

[handi]

Beth,

With some routers, you can fairly easily make custom grips. The PC 690 has two hand knobs that can be easily unscrewed and replaced with smaller knobs.

I do a lot of work with people who have disabilities. One simple way to customize a grip is to use epoxy putty on the handle. Apply the putty, then wrap celophane around the putty. Grip the putty through the celophane and it will conform to your hand. Once the putty hardens, you have a custom grip.

Just a few thoughts,

Ralph

[Scrollwoman (Guest)]

Hi Beth,

Why use the grips on the routers? Especially if you're talking about a Porter Cable 690. You'll have a lot more control if you grasp the barrel of the router with your right hand, turn it on and then place your left on the other side. I wasn't sure of this technique at first, but after a demonstration by Marc Adams and a try for myself, I definitely agree.

Good Luck,

Scrollwoman

[pmcneelege@avaya.com (Guest)]

New question on small hands and power tools:
What jig saw grip is best for small hands: barrel or regular top handle?

I'm looking at either:
Milwaukee 6266-21 5.7 Amp Top Handle Orbital Saw
or
Milwaukee 6276-6 5.7 Amp Barrel Grip Jig Saw

I have size 6 womens hands (can use kids gloves at times) and I am interested in being able to safely control power tools.

-patricia

[Johanna]

I have a Makita saber saw (jig saw) and find it quite comfortable to use. I have always shied away from Milwaukee tools as they never seem to have very good ratings for quality. Makita, on the other hand, is usually very well rated for almost all their tools.

Johanna

[Diane (Guest)]

Beth... I agree with John. I use the D-handle base for my PC 690 router and like it a lot better than the two-knob base. It's easier to control and easier on the hands.

Diane

[pmcneelege]

If you are mounting a fixed router such as PC 690 or 691 in a router table, would you still prefer the D-handle (691)?

-patricia

[Rocky Stephenson (Guest)]

Johanna,
Milwaukee tools are some of the highest quality made. And the
prices are some of the highest also. The abuse pros subject a
tool to ,justifies theprice. Makita also earns its keep. Your
comments on small hands hit the mark. Some handles are real clubs. Ijust found this site today, already found something I can
use. Work safe and happy sawing.
Rocky

[imported_Flyinghorse]

Hi Beth,

I've been woodworking for some time now and have run into this problem many times. Over the years I have discovered that pretty much all of the Japanese tools are made for smaller hands and are much more comfortable to use than American made tools. Although in the aera of sanders it seems they are of similar size. Also, the Japanese tools such as Makita and Hitachi are good quality and will last a long time with rough use.

I, personally, am very skeptical of a line of tools designed spacificly for women. In my experience women are not taken very seriously in this profession. I am very leary of the quality and accuracy (or lack there of) that would go into the manufacture of the tools.

Good Luck
BJ