Whilst being one of the less known tools on the market, the chamfer tool has many interesting uses in the world of construction and home improvement.
But what exactly is it, and how can they be used?
Chamfer Tools: The Facts
What Is A Chamfer?
In the architecture world, a chamfer is a transitional edge between two faces of a specific object – for example, the point where two faces of a cube touch.
Usually created at a 45 degree angle, a chamfer is a common design in architecture, engineering, machining operations, carpentry, furniture making, concrete formwork, and mirror design, as well as a way of aiding the assembly of mechanical engineering designs.
What Is A Chamfer Tool?
Also known as a “deburring tool” or a chamfer mill, a chamfer tool is used for creating a rounded edge on otherwise rough surfaces.
These chamfering tools or burrs will remove sharp edges from a range of materials to give you a clean cut corner or smooth edges.
Such deburring tools are often battery powered, and screwdriver-like in shape, with a series of attachable heads for different patterns and purposes, such as metalwork, woodwork, and deburring plastic.
Why Use A Chamfering Tool?
A chamfering tool has multiple uses, but its primary function is to help you chamfer a surface.
Chamfering then eases assembly, and makes it much easier to insert bolts into a hole for simpler assembly.
With a chamfering tool, you can break sharp edges through beveling, so that two parts can fit together more easily.
Chamfering tools are therefore often used on metals such as steel and aluminum, and can also be crucial when working with PVC piping.
Chamfer Tool: Preparation
Before it comes time to use a chamfer tool or deburring tool, there are several things that are important to remember.
Safety First
As with any form of electrical tool, or indeed static tool, ensuring your own safety and the safety of those around you should be the top priority.
Obviously, the first thing you should utilize is some form of eye covering – ideally safety goggles if you have them.
Deburring is a process where a rotational head peels off layers of the wood, metal, or plastic of the surface you are working on, for a smoother edge.
As such there can be a large amount of debris and shards that fly all over the place.
Wearing goggles will ensure you protect your eyes, and make sure you don’t need any irritating, unexpected trips to the emergency room.
Gloves can also be useful to protect your hands and fingers, both from the above mentioned debris, as well as from injury whilst using the tool.
Fast moving machinery can facilitate any number of unforeseen consequences, so it is best to give you and your digits a fighting chance.
A face mask should also be considered, as this can stop any small particles of wood, metal, or plastic from entering your nose and mouth when you breathe in.
Choosing The Right Tool
As there are several different attachments you can put on your chamfer tool, it is important to choose the correct one for the job at hand.
When doing small or precise jobs, a static, hand held chamfer tool is best, whilst a powered tool is better for the larger jobs.
While manual deburring is the cheapest option, it is the most time-consuming.
When choosing the right attachment to go on top, the main thing to consider is the nature of the job you are undertaking, and whether you are working with wood, metal, plastic, or some other material.
You can even get a chamfer mill that comes with a spot drill!
The best way to know which one to use is to consult the instruction manual that came with the tool, as this will point you in the right direction.
Choosing The Right Attachment
The type of attachment you use will also depend on the shape or pattern you want the chamfer to be.
This is down to personal choice, and will ultimately depend on the finished edge you are going for.
Chamfer Mills: How To Use It
When using chamfer mills, there are several steps you should follow.
Step One
The first thing you need to do is secure your chosen attachment.
Whilst the ways and means of securing your attachment will depend on the model, the best way to be sure is to check your instruction manual.
Also, make sure it is firmly secured before switching it on.
Step Two
Secondly, you need to make sure the item you are deburring is secured in place.
You can use a vice for this, or some form of clamp attached to your work surface.
Larger, heavier items may remain still on their own, such as a wardrobe, however smaller items (like a wooden box) will need to be secured firmly to stop them moving.
Failure to do so may result in injury, or damage done to the item.
Step Three
Once everything is secured, the next thing to do is to turn on the chamfer tool.
The tool should be held firmly in your hand to avoid dropping it and causing damage or injury.
It is also recommended to start it at a lower setting, especially if you are not used to handling the tool, or if you are under confident.
Step Four
Place the chamfer tool against the edge, keeping a steady hand and pressing down lightly as you move it slowly along the surface.
You do not need to press down on the materials with any force, as the motion of the tool itself is more than capable of doing the job.
Step Five
Once you have gotten the hang of it, try going over the area two or three times to get the best finish.
This will help smooth out any imperfections that might be present, and will also give you more practice using the tool.
You can drag it back and forth as many times as necessary to get the desired finish.
Step Six
Finally, the last step involves checking the edge to see that all the burrs have been removed.
For an even smoother finish, you could use sandpaper to go over the edge to make it pristine, or if you are satisfied, turn off the tool, dismantle it, and place it back in the box.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about a chamfer tool and the best way to use it.
Remember to follow the instructions, wear the proper safety equipment, and take your time whilst working.
This not only ensures the best results, but will make the whole process simpler and more rewarding. You have to respect the tools that you are working with.
Deburring tools and a chamfering tool are an essential part of every toolbox, and one you may need for multiple uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Use A Chamfering Tool?
A chamfering tool is typically used when a workpiece has a particularly rough edge. These are similar to deburring tools, and are often referred to as chamber mills, or chamfers.
These are essential tools used on different types of DIY projects that function to make a bevel, groove or furrow.
They are widely used tools with multiple uses that remove flashing and other edge properties caused by cutting or machining operations.
What Is The Difference Between A Chamfering Tool And A Deburring Tool?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, chamfering and deburring operations do differ.
For instance, deburring tools work to remove burrs to create a soft edge after shaping your material.
On the other hand, Chamfering tools also typically work at an angle to create a bevel.
This bevel will make it easier to fit the surface of the workpiece together more smoothly.
Chamfering tools can also be used to ease assembly, to make it simpler to put bolts into holes on the material you are working with.
You can however, also use a chamfer to remove sharp edges on the surface to reduce the possibility of injuries when handling the piece.