Do-it-yourself reciprocating saw from a grinder

Due to its versatility, ease of use, efficiency and safety, the reciprocating saw is beginning to gain increasing popularity for household needs and professional repair work. It is difficult to be fatally injured by such a saw, and, subject to safety precautions, the operation of an electric hacksaw is so safe and comfortable that women also use it with pleasure. And many craftsmen are even able to make such a tool themselves, for example, from an electric jigsaw.

Reciprocating saw or jigsaw? What is the difference?

In fact, the “Sabre” is an electric hacksaw that appeared back in 1927 (of course, not in the same form as it is now). Intended for cutting wood and some metal materials, which it does very well. The narrow and long shape of the tool allows you to work in the tightest spaces. In addition, when selecting the required blade, Saber cuts stone, ceramics, foam blocks, some composites, plastic and glass. Small reciprocating saws are convenient to work while suspended.

The reciprocating saw and jigsaw can be called distant relatives. They are similar in many ways and at the same time they are opposites that complement each other. Therefore, many come to the question: “What is better to choose?” One of the main differences is that the jigsaw allows you to cut oval, round and wavy profiles, while the Saber is only available in rectangular ones. In addition, the jigsaw produces more accurate cuts, while the opponent is a kind of “destroyer”, compensating for sloppiness with speed. Obviously, both mechanisms have their advantages over each other, so it is wrong to say that one is better than the other.

But with a combination of these two devices, perhaps we will get something special. Let's finally find out how to assemble this indispensable household tool yourself.

Historical reference

The history of the Skil company began in 1924. It was this year that American inventor Edmond Michel improved the world's first hand-powered electric saw, which he had created a year earlier, and founded Skilsaw Incorporate with his business partner Joseph Sullivan. Over the years, the product range was significantly expanded, so in 1952 from Skilsaw (eng.

saw – saw) only Skil remains in the name, and Skilsaw is registered as one of the company’s trademarks. The active conquest of markets outside the United States begins. In 1996, Skil became part of Robert Bosch GmbH and continued to develop and produce affordable, easy-to-use smart tools.

• Power consumption: 400 W;• Stroke length: 18 mm;• Number of saw strokes: 3000 strokes per minute;• Depth of cut in wood (hacksaw): 80 mm;• Depth of cut in wood (jigsaw): 80 mm;• Depth cut, branch diameter: 80 mm;• Cutting depth in aluminum: 12 mm;• Cutting depth in metal: 8 mm;• Weight: 1.4 kg;

• Voltage and frequency: 220-240 V / 50-60 Hz; • Suitable for working with jigsaw blades and reciprocating saw blades; • Adjustable handle allows you to switch the tool from position; reciprocating saw in jigsaw position; • Built-in fan for dust removal; • Aluminum base; • Compartment for storing keys;

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• Sound pressure level: 88 dB (A); • Sound power level: 99 dB (A); • Standard deviation: 3 dB (A); • Vibration level (when cutting cardboard): 17.7 m/s²; • Level vibration (when cutting wooden beams): 12.3 m/s²;• Vibration level (when cutting metal): 18.8 m/s²;• Inaccuracy coefficient (K): 1.5 m/s².

DIY reciprocating saw from a jigsaw

Parts and fixtures required for manufacturing

Bar 180 x 70 x 45 mm (perhaps a little more or less, depending on the dimensions of the saw and blade).
A metal plate designed to connect a jigsaw to a tube.
A metal tube is about 12 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length (can be a little longer).
Beam for handle (rounded).
Two flat pieces of wood that are fixed along the edges of the block (approximately 140 x 70 and 140 x 50 mm, no more than 10 mm thick).

Assembly order

We start by using bolts to attach the sheet to one side of the tube and the plate to the other.
To attach it to a jigsaw, drill a hole of the appropriate size in the plate.
In one of the wooden parts you need to drill a square hole of sufficient size so that the canvas can easily pass through it.
Therefore, for the second part you need to make a narrow slot for the file and attach a roller stop to it, which will be in contact with the file.
A groove for the blade should be cut in a large block.
Using self-tapping screws, we fix both parts from the two edges of the block.
We secure the handle.
We attach the plate to the jigsaw using a factory bolt.

In this simple way, the jigsaw was transformed into a reciprocating saw, with which you can start working.

Homemade jigsaw from a compressor from a refrigerator

The drive of this design will be an electric motor, but not from a washing machine, as in one of the options described above, but from a refrigerator compressor.

The idea of a homemade product belongs to the author of the YouTube channel khám phá và sáng tạo.

The first step is to remove the electric motor from the compressor housing. After this, we cut out a circle from a piece of thick rubber and attach the engine to it.

Plastic ties are used to secure the electric motor. You need to drill holes in the rubber itself.

The base is a disk cut from a sheet of metal. We weld steel corners to it, and then screw on a rubber “cushion” with a motor.

We weld three legs - rings made of a round steel pipe - to the bottom of the base, and put rubber plugs on them.

Then you need to make a stand. We cut two pieces of rectangular corrugated pipe, connect them at an angle of 90 degrees, and weld them to the base.

Another metal disk is welded on top of the rack - this will be the work table. We cut a groove for the file.

At the last stage, all that remains is to paint the machine. To do this, it is convenient to use spray paint in cans.

You can watch the step-by-step process of making a stationary jigsaw with your own hands in the author's video.

Chế cưa bàn mini từ block tủ lạnh

The design turned out to be compact and quite simple to manufacture. This is the best option for a small home workshop.

This homemade machine is perfect if you are making various crafts from wood.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why make this homemade product if you can simply insert a longer file into the jigsaw? How are the efforts justified?

Well, firstly, even the longest electric jigsaw file is inferior in size to a reciprocating saw file. This modification makes it possible to saw thicker objects. Secondly, sawing fairly thick bars is simplified by the fact that this product allows you to cut downward and away from you, while a jigsaw, for example, can only cut forward and away from you.

Of course, this homemade product also has some disadvantages. For example, a small amplitude value for a fairly long “Sabre” canvas. An electric jigsaw has a less comfortable handle when used as a converted piece of equipment.

In any case, if the use of this tool is required only occasionally, then it is quite suitable as a worthy replacement for the original, thanks to which you will not have to spend money in vain.

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Testing. General impressions

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There is no support roller for the jigsaw file, because The reciprocating saw blade is set with its teeth in the opposite direction. This reduces the quality of straight cuts. The base plate of the jigsaw is cast. On the one hand, this is a plus, because thereby imparting rigidity to the structure. When using stamped soles, when the support area is small, there is a lack of rigidity, which causes certain inconvenience.

Therefore, cast plate is preferable. But there are pitfalls here too. For example, if dropped, the casting may break. In our case, there is no space for installing an anti-splinter liner. And such an insert is an important detail. It allows you to avoid chipping and temporarily increases the resistance of the file to lateral slips.

In addition, there are no holes in the sole for attaching the jigsaw to the table with the file facing up, and there is no way to install a parallel stop, which again limits its range of use. As mentioned above, there is no adjustment for the inclination of the base plate; therefore, it will not be possible to make cuts at an angle.

Yes, such functionality is rarely required; it is often difficult to set the sole position back to zero. But why was this feature taken away from a potential buyer? This may be important to some. On the other hand, the sole of the jigsaw is always perpendicular to the file, which is convenient in everyday work.

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As you can see, the jigsaw blade is tilted forward, which raises certain questions. The most correct and universal position is strictly vertical. Tilt of the blade can cause problems with some types of cuts.

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Well, let’s check in practice what our review hero is capable of.

As you can see, the device is working. And it works well. Now about the nuances. It is extremely difficult to use a saw to make an accurate cut according to the mark. If possible, it is better to make a small cut with a regular hacksaw, and only then use our combination saw. All because of the high starting speeds. When contacting a hard material with insufficient initial pressure (show me a sniper who can immediately apply force exactly at the right point) and fixing the surface, small jumps of the file are observed, which can shift the cut line by several millimeters and leave unnecessary marks on the surface of the product.

If accuracy is not required, then the process does not cause any particular complaints. When using high-quality canvases, everything is simple, quick and without unnecessary effort. Cutting bars, tree branches, plastic and metal pipes does not cause any difficulties. Well, the light weight of the device allows you to work for quite a long time without interruption.

In jigsaw mode, working with an aluminum workpiece caused certain difficulties. The cut was carried out in three approaches (in the video they are glued into one) with the saw lubricated with oil between each of them. Pine bars, platbands, drywall, metal profiles, plywood - everything can be processed without problems.

But you will have to suffer with curved cuts in plywood. If you follow the mark on the sole, you will inevitably leave the cutting line. The molded front part of the support sole and protective plexiglass make it inconvenient to control the cut according to the position of the file. You have to look from the side. In any case, at times the saw may move to the side, so it is better not to count on completing the task the first time and in one sitting.

The main thing is not to rush, then everything will work out. Special devices such as a vice, clamps, parallel stop, various guides, etc. make the task very easy. As you can see in the video, blowing off sawdust, although a useful function, everything flies in different directions very strongly. Therefore, the work area cannot be kept clean.

In addition, I recommend listening to the manufacturer and working only with safety glasses. Your eyes will be healthier. In my opinion, it would be better to install a pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner. During operation, the saw does not heat up strongly. The instructions recommend taking breaks every 20-30 minutes during prolonged work.

The principle of converting an angle grinder into a chain saw

Any homemade equipment depends on the quality of the starting materials. How many times in your life has it happened that you planned some work, but were unable to carry it out due to lack of suitable equipment? In such moments, you can turn to improvised means and assemble the necessary tool with your own hands based on another.

If we briefly describe the process of converting a grinder or miter saw into a chain saw with your own hands, it will look like this: you need to cut off the link connection and make a cut in the middle of the tooth so that the cutting edge of the chain teeth reaches the wood during sawing. For your comfort, you can also install handles.

Original idea

In the devices of modern jigsaws, an eccentric mechanism rotates the shaft through a gearbox to move the saw. The eccentric transmits translational movements through the rod to the saw. It is not easy to make such a device for a drill with your own hands. The originality of the idea of the recommended drill attachment lies in the special arrangement of the bearing on the shaft.

A bearing located at an angle, when the shaft rotates, through stops in the rod, causes it to swing into a pendulum motion. The speed of movement of the connecting rod with the blade connected to it for cutting metal directly depends on the speed of rotation of the shaft.

The figure shows a diagram of the idea of the presented drill attachment.

All that remains is to design a fastener for this scheme, and a homemade attachment for a screwdriver or drill will be ready.

Note! If there is no power supply, then you can install it on a cordless screwdriver or even on a hand drill. In this case, the attachment can be used when working with wood if you use a wood blade.

Why make a saw from a grinder with your own hands?

If you study the numerous reviews and comments of a homemade chain saw made from an angle grinder, you can say that this is quite convenient and versatile equipment. By changing the attachments on the grinder, you can make several from one tool: a chain saw and a circular saw. It’s also worth noting that refurbishment of old equipment has always been cheaper for operators than buying new. Therefore, we conclude that making a chain saw or electric saw from an angle grinder is convenient, fast, cheap and versatile.

Choosing a grinder for converting into a chain saw

The most basic factor that you should pay attention to when preparing the raw materials for assembling a chain saw with your own hands is the power of the grinder. The power, and, consequently, the productivity of future sawing equipment depends on this. Consider the intended purpose of the future tool. If you are going to perform simple and short-term household tasks, then a power of up to 2500 W will be enough for you.

Experienced homemade users also recommend not using new grinders, but giving preference to previously used tools.

Conclusion

Skil 4600 Combisaw is a rather interesting device that will definitely come in handy both at home and in the country. If you are starting a renovation, then a combination saw will come in handy. There is no need to talk about the need for such a device in a private home. The issue here is largely one of price. Personally, given the current cost of the Skil 4600, I would prefer to overpay, but buy a separate inexpensive jigsaw with higher functionality and a separate chain saw for a private home. But you can buy it for your apartment if the work ahead is simple. A tool like this will make it a lot easier.

Factory chain saw attachments for an angle grinder

For those who do not like to work a lot with their hands or due to poor knowledge of the structure of equipment and tools, some manufacturers of gardening and repair equipment produce special ready-made attachments. In the kit you will also find all the necessary fastenings. This is a very convenient option, but you should carefully select attachments so that they can work harmoniously with the power unit against the background of technical indicators and characteristics.

You can buy such kits at a regular construction supply store or supermarket, branded saw equipment stores, or even at markets. In addition, you can find chain saw attachments for grinders on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay.

Hilti belt screwdrivers

The operational features of the tool are:

Long-lasting and reliable lithium-ion battery. Hilti does not produce network models.
The presence of a depth limiter for screwing in the self-tapping screw, which prevents it from twisting.
A single press of the start button, after which the tool itself “remembers” the mode of further operation and operates only after the end of the self-tapping screw/screw rod touches the surface.
Possibility of drive reversal.

The Hilti band screwdrivers come with one more spare battery, as well as two removable automatic feeders: one is designed for working with wood, and the other for drywall. A replaceable bit for fasteners with different head diameters is also included.
The manufacturer produces two types of tool feed belts: 40 and 50 screws.
Hilti also produces an SMD 57 attachment, the presence of which turns any screwdriver of this shape into a band screwdriver. The model is equipped with a special device for blowing away dust.

However, such belt screwdrivers also have some disadvantages. In particular, the design of the chuck of the Hilti SD 5000 screwdriver does not allow reliably driving self-tapping screws into the end sections of the slabs that are adjacent to the corners. The fasteners have to be turned to the required depth, which is not very convenient when installing screws en masse. The screwdriver works reliably only with “original” screws from Hilti.

Converting an angle grinder into a chain saw with your own hands

To create a chain saw from an angle grinder with your own hands, you do not need special drawings and diagrams, since the process of installing a homemade saw attachment is extremely simple and accessible. And if you purchased a ready-made set of nozzles with fasteners, the installation process is greatly simplified.

So, the grinder chain saw is assembled from the following parts:

grinder as the basis of a future instrument;
drive sprocket (it is recommended to replace it with a new one);
metal that will act as a bracket on which the guide will be installed in the future;
saw set consisting of a bar and saw chain;
fasteners;
tools and drill.

Retaining ring kit

Locking rings allow you to strictly limit the drilling depth, forever forgetting about marks with a marker and hopes for the accuracy of the eye. The set includes 8 chamfered stops with a diameter from 3 to 16 mm. All of them are made of carbon steel. The kit also includes a 2.5 mm hex key. Buyers of rings note the high quality of their production, low cost, as well as the practical benefits of their use. The set can be used in various types of work, including woodworking.

How to make a chain saw from a grinder?

You can assemble an electric chainsaw or grinder saw by following these five basic steps.
Remove the sanding disc from the grinder structure.
Screw on the screw element that holds the chain on the tool (use a wrench to tighten the fasteners until they stop).
Using a drill, drill two holes on the protective shield of the grinder. The diameter of the hole is equal to the diameter of the mounting bolt for installing the tire.
We place the tire in its actual place and secure the position with bolts. Tighten the bolts with nuts securely and all the way, since the quality of the homemade saw depends on this.
After the bar has been properly installed, you can put a saw chain on it and secure it with screw clamps. It is important to correctly adjust the degree of chain tension, since too little tension, as well as too much, is detrimental to the working process. The optimal degree of tension is when the chain is slightly slack.

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Tips and tricks

If you are assembling an electric chain saw, it is recommended to use a transverse engine placement, which will significantly simplify the operator’s work. If you decide to independently develop a drawing for designing a homemade chain saw, you will also develop a start-up interlock system, which will make the new equipment even safer for the operator.

Experienced users of manual alterations advise not to forget about the liquid inside the saw. There should always be lubricating oil in the reservoir for smooth and easy cutting. After using the saw, it must be thoroughly cleaned of sawdust and other contaminants, and the working units must be lubricated.

Owner reviews

In general, the owners are completely satisfied with the use of homemade chain saws assembled on the basis of an angle grinder. In reviews and on forums, men often talk about the low cost and versatility of the resulting tool, since it costs much less than a new chain saw.

Evgeniy, 45 years old, Kherson

“I decided to practice and assembled an electric saw myself in the garage from an old and unnecessary grinder. In fact, the process itself is very interesting and not difficult at all. I immediately bought a ready-made attachment on the market, slightly altered the body of the grinder itself and, after watching a video on the Internet, connected everything. The tool works very quickly, everyone is happy.”

Ivan, 67 years old, Kyiv

“I know firsthand about homemade chainsaws from an angle grinder, since I often did this. In principle, the assembly process is addictive and quick. Nozzles, spare parts, parts can be easily found in stores or ordered online. If they appear on assembly, watch the video and various instructions, tips and tricks. Homemade products are not durable, but they do their job well and quickly.

Advantages: low cost of equipment, short assembly time, versatility and power.

Disadvantages: the motor heats up quickly, the chain and spare parts wear out quickly, it’s difficult to call the tool safe.”

It is enough to go to any construction supermarket and look at the abundance of tools presented there to understand the correctness of the hackneyed truth: “live and learn.” The purpose of many tools is simply not clear to people who have no connection with construction, but what about choosing such a tool?

In this review, we will try to decide on such a type of tool as a reciprocating saw . This topic is controversial, some people like it, but others frankly don’t understand why they should spend money on it. Let's try to consider all the pros and cons of this tool , its purpose, as well as some recommendations for those who are planning to buy a reciprocating saw.

What is a reciprocating saw and what is it used for?

The first part of the question is somewhat easier to answer than the second. But let's try. An electric reciprocating saw is a universal tool, similar in appearance to a drill and a jigsaw. According to its characteristics, it is a cross between a chain saw and a jigsaw. The design consists of a body and a cutting blade. The “heart” of this mechanism, the electric motor, as well as all the main components, is located in the housing. We will look at the nodes and their impact on ease of use in more detail below.

So, what is it for? Let us immediately note that it is universal, that is, it cuts almost any material. It can be said, although with reservations, that this instrument has absorbed the qualities of 7 other instruments, and in some cases can easily replace them. These tools are the following:

- lopper;
- hand saw for wood;
- circular saw;
- jigsaw, especially in cases where the cut size is more than 100mm;
— electric chain saw (in some cases, depends on the volume and nature of the work);
- hand hacksaw for metal;
— Angle grinder or “ grinder ” (also with reservations...).

As you can see, the scope of application is wide, from gardens to professional construction. It should be noted that the fashion for this tool came from the West, and the “there” consumer has one feature: any work should be performed with a specialized tool. There is some truth in this, and not a small one, since, ultimately, it turns out to be both faster and safer. In our mentality, the approach is somewhat different, and there is also some truth here, we are not so rich as to purchase a special tool for a one-time job. We would rather take a different path, and having “raped” the tool available to us, and often spoiling it with this action, we will still achieve our goal. Perhaps this is why clear agreement on the need for this tool has not been achieved.

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So are there cases when a reciprocating saw will be a faithful assistant? Yes there are, here are the situations:

Garden work on pruning trees, yes, you can use the old method using a hand saw, but if you can make your work easier by using a reciprocating saw, why not? But there may be one problem here - financial, if it is not there, then this tool will definitely make life easier.
When dismantling dilapidated wooden structures. A chain saw will be faster, but... If there are metal objects, such as screws or nails, you of a chain saw. However, a reciprocating saw with the appropriate blade is easy and absolutely safe.
Cutting pipes and fittings in places where other tools cannot be reached. We install the required canvas and the problem is solved.

These are just some of the uses for reciprocating saws. But perhaps one of the most important advantages is its safety. When cutting metal, there are no sparks, like from a grinder, which means there is less possibility of fire. When pruning trees in hard-to-reach places and in awkward positions, it is unlikely to be safe to use a chain saw, and a manual one will have to do a lot of work - but with a reciprocating saw: quickly, conveniently and without much effort on our part.

These are the advantages of this tool . There are also disadvantages, for example, despite its versatility, the same angle grinder will cope with metal faster, and the cut will be more accurate. That is, the main disadvantage, in fact, is the very specialization of the tool - where others cannot work, a reciprocating electric hacksaw will cope with a bang. But there are not many such cases in ordinary everyday practice.

Jigsaw machine from a washing machine engine

In a homemade design, the drive can be different - at the discretion of the master. Let's consider the option of using a standard motor from an automatic washing machine.

Let's get to work. First you need to make a jigsaw machine bed.

You can use different materials - whatever is available. In this case, the author welded a frame from a strip of metal and a profile pipe.

The design is very simple: you need to make legs from a profile pipe, and from a strip you need to make a frame and an upper frame for attaching the desktop. At the bottom, a bracket is welded from a strip of metal to which the crank mechanism will be attached.

The first version of the tabletop jigsaw used a factory mechanism from a sewing machine. In this case, we will make this unit with our own hands.

First you need to make an eccentric shaft. On a lathe we turn a shaft of the required shape from a steel round timber.

We put a bearing on one end of the shaft, after which it will be necessary to weld a piece of round steel offset from the center.

Cut a piece of round pipe that will serve as the body. We insert the shaft inside it and put the bearing on the other end.

A metal strip with a movable (hinge) element is attached to the eccentric. We weld another piece of strip to the body.

A guide for the moving element is welded to this plate.

The next step is to weld the homemade crank mechanism to the frame.

A holder for a jigsaw file must be welded to the movable element (rod), which moves up and down.

After this you will need to make a desktop. What material to use is at your discretion. Ideally, it is better to use sheet metal. But plywood or chipboard will also work.

You need to make a hole in the work table for the saw blade.

As in the previous case, it is necessary to make a bearing block. We weld it to the L-shaped post. But in this case, the stand is made not from a profile pipe, but from a strip of metal. And the stand itself is welded directly to the frame.

At the last stage, it is necessary to weld the support platform for the electric motor, and you can start painting.

A pulley is placed on the eccentric shaft. We install the engine from the washing machine and connect its shaft to the eccentric one using a belt drive (belt).

How to make a jigsaw machine with your own hands is shown in detail in the video below. The idea was shared by the author Mr Novruz.

Yeah!!! Practical Useful Homemade Inventions

For convenience, it is better to place the engine on/off button on the side of the frame, as close to the workplace as possible. In general, the design is very simple, and repeating it will not pose any problems.

Main characteristics of reciprocating saws

If the above prompted you to purchase, then you need to get acquainted with the most significant characteristics of this tool. And they are as follows:

The power of the tool or, with an autonomous power source, the battery capacity. Although different parameters, nevertheless, both are the most significant. Its functionality and the time spent on cutting will depend on the power. So, with a power of 800 W, it is more of a garden pruning tool than a universal construction tool. The amount of battery life directly depends on the battery capacity, i.e. how often will you be forced to look for an outlet to charge batteries. And although the concept of power is not entirely correct for cordless reciprocating saws, nevertheless, the capabilities of the tool depend on such an indicator as A/h. The general conclusion is this: the more powerful the tool and the larger the battery capacity, the more opportunities it has. Another thing is that they are not always necessary for everyday use.
The frequency of rotational and translational movements, or strokes per minute. The higher this characteristic, the harder the material is “too tough” for this tool. The time spent on cutting will also depend on it. When choosing a tool, look for one with the ability to manually or electronically adjust the stroke rate, this is really necessary. If there is no such function, the maximum stroke frequency is set, this will affect both the types of materials available for processing and the quality of the cut.
Availability of a pendulum system. This function directly affects the speed of work and the safety of the blade for reciprocating saws. It should be noted that the absence of such a system when sawing wood is equivalent in effort to using a hand hacksaw. At the same time, if you need precision cutting, take a tool with adjustable pendulum frequency. Such a tool may cost a little more, but in the long run you will benefit.
Ease of use. Everything is important here, from the presence of a high-quality anti-vibration system (for example, the Makita JR 3070CT reciprocating saw) to the battery charge indicator (Milwaukee C12 HZ). Without an anti-vibration system , it is better not to take a tool at all; you can forget about the comfort of work and cutting accuracy with such a tool. The function of tool-free replacement of a reciprocating saw blade is also very necessary; it provides not only ease of work - but also the speed of the work performed. There is no need to talk about the ergonomics of the device; it is better to check it yourself when purchasing, holding the instrument in your hands.

Original idea

The figure shows a diagram of the idea of the presented drill attachment.

All that remains is to design a fastener for this scheme, and a homemade attachment for a screwdriver or drill will be ready.

Note! If there is no power supply, then you can install it on a cordless screwdriver or even on a hand drill. In this case, the attachment can be used when working with wood if you use a wood blade.