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The Whizard knife is a tool that has incorporated many ergonomic design principles unmatched by any hand tool manufacturer. As a complete system, there are numerous areas that have been addressed to reduce the risks associated with any powered hand tool design. |
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Vibration Vibration is a component of all powered tools. It is simply a fact of physics and one that tool manufacturers need to address. Of course there is no way to eliminate vibration but there are many means in which to reduce the acceleration levels emitted by tools. Years of in plant testing and continued testing reflects that properly maintained Whizard knives operate well below the ANSI S3.34 standard. Naturally, if tools are not well maintained or parts are pushed beyond their normal life, vibration may be increased. |
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Handles Handles are the key area where the human hand interacts with the tool. Poorly designed handles can cause discomfort, fatigue and tissue compression to the palmar surface of the hand and digits. The demographics of the workforce are also important to examine for tool manufacturers. More female workers have entered the workforce and are performing manual tasks utilizing hand tools. These female workers have typically smaller anatomical hand structures and therefore need different sized handles. The Modular Whizard knife incorporated university research on handle designs to develop a lobed shaped asymmetric handle that was manufactured in small, medium and large sizes. This modular handle was proven to reduce the amount of muscle activity required in the forearm musculature along with the forces placed on the 4th and 5th digits. Just released in October of 1999 was the second generation of Whizard tools, named Series II. More research was incorporated and this tool evolved. A softer handle material was utilized along with introducing an additional sized handle, extra small, thus providing a greater selection for workers. Vibration was reduced even more with a patented "floating" blade/housing design. This design actually reduces metal on metal contact and provides a smoother transition between the blade teeth and pinion gear. |
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Motors Motors are actually the beginning of the Whizard Trimmer System. It is an integral part to an efficiently running system. Again if proper maintenance is not provided, then the system is compromised. Several selections are available in motors. The UN84 delivers approximately 3450 rpms while the new UltraDrive delivers a whopping 5000 rpm free spindle speed. Of course there is the natural transition from free spindle speed to the surface feet per minute in which the cutting surface of the blade travels. But force is reduced with a faster spinning blade, especially when performing difficult cutting tasks. |
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Weight Weight plays an important role in the design of hand tools, especially those that are held constantly. The weight alone has been reduced with each new series, thus reducing the static loading on the hand, forearm and shoulder. But, more important is the balance of the tool or the center of gravity. The balance of the Whizard knife has been studied and adjusted to maximize the comfort of the operator. |
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