Safety
No discussion about tools is complete without a discussion about Safety. When correctly used with proper personal protective equipment tools can greatly ease the construction of your team's props. When tools are not used correctly they can be dangerous.
If you are a Team Manager you should spend some time reviewing these rules so that you can go over them with your team. You might even want to print the ones that are appropriate for your team and post them up in your garage or work room. It would be a good idea to review basic safety rules every time before using tools.
I would also discuss with your team parents any of the tools that you plan on teaching your team to use. If they have objections to any of the tools then you should respect their wishes and not allow their children to use those particular tools. As a Team Manager you should also know that it is NOT interference for you to prohibit a team from using a tool that you do not think they can use safely.
General safety rules applicable to any tools.
It is always best to wear safety glasses when using any power tools such as saws or drills. Your team manager may decide that they want you to wear safety glasses when you are using other tools such as hammers, etc.
When using power tools, it is best to wear some type of hearing protection.
When you are using a power saw to cut plywood, hardboard or other composite materials (MDF, Wafer board, etc.) you should wear a dust mask. Disposable Dust masks are probaly adequate for almost any application for DI TEams. This is particularly important when cutting something like hardboard because it generates a lot of dust when being cut.
Remove any loose jewelry such as rings and bracelets.
Wear appropriate clothing. Don't wear loose fitting clothes when working with power tools. You should also wear closed toe shoes when working with tools.
Keep your work area clean. You can tangle up or trip in debris that it on the floor. If the tools you are using have dust collection systems, use them.
Avoid Distractions. Listening to music or having an animated conversation with your team mate might help pass the time but when you are working with tools you need to focus on what you are doing.
Put tools where they belong when you are not using them. It keeps the work place clear AND you always know where to find the tool if you always put it back in the same place.
Work on a stable work surface.
Use tools for what they are designed for. For instance, screwdrivers are not designed to work as chisels. Don't use them that way.
Power Tool Safety Rules
Read and follow the operating instructions for the power tool. If you do not have them you should be able to find them online.
When possible, try to use no more than one extension cord when using power tools
Always unplug or remove the battery when changing the saw blade on any type of saw.
Many stationary power tools have safety interlocks or keys that can be removed to prevent the tool from being turned on. Remove the safety key when you are not using the tool.
If tools have a lock down position, return them to the lock down position when you are not using them.
Never reach across a saw blade of any type.
DO NOT REMOVE SAFETY DEVICES. Most tools have safety guards installed. While it may be a little more cumbersome to operate the equipment with the safety guards in place, do not remove them.