The cutting of holes in sheet or block materials. Cutting oils or other lubricants may sometimes be required particularly when drilling mild steel.

Drilling holes in resistant materials. Most portable power tools are electrically operated but pneumatic tools are used where compressed air is available. The use of tools with integral low-voltage battery packs is increasing.

Used to remove small amounts of waste material and for cleaning up of welded joints. Normally an impregnated cutting or abrasive disc is used, rather than a conventional grinding wheel.

The cutting and shaping of compliant and resistant materials using machines controlled by a computer (CNC machines). Cutting / soluble oil is often used when metals are being shaped.