A hand held instrument and method in which a working element is to be placed by an operator into contact with a workpiece employ a laser proximity sensor arrangement adapted to sense proximity of the working element to the workpiece. A controller is responsive to the proximity sensor arrangement for activating a power source to actuate the working element in response to the working element reaching a predetermined proximity to the workpiece, as the working element is moved by the operator toward placement into contact with the workpiece. The predetermined proximity is such that the working element will reach a fully-operating condition prior to contact with the workpiece, whereby the working element will be at the fully-operating condition upon contact with the workpiece.
