Need Woodworking Suggestions

[gsmittle]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Late last March I woke up and my right hand and arm didn't work right. The arm was very weak and Icould not open my hand, plus it was numb. Twenty-four hours later I'm having MRIs and CAT scans and found out my spinal cord was compressed in my neck. In early April I had surgery to ease the compression. Things have improved a bit, but I'm a bit leery of running a table saw with effectively one hand.

If this doesn't clear up (I was told it could take a year) what sort of woodworking should I focus on? Turning? Carving? Model Making? Selling my tools and taking up internet trolling?

PS I'm left-handed so that helps a bit.

Smit

[LCHIEN]

Very sorry to hear that.

I tore up my rotator cuff (right, I'm right handed) in 2019 and could not raise my right arm above waist level. I could use the right hand but had to move the arm using my left hand to lift my right forearm.

It severely affected sports (fishing, Tennis) and photography and of course woodworking. After a couple of months I had surgery and then the arm was in a sling with restricted use for a couple of months, followed by a year of rehab.

I can certainly sympathize with the loss of motion in the arm and the effects on pastimes and everyday life and But for me, fortunately it passed, I fully expected nearly full recovery, and I regained use over time.

I'm not sure what to suggest for long term accomodations. I googled Woodworking tips for people with the use of one hand or arm and it came up with a number of links for specialty tools and woodworking tips and safety for people with one hand. I hope you find something there. I know with woodworking even two hands is not enough but generally find a way around that with simple jigs or fixtures to help hold and clamp objects.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Wood...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[leehljp]

As a teen, I often went hunting with a guy the same age as me who had had polio and could only use one arm. Holding the double barreled shotgun with one arm/hand - On two different occasions, he got two ducks with one shot. He could hold his own against me in duck hunting every time!

With practice, lots of things can be accomplished, however with the "safety" push in the last 30 years, we are taught how dangerous things are and how they should not be tried unless one is totally physically fit!

THAT SAID, on the pen turning forum, there is a lady member from the Phoenix area who worked with disabled people, and mostly BLIND and taught them to drill and turn pens on a lathe.
Pens do require a steady hand and grip, but not nearly as much power as turning plate size bowls or vases. it does require a drill press OR drilling on the lathe, but with a good lathe chuck on one end an drill chuck on the other end, all drilling can be done on the lathe. That is the way I do it 90% of the time. It is not a matter of power, but one hand Turning the crank forward. Then on the pen turning, one can use one of many techniques for mounting the pen blank for turning. If you are not in a rush (and I am one who is not even with two hands,) take a little at a time off until the pen blank is round. Use a good set of calipers to determine the size and then when it is the right size, add some finish or wax and make a pen, and then another, and another!

Pen turning does satisfy the need for smelling sawdust. I got started in Japan where space was very limited and I got tired spending an hour of pulling my saw and other tools out, working a couple of hours and two hours to put things up and clean up. So I started turning pens to satisfy my need for smelling sawdust. And I still do on occasion. It is good therapy but ONE WARNING: Like any other hobby in the wood world, it is a deep rabbit hole that can suck the pockets dry of every penny. If you are a good planner, buy the right tools at the beginning instead of trying this and that. Research, ask opinions and plan. That keeps the costs down somewhat!

Look up disability workshops in your area and see if anything is available. Google might even bring up some - way out of your area, but it can showcase what can be done.

[LCHIEN]

I asked Google AI:

For those with one hand or limited dexterity, woodworking is made accessible through adaptive tools, one-handed clamping techniques, and project modifications. The key strategy is to use work-holding devices and jigs that free up the user's hands to focus on the tools.
Adaptive tools

• One-handed clamps: Trigger-operated bar clamps, such as those made by Rockler and Irwin, can be tightened and released with a single hand. The clamping force is engaged with a pump trigger, leaving your other hand free to position the workpiece.
• Gripping material: Non-slip material, often sold by the roll for lining shelves, can be wrapped around tool handles or placed on work surfaces. This adds bulk for an easier grip and increases friction to prevent slipping.
• Foot-operated controls: For power tools like carving tools and micromotor tools, a foot pedal can be used to control the speed, freeing up your hands to hold and manipulate the workpiece.
• Specialty hand tools: Japanese hand planes and saws are pulled toward the body, allowing you to use your upper body strength for leverage.
• Jigs and templates: Shop-made jigs can be customized to hold workpieces and create specific joinery. For example, a magnetic system can be used with a flush-cut saw to make precise cuts.

One-handed techniques

• Prioritize work-holding: Since holding a workpiece steady can be the biggest challenge, invest in robust and easy-to-operate work-holding solutions.
  • An assembly table with dog holes or T-track systems allows for clamps to be quickly set and adjusted with one hand.
  • Foot-activated vises or clamping sawhorses let you use your body weight to hold a piece of wood steady while you work on it.
• Modify assembly order: When building, assemble items upside-down or in a way that allows gravity to do some of the work. This reduces the need to support heavy components while fastening.
• Make jigs for yourself: If you find a wingnut or other component difficult to tighten, you can create a wooden jig to provide a larger, more grippable surface.
• Use instant adhesives: For temporary joins, use CA (super) glue and activator. This allows you to tack pieces together one-handed and then easily apply permanent fasteners without the piece moving.

Project and tool selection

• Start with hand tools: In many cases, hand tools are easier to control one-handed than power tools. You can use your body weight and clamps to hold the wood steady while you saw or chisel.
• Use sharp blades: Regardless of your tool choice, keeping your blades and chisels very sharp will make cutting significantly easier and require less force.
• Consider simple projects: As you start out, choose small, straightforward projects like a cutting board or a knife rack. These are less complex and allow you to build experience.
• Adapt plans to your needs: If a project requires a difficult-to-handle component, consider alternative construction methods. Some woodworkers have been known to adapt projects or even create entire plans tailored for one-handed use.

Community and inspiration

• Online forums: The subreddit r/BeginnerWoodWorking is a good resource for connecting with other woodworkers who can offer ideas and advice based on their own experiences.
• Community workshops: Organizations like Maplewoodshop offer programs for diverse learners and individuals with disabilities. These provide a structured, supportive environment for learning new skills.
• "HandiHelp": Rich Fabend started this website to offer adaptive options for woodworking after seeing a need for modified techniques. His work is a testament to what is possible with simple innovations.

[LCHIEN]

yeah, this thread lists some of the issues I had with one-armed woodworking back then

https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di.../836434-hi-all

[JamesDean19]

Just reading everyone's reply. But yes, very sorry for what happened. I pray that you are going to get better.