LCHIEN
The wood shop is not the place to be in a hurry or have an "it won't happen to me" attitude.
Here are 10 safety rules that should be habit before you start any project.
1. Always wear safety equipment
Safety glasses go on when you enter the shop and don't come off until you leave. Hearing protection for routers and planers. Latex gloves when applying finishes. But safety glasses are non-negotiable for every task.
2. Wear appropriate clothing
Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can get caught in a saw blade or cutting head. Remove dangling jewelry like neck chains or bracelets before you start.
3. Avoid drugs and alcohol
Intoxicating substances and woodworking don't mix. Stay out of the shop if you're under the influence of anything. That beer can wait until the project is finished.
4. Disconnect power before blade changes
Always disconnect electricity before changing a blade or bit. Many woodworkers have lost fingers by forgetting this simple rule.
5. Use one extension cord
One heavy-duty extension cord total, not one per tool. This forces you to switch the cord from tool to tool, so you're always remembering to plug and unplug power. You'll be more aware when making blade changes.
6. Use sharp blades and bits
A dull cutting tool is a dangerous tool. If a blade isn't sharp, you and the tool work harder to complete the cut. The tool is more likely to kick back or bind. Sharp blades also produce cleaner cuts.
7. Always check for nails, screws, and other metal
Check stock for metal before cutting. Nails and rapidly spinning saw blades don't mix. This can damage the cutting head, ruin the stock, or cause kickback. Use a metal detector if needed.
8. Always work against the cutter
The wood should move through the tool in the opposite direction of the cutting head. A router bit or saw blade should cut against the motion, not with it. The cutter cuts into the stock, not with the stock.
9. Never reach over a blade to remove cut-offs
Never put your hands near a moving blade when removing waste. Wait until the blade stops, then use a piece of scrap or push stick to move waste away. Switches can be bumped or malfunction, so keep hands clear even when the blade has stopped.
10. Avoid distractions
When you're distracted mid-cut, finish the cut to a safe conclusion before dealing with the distraction. Taking your attention away from the tool is a recipe for disaster.
Commit these 10 rules to habit and your woodworking will be safer.
Here are 10 safety rules that should be habit before you start any project.
1. Always wear safety equipment
Safety glasses go on when you enter the shop and don't come off until you leave. Hearing protection for routers and planers. Latex gloves when applying finishes. But safety glasses are non-negotiable for every task.
2. Wear appropriate clothing
Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can get caught in a saw blade or cutting head. Remove dangling jewelry like neck chains or bracelets before you start.
3. Avoid drugs and alcohol
Intoxicating substances and woodworking don't mix. Stay out of the shop if you're under the influence of anything. That beer can wait until the project is finished.
4. Disconnect power before blade changes
Always disconnect electricity before changing a blade or bit. Many woodworkers have lost fingers by forgetting this simple rule.
5. Use one extension cord
One heavy-duty extension cord total, not one per tool. This forces you to switch the cord from tool to tool, so you're always remembering to plug and unplug power. You'll be more aware when making blade changes.
6. Use sharp blades and bits
A dull cutting tool is a dangerous tool. If a blade isn't sharp, you and the tool work harder to complete the cut. The tool is more likely to kick back or bind. Sharp blades also produce cleaner cuts.
7. Always check for nails, screws, and other metal
Check stock for metal before cutting. Nails and rapidly spinning saw blades don't mix. This can damage the cutting head, ruin the stock, or cause kickback. Use a metal detector if needed.
8. Always work against the cutter
The wood should move through the tool in the opposite direction of the cutting head. A router bit or saw blade should cut against the motion, not with it. The cutter cuts into the stock, not with the stock.
9. Never reach over a blade to remove cut-offs
Never put your hands near a moving blade when removing waste. Wait until the blade stops, then use a piece of scrap or push stick to move waste away. Switches can be bumped or malfunction, so keep hands clear even when the blade has stopped.
10. Avoid distractions
When you're distracted mid-cut, finish the cut to a safe conclusion before dealing with the distraction. Taking your attention away from the tool is a recipe for disaster.
Commit these 10 rules to habit and your woodworking will be safer.
Loring in Katy, TX USA
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