Stay Sharp & Stay Safe: Tips & Advice from our Members
Safety is a very important concern when working with tools. We all want to end our woodworking sessions with as many fingers and toes as we had when we started! This is a collection of safety suggestions collected from our members.
Firstly: read the users manual. If you don’t have your user manual handy, you may be able to find a manual related to your power tool at Manuals Online.
Secondly: consider taking a class at a local community or occupational center to learn more about your specific machines.
Here are some general safety suggestions.
Environment
- Keep your shop clean and uncluttered
- Good ventilation keep dust and paint fumes to a minimum
- Good lighting is a must, consider “goose neck” lights for tools if necessary
- Distractions can lead to accidents. Make sure all people in your work area understand that you have to focus on the work at hand.
Basics
- Dust masks are good at limiting exposure to fine dust
- Ear protection is a good idea, but they make visual clues from helpers very important
- Good quality eye protection is good protection from flying debris that many power tools tend to create
- Shop aprons offer more protection from flying debris (especially when using a lathe).
General tool safety
- Keep fingers a safe distance from cutting blades and bits (consider jigs and clamp downs!)
- Keep tools properly lubricated (if appropriate)
- Cutting tools work better when sharp and clean
- Check fan belts for wear, replace as necessary
- Removable bits and blades must be secure
- Power cords (if a corded tool) need to be safe
- Use tools for their proper function