Workshop Safety

By Robert Robillard on Workshop tips

Workshop Safety Rules

Woodworking can be a fun and enjoyable hobby, IF you follow some very basic and simple rules.   All workshop safety rules are based on common-sense, but failing to follow these rules will greatly increase the chance of injury when working with your tools. Stay safe!!!

1) Think Before You Cut

The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it. Thinking your cuts through before acting can help save both fingers and prevent excessive scrap wood.

2) Keep a Clean Shop

A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping your shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping hazards.

3) Avoid Distractions

Focus on what your doing. Looking up to watch the shop TV can result in your hand contacting the blade. Always wait until you have completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.

4) Don’t Rush

Mistakes happen when we rush to complete a job.

 

Workshop Safety

5) Don’t Force It

If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what’s wrong. A misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or contact with the blade. Evaluate the situation and solve the problem.

6) Protect Yourself

Eyes, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating tools. Use push sticks and feather blocks when working close to the blade.

7) Let the Tool Stop

Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an often-overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade can still do a lot of damage.

8) Fumes and Dust

Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and explosion hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air.

9) Wear Appropriate Clothing

Loose clothing or hair can get caught in power tools and cause severe injury.

10) No Alcohol

Too many woodworkers have been injured because alcohol clouded their judgment.  Avoid their mistakes, practice workshop safety, and wait until after you’re done in the shop for your “Miller Time.”.

 

Check out our Best Benchtop Thickness Planer article

~ a concord carpenter

 

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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