Woodworking is an enjoyable craft that is as a hobby or an occupation. Both the novice and the seasoned woodworkers should follow the rules. The rules are set in place to avoid injuries, damage to the equipment and the wood pieces during work.
The woodworking environment has power tools, sharp bits and blades and other tools. You will find paints, glue, sawdust, debris, and other waste materials. There is also electric power in a workshop or working environment. With all these in mind, creating a safe space for the activities is necessary.
Safety rules and tips to follow
1. Avoid intoxication
A woodworker should be present and mindful given the nature and woodworking tools. Woodworking does not mix well with intoxication. Thus, there is the need to avoid the use of intoxicating substances during activities. Intoxication can cause wrong judgment during operation. This increases the chances of injuries and other damages.
2. Safety gear and appropriate clothing
A woodworker should always wear protective gear depending on the activities. The safety gear includes safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, boots, earplugs, or earplugs. The protective gear should not be off until the woodworking activities are complete.
Appropriate clothing is necessary while in the workshop. Avoid loose or baggy clothes as they have high chances of getting caught up by cutting head or saw blade. Wear fitting clothes that will protect you from chips and debris from wood cuts. It is also important to avoid having dangling bracelets and neck chains.
3. Disconnect power when changing accessories
Make sure the power tools are not powered on when changing bits, blades, or any other accessories. Disconnecting the power is safer than turning off the switch. This is because it could turn on by mistake causing problems or accidents in the workshop.
A single extension cord ensures power tools are plugged and unplugged as needed. Having many cords in the workshop is confusing and hazardous during the activities.
4. Sharpen the blades
Blunt saw blades and bits make the work much harder, and are most likely to cause kickbacks. Having a sharp blade not only is safe but also brings about clean cuts. A woodworker should always make sure the blades are clean and sharp before starting the work. This helps to avoid straining during the process.
5. Avoid reaching over the blade
Whether a novice or a seasoned woodworker, never reach over the blade to remove cut-offs. A safe distance and hands-off is crucial when working on a miter saw, table saw, or any other type. When working with a blade, wait until it has stopped and use a push stick to remove the cut-offs.
6. Use familiar tools
In as much as woodworking is a learning experience, it is important to use the tools you know. Experimenting with new power tools and machines is dangerous especially for untrained users. One should go through training before handling power tools and other woodworking tool.
Organization is a very important aspect of woodworking. The power tools and tools found in the market should be kept in an organized manner. It is crucial to have a clean working area free from debris, clutter, wood scraps and other waste material.
