Safety Tips for Woodworking
Woodworking is a hobby that is both challenging and extremely gratifying.
As you build something from scratch and see it slowly take shape, the feeling of accomplishment and pride is something everyone must experience.
But before you get started working on any woodworking project, you must always consider your safety.
Here are some important tips for making sure you are working in the safest way possible.
First and foremost is the environment.
You must make sure you have the proper area for working on your project.
What does it mean? It means that your area should be well lit, well ventilated, and free of needless clutter.
You must keep your tools organized and out of the way - such as on a shelf or pegboard where they can be accessed easily.
Do not leave things lying around on the floor that can present tripping hazards.
Set up your woodworking table or workspace in an area that has easy access to electrical outlets if you will be using any electrical tools - this will ensure that you are not running long extension cords for your tools.
Also, choose an area that is free of distractions so you can be totally focused while you are working.
Secondly, personal protective equipment is an absolute must.
People that work with power tools on a regular basis understand the inherent risks involved when handling these tools and take the proper safety precautions.
Hand safety is one of the first things everyone thinks of and rightly so.
You are constantly using your hands and they are near the 'danger zone' so you must have a quality pair of protective gloves that will protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, splinters, etc.
Eye safety is the next item to address.
When you are shaping wood, there is a lot of dust, etc flying around and since a lot of cutters and other tools spin as fast as 50000 RPM, things can go flying easily.
Invest in a quality pair of safety goggles to use in your shop.
One thing people often forget is hearing protection.
Many shop tools are extremely loud and can produce sound at greater than 105 decibels, which can be damaging to your hearing over time.
The damage can lead to permanent hearing loss unless you use proper protection so keep that in mind.
Protective gear is the starting point but there are many other things to consider.
You must always use the right tool for the job.
There is nothing worse than trying to use a tool for something besides its original intended use.
If you do not know what the proper tool is, ask someone that can help.
Your local hardware store has experts you can turn to for advice, and of course there is a wealth of information online you can get to.
If you do not have the proper tool, and cannot afford to purchase one, see if you can rent one from somewhere or borrow one from a friend or neighbor.
Before using any tool, make sure to read the instructions.
You must have good knowledge of your tools and their built in safety features and the proper guidance on how to handle them before using them.
Get a quality set of plans and blueprints you can use for your project so that you have a good idea of the tools and materials you need before you start.
As you build something from scratch and see it slowly take shape, the feeling of accomplishment and pride is something everyone must experience.
But before you get started working on any woodworking project, you must always consider your safety.
Here are some important tips for making sure you are working in the safest way possible.
First and foremost is the environment.
You must make sure you have the proper area for working on your project.
What does it mean? It means that your area should be well lit, well ventilated, and free of needless clutter.
You must keep your tools organized and out of the way - such as on a shelf or pegboard where they can be accessed easily.
Do not leave things lying around on the floor that can present tripping hazards.
Set up your woodworking table or workspace in an area that has easy access to electrical outlets if you will be using any electrical tools - this will ensure that you are not running long extension cords for your tools.
Also, choose an area that is free of distractions so you can be totally focused while you are working.
Secondly, personal protective equipment is an absolute must.
People that work with power tools on a regular basis understand the inherent risks involved when handling these tools and take the proper safety precautions.
Hand safety is one of the first things everyone thinks of and rightly so.
You are constantly using your hands and they are near the 'danger zone' so you must have a quality pair of protective gloves that will protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, splinters, etc.
Eye safety is the next item to address.
When you are shaping wood, there is a lot of dust, etc flying around and since a lot of cutters and other tools spin as fast as 50000 RPM, things can go flying easily.
Invest in a quality pair of safety goggles to use in your shop.
One thing people often forget is hearing protection.
Many shop tools are extremely loud and can produce sound at greater than 105 decibels, which can be damaging to your hearing over time.
The damage can lead to permanent hearing loss unless you use proper protection so keep that in mind.
Protective gear is the starting point but there are many other things to consider.
You must always use the right tool for the job.
There is nothing worse than trying to use a tool for something besides its original intended use.
If you do not know what the proper tool is, ask someone that can help.
Your local hardware store has experts you can turn to for advice, and of course there is a wealth of information online you can get to.
If you do not have the proper tool, and cannot afford to purchase one, see if you can rent one from somewhere or borrow one from a friend or neighbor.
Before using any tool, make sure to read the instructions.
You must have good knowledge of your tools and their built in safety features and the proper guidance on how to handle them before using them.
Get a quality set of plans and blueprints you can use for your project so that you have a good idea of the tools and materials you need before you start.
