-
Avoid Drugs and
Alcohol
Intoxicating substances and using wood working
tools are a dangerous mix. Stay out of the wood shop if you are even
remotely under the influence of any intoxicants. While it may seem
harmless for the weekend woodworker to crack open a beer while
working on a project, avoid the temptation until you're finished
with the woodworking. You're going to be much less likely to
encounter a problem if you're clean and sober when working with your
power tools.
-
Disconnect
Power Before Blade Changes
Whenever you need to change a blade or bit on a
power tool, always disconnect the electricity to the power tool
before even beginning the blade change. Don't just check to see that
the switch is off, as a switch could get bumped or malfunction. Many
a woodworker has lost fingers by forgetting this simple but very
important rule.
-
Use One
Extension Cord
For all 110-volt power tools in the shop, use
just one heavy-duty extension cord. Not one per tool, but one TOTAL.
This way, you are forced to switch the cord from tool to tool before
the tool can be used. In this manner, you are always remembering to
plug and unplug the power when moving from one tool to another and
you'll be more cognizant of the need to disconnect the power when
changing bits or blades.
-
Use Sharp
Blades & Bits
If a saw blade is not as sharp as it
should be, the tool and the woodworker will have to work harder to
complete the desired cut. In such cases, the tool will be more
likely to kick-back or bind. A sharper cutting tool will produce a
cleaner cut and smoother finish. Keep the blade sharp and clean of
pitch for better results.
-
Always
Check for Nails, Screws and Other Metal
Always check the stock you're preparing to cut
for any nails, screws, staples before beginning a cut. Not only can
they damage the cutting head and the stock, but at the very minimum,
can cause the stock to kick back causing injuries.
-
Always Work
Against the Cutter
Woodworking power tools are designed so that the
direction that the wood moves through the tool or the direction that
the tool moves across the wood is in the opposite direction of the
movement of the cutting head. A router bit or saw blade should cut
against the motion, not with it.
-
Never Reach
Over a Blade to Remove Cut-Offs
When working on a table
saw never put your hand anywhere near the moving blade, especially when attempting to remove waste or cut-offs. Wait until the blade
has stopped moving and then reach for the cut-off.
-
Avoid
Distractions
Distractions are a part of everyday life, and
working in the wood shop is no different. When you are summoned or
distracted while in the middle of performing an action with a power
tool, remember to always finish the cut to a safe conclusion before
dealing with the distraction.
