Woodworking can be a fun and rewarding hobby for anyone. By keeping some basic safety tips in mind, you can enjoy woodworking without suffering injury. Keeping a list, such as this one, posted in your wood shop will help you to remember to think about safety each time you practice your skill.
1) Take your time when you plan your project. Don’t rush, avoid frustration, and keep yourself safe by remembering not to rush. Give yourself a practice run without tools before you begin to cut. Imagine what it will look and feel like before you start so that you’re prepared for what is about to happen.
2) Keep things clean. Sawdust and clutter can disguise accidents waiting to happen. Keep your work area clear so that you don’t accidentally run into something that you didn’t plan on. Giving yourself plenty of space to move around will keep you from getting cramped into a space that is too small to safely work in.
3) Never force a piece of wood through a saw or a drill bit through a piece of wood. Running into nails or other impasses is dangerous and can cause serious injury. If something is bogging down your saw blade or if your equipment is malfunctioning, you will need to stop and clear any impacted debris before you move on.
4) Study the safety and operating manuals for your equipment before you begin. If you haven’t used a tool in a while, review the safety guidelines for that particular instrument before you attempt to use it.
5) Perform regular tune-ups and maintenance on your equipment to ensure that it is ready for use. Use only sharp blades and bits when you work.
6) Store your equipment according to the manufacturer’s directions. Keep equipment covered or put away when not in use so that it doesn’t collect dust and debris. Make sure that parts have stopped moving or spinning before placing them down on a surface. Also check to make sure equipment has cooled down before storing it.
7) Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing that is not loose when woodworking. Hair should be secured. Protect your ears, eyes, lungs and hands when operating any type of machinery. Properly ventilate your work area to minimize fumes and dust.
Do not work if you have consumed any alcohol or other substance that could impair your judgment. Keep a clear, calm mind and avoid distraction of any kind.
About the Author: Dave Murphy is the founder and president of Good Wood, Inc., which makes a high quality wood dowel and the best hardwood dowel on the market. They also create wooden balls, wood knobs, wooden toy parts, custom wood parts, and more. They offer safe wood finishing, wood turning and can import from off-shore when necessary. Visit http://www.goodwoodinc.com for all of your wood product needs.
