Whether you’re pursuing woodworking as a hobby or building a handyman business, there are some safety risks you’ll need to manage to keep yourself and others safe around you. From sharp bits and blades to hazardous substances, dangers are forever present in the woodworking environment.
To help you learn and adopt good safety habits, we’ve outlined four essential tips to follow, which will in turn make the job much more enjoyable.
Always wear appropriate clothing
The workshop is not the place to show off your style. Your clothing matters and wearing items that fit loosely can increase the chances of you getting caught on saw blades and other tools. Therefore, make sure that all your clothes fit properly.
With loud tools affecting your hearing, debris flying around that could get in your eyes, and tools that could chop off your digits clean, safety equipment is a must. Gear you’ll need includes safety boots, earplugs, gloves, face masks, and goggles. Remove any jewellery that could get caught on or in your tools before starting work.
Never use dull blades and bits
Not only are dull blades inefficient for the job, but they’re also highly dangerous. The tool will be forced to work harder and so the risk of kickback or bind increases. Ensuring your blades are kept both clean and sharp means your work will be safer and better quality.
The same goes for drill bits, which can bind or jam if dull. While purchasing new tools or repairing your current ones can seem expensive, it’s a high return on investment when you take into consideration your health and safety.
Disconnect tools when not in use
It doesn’t matter if you’re stepping away for a second or changing the blades on your power tools, you must always disconnect the power source. Doing so makes certain that the tool cannot malfunction or be powered accidentally.
This isn’t just for the sake of your own health but for others around you too. Whether it’s a work colleague, unsuspecting adult, or curious child, disconnecting the power of your tools when not in use protects their lives as much as yours.
Check materials before cutting
Before cutting your material, first make sure that it doesn’t contain any screws, nails, or pieces of metal. If spinning blades were to hit these bits of metal, not only could this damage the stock and cutting head but it could also cause injury from kickback.
Looks can be deceptive, particularly when handling materials like salvaged wood. Your best bet, if you tend to reshape or refashion reclaimed wood often, is to use a metal detector to find any remaining nails or screws.