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Wood Working Safety

Tips for Beginners

Beginner Wood working Safety Tips

Have you decided you want to take up wood working? If so, then you probably have a lot of questions.

Wood working can be an exciting and fulfilling hobby. There are many wonderful things you can make out of wood - some decorative, some practical.

One of the most important things for you to know is the importance of proper safety while wood working.

Wood working Dangers

Wood workers use tools that have the potential to cause harm to themselves and persons nearby.

Some of the major issues are injuries that can be caused by power tools, like saws, drills and lathes.

Carelessness around these tools can quickly cause serious injury, including amputation of body parts and even death.

Quickly spinning tools can also throw off chips and saw dust that can damage the eyes and mucous membranes of the wood worker and any onlookers. (Some wood dusts are very harmful if inhaled.)

Even hand tools can cause harm if used improperly. Be aware of your person and your surroundings before swinging a hammer or axe or using a crow bar.

Also many of the paints, stains, glues and solvents that wood workers use can cause skin irritation or burns and also effect the eyes, mucous membranes and even cause long term damage to the lungs.

Finally there is the risk of fire, since many of these products are combustible.

Wood working Safety Tips

Here are some beginner wood working safety tips and ideas for you to keep in mind:

• Carefully Supervise Children. Watch them carefully if they are around power tools, chemicals or small swallowable objects.
• Always wear proper protective gear and safety glasses when using power tools or potentially harmful chemicals.
• Don't forget to protect your ears while using hammers, saws or any loud equipment.
• Avoid wearing loose jewelry, watches, clothing and other items that dangle and can get caught in machinery or parts while woodworking.
• Hammering should always be done on a steady, hard surface. Be sure the head of your hammer is not wobbly.
• Watch Your Fingers! Place your nail through a “packing peanut” or small piece of Styrofoam until you become more confident with hitting the nail on the head.
• When using saws, sanders, lathes, routers and other power tools, always wear dust masks to protect your lungs.
• Always be sure to use clamps to secure your work and to safely keep your hands away from the saw blades and other cutting or grinding tools.
• Use proper measuring and marking techniques when preparing wood for cutting.
• Remember that sawing can be tiring, especially if you are not used to it. If you get tired, take a break and rest.
• Be sure to learn as much as you can about the type of wood that you are using and how it reacts to woodworking like cutting, drilling and staining.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines, whether for chemicals or power tools.
• Before using power tools, familiarize yourself with them and their operation. Learn about potential hazards, like kick back. Do not let your concentration stray when the tool is turned on.
• Always use proper ventilation when working with stains, polyurethane, etc.

Following proper safety procedures can ensure you have a fun and successful project without causing harm to yourself.

These are just beginner wood working tips, of course.

As you progress with your ability to use wood working tools and build different projects, these beginner tips should become second nature to you. But always guard yourself against complacency. This is when many accidents occur.

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