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Safety Tips and Best Practices for Woodworking

Woodworking can be an incredibly rewarding hobby or profession. However, working with power tools and sharp hand tools can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. This article will provide an overview of important safety tips and best practices to follow for both beginner and experienced woodworkers.

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Personal Protective Equipment (#CommissionsEarned)

Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for remaining safe in the workshop. At a minimum, the following PPE should be worn whenever operating power tools or performing woodworking tasks:

Eye Protection – Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times to protect your eyes from flying wood chips and sawdust. When doing detail work, wearing a face shield is recommended as an added precaution.
Hearing Protection – Power tools like table saws, miter saws, routers, and sanders can produce loud noise levels. Wearing ear plugs or noise-reduction earmuffs will prevent cumulative hearing damage over time. Look for hearing protection rated for at least 20db noise reduction.
Respiratory Protection – A dust mask or respirator should be used when working on projects that produce fine dust particles. Wood dust has been linked to asthma, allergic reactions, and sinus issues when inhaled. A basic disposable dust mask can greatly reduce your exposure.
Hand Protection – Wearing gloves will protect your hands from splinters, abrasions, and cuts when handling lumber. Leather or canvas gloves are ideal choices. Make sure gloves fit snugly but allow enough dexterity to safely operate tools.
Closed Toe Shoes – Avoid wearing sandals or other open footwear when woodworking. Heavy lumber or tools can fall and crush unprotected feet. Sturdy work boots offer both toe protection and better traction on slippery workshop floors.

Power Tool Safety (#CommissionsEarned)

Operating power tools like table saws, miter saws, jointers, and circular saws require extra precautions to avoid severe laceration injuries or amputations. Here are some key power tool safety tips:

Give your full attention and focus when operating stationary or handheld power tools. Avoid distractions.
Follow the safety instructions in the owner’s manual for each power tool.
Keep guards in place and in working order for all tool moving parts and blades.
Make sure the power tool is unplugged when changing blades, bit, or performing other adjustments or maintenance.
Avoid wearing loose clothing, dangling jewelry, or gloves with loose cuffs which can get caught in moving parts.
Secure workpieces using clamps or vises to keep hands safely away from the point of operation.
Use push sticks, jigs, featherboards and other safety accessories when available for added protection.
Make sure bits or blades are sharp, undamaged, and properly sized for the cutting task.
Allow motor to reach full speed before starting a cut. Apply even pressure when feeding stock into blade.
Maintain proper stance with feet shoulder-width apart for maximum stability and control.
Unplug tool and allow moving parts to stop completely before walking away or making adjustments.
Keep electrical cords away from sources of heat, liquids, sharp edges, and moving parts.
Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets or GFCI built into power cord for protection against electric shocks.

a woman using a circular saw to cut a piece of wood

Table Saw Safety (#CommissionsEarned)

Table saws deserve their own expanded safety discussion given the potential for life-altering injuries if used unsafely. Thousands of table saw accidents occur annually in the United States, many resulting in partial or complete amputation of fingers. Here are some vital table saw safety tips:

Wear snug fitting gloves to improve your grip on stock. But avoid loose gloves that could get pulled into the blade.
Use a push stick, push block, gripper, or riving knife to keep hands a safe distance from the spinning blade. Stand to the side of the blade, not directly behind it.
Make sure the blade height doesn’t exceed what is needed to make the current cut. Lower the blade below the thickness of the workpiece when finishing to prevent bumping hands on exposed blade teeth.
Use a featherboard to keep stock pressed firmly against the fence when ripping narrow cuts. Consistent pressure yields safer, straighter cuts.
Utilize the blade guard assembly as much as possible, especially when ripping longer boards. Raise it just high enough to clear the workpiece thickness.
Avoid cutting freehand or ripping unusually shaped stock on the table saw. Make jigs or templates to keep stock stable and hands safe.
Pay attention to kickback dangers. Use a riving knife, avoid binding the blade, and don’t stand directly behind the blade line.
Make sure to use the appropriate saw blade for the cutting task – rip blades for with-grain ripping and crosscut blades for across the grain.
Allow the blade to reach full speed before feeding stock. Do not attempt to free a stalled saw blade before turning the saw off.
Provide adequate infeed and outfeed support when crosscutting long boards. This prevents the stock from tipping or binding against the blade.
Turn saw off and allow the blade to fully stop before adjusting the fence location or changing the blade height.

Band Saw Recommendations (#CommissionsEarned)

Band saws utilize a thin, flexible blade wrapped in a loop around rotating wheels to make both straight and curved cuts. While band saw blades are thinner than a table saw blade, hands can still be cut if proper precautions are not followed:

Adjust upper blade guide just above the thickness of the workpiece. Too much exposed blade above the stock adds unnecessary injury risk.
Allow saw to reach full speed before starting cut. Apply even pressure and ease workpiece into blade slowly.
Use push sticks to keep hands safe when cutting smaller workpieces. Position hands and body parts safely away from the blade at all times.
When releasing a completed cut, pull the stock down and away from the blade first before drawing hands back.
Shut off saw before releasing tension and removing a dull or broken blade. Re-tension a new blade properly before operating saw.
Monitor blade drift or wandering that can lead to dangerous contact with hands or blade guides. Make adjustments as needed.
Keep close track of small cut-off pieces that can fly back if not released properly after cutting.

Miter Saw Precautions
(#CommissionsEarned)Miter saws utilize a circular saw blade mounted to an arm that swings down to cut wood held stationary on a fence or table. Follow these tips when operating a miter saw:

Verify the blade is suitable for the cutting task – alternate tooth design for crosscutting. Make sure the blade is sharp and undamaged.
Hold stock firmly and flatly against the fence when cutting. Use stop blocks when making repetitive cuts.
Keep hands safely positioned to the side of the blade, not directly behind it. Pull hands away when making the cut.
Make sure circular saw blade is not contacting the workpiece or the fence before pulling down the cutting arm. Spinning contact can cause binding and kickback.
Allow the blade to reach full speed before contacting and cutting the workpiece. Wait for the blade to fully stop before raising cutting arm.
Do not attempt to free a stalled saw blade by hand before turning off saw. Wait for full stop before clearing stuck material near the blade.
Provide sturdy infeed and outfeed support when crosscutting long workpieces. This prevents potential binding against the blade if stock tips.
Do not attempt to cut unusually short, small, or uneven stock on the miter saw not supported properly by the fence or table.
Double check blade angle setting with a square before starting when angled or beveled cuts are required.

General Shop Safety (#CommissionsEarned)

Maintaining a safely organized and clean workspace helps prevent accidents and injuries beyond just power tool operations. Keep these general shop safety guidelines in mind:

Remove any slip, fall, and trip hazards from walkways and work areas. Clean any grease, oil, and sawdust buildup promptly.
Keep workshops well lit so you can clearly see your tools, stock, and any dangers present. Add portable lights if overall light seems insufficient.
Never operate any tool if tired, rushed, distracted, or intoxicated in any way. Maintain total concentration and alertness in the shop at all times.
Hearing protection significantly dulls surrounding sound perception. Be extremely cautious of any nearby dangers you cannot hear.
Periodically inspect electrical cords for any damage or exposed wires. Avoid dangling cords in high traffic areas.
Keep workshop clutter to a minimum. Store lumber, scraps, tools, and equipment neatly out of passageways.
Make sure adequate fire extinguishers are available throughout the shop and properly serviced. Handle flammable liquids carefully and properly.
Use cooking oil or wax to ease adjustment of tight machine parts. Never use fingers alone to dislodge stuck pieces from equipment.
Follow manufacturer instructions for safe installation, use, and maintenance of each machine, tool, and accessory.
Monitor dust collection effectiveness and empty bins regularly. Use respiratory protection if airborne dust levels seem high.
Never leave a running tool unattended. Shut power down completely before walking away.

Chemical Safety (#CommissionsEarned)

Woodworkers are exposed to a number of potentially hazardous chemicals in glues, finishes, solvents, and wood dust itself. Take these precautions when using chemicals:

Only use adhesives in well ventilated areas or outdoors. Many give off strong fumes.
Follow all label safety directions when using stains, paints, lacquers and other finishing products. Properly ventilate finishing areas.
Wear gloves and eye protection when handling glue or finishes to avoid skin irritation. Wash exposed skin afterwards.
Dispose of greasy rags, used sandpaper, and other flammables in a fire safe container to prevent combustion.
Allow glued pieces to fully cure before sanding or machining to reduce fine dust exposure. Use a dust mask when sanding.
Work cleanly when applying adhesives or finishes. Clean spills, drips, or overspray away from skin and clothing quickly.
Never use solvents to wash skin or as cleaning agents for the shop. Use proper cleansers and skin care products.
Know the flammability, reactivity, and health hazards for all chemicals used. Follow proper storage and handling protocol.

Dust Collection (#CommissionsEarned)

Inhaling fine wood dust on a regular basis poses a number of health risks to woodworkers. Proper dust collection and management is a key shop safety practice:

Use dust collection attachments on power tools whenever possible to capture fine particles near the source. Empty collection bin regularly to maintain suction.
Wear respiratory protection when working on projects that create substantial airborne dust like sanding or using non-powered hand tools.
Position stationary tools like sanders and routers to blow dust away from your face. Consider adding plastic splash guards if needed.
Ventilate the workshop to exchange and refresh dusty air by opening doors/windows or using exhaust fans. Avoid air blowing debris towards you.
Use finishing methods like wiping or spraying that minimize dust creation whenever practical for the project.
Allow varnishes, lacquers and finishes to fully cure before sanding to reduce airborne dust exposure. Wear PPE when sanding.
Routinely clean the workshop to keep potentially hazardous dust from accumulating on surfaces.
Consider wearing a basic dust mask even when doing light duty shop cleanup or maintenance to avoid breathing kicked up particles.

Material Handling Precautions

Improper handling and lifting of wood, lumber, sheet goods, hardware, and project pieces can easily lead to back strain and injury. Practice smart material handling:

Use dollies, hoists, lifts or other assist devices for heavy or unwieldy material whenever possible. Get someone to help lift heavy/oversized pieces.
Stand close to the load with feet shoulder width apart. Bend knees and lift with legs, not your back. Avoid twisting your body while carrying a load.
Make multiple trips if needed to move large amounts of wood or supplies. Take rests to avoid fatigue.
Clear your route before attempting to carry any load. Make sure the destination area is clear for setting down the load safely.
When carrying long boards by hand, use one hand to balance each end. Keep the forward hand low to avoid board tipping.
Store heavier items like hardwood boards/slabs at waist height whenever possible. minimizes lifting needed.
Break down sheet goods into smaller, lighter panels before attempting to move them. Make use of ramps, dollies, and helpers.
Hold small cut-off blocks, trim pieces, and other debris off the floor when walking to avoid potential slips or kicks.

Sharp Object Safety

Many hand and power woodworking tools pose laceration risks. Follow these tips when handling anything with exposed blades or points:

When finishing a cut, pull the tool away from your body and set it down safely before grabbing the workpiece.
Cut down and away on any tool passes that come close to your hands, legs or torso. Never cut up or toward your body.
Pass sharp hand tools directly to someone handle first, and only after warning them you are about to pass a sharp object.
Hold small cut-off blocks, shards, or odd shaped work pieces with clamps or pliers when possible. Keep hands clear of the waste side.
Ensure adequate clearance for follow through swing when using hatchets, adzes, or axes for primitive woodworking tasks.
Sheath or shroud blades, bits, knives, saws, chisels and other sharp tools when not in active use. Store safely out of reach of kids and pets.
Dispose of broken blades, damaged saw chains, dull drill bits or other retired pointy objects properly. Wrap securely to prevent potential poking injuries handling trash.
Keep floors clean and uncluttered to avoid potential slips onto or impalement from sharp objects underfoot.

Electrical Safety (#CommissionsEarned)

Shocks and electrocution pose an inherent danger present anywhere electricity is used. Apply these electrical safety measures:

Inspect power cords, wiring, and electrical equipment regularly for any damage, fraying, cracks or corrosion. Repair or replace immediately if found.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for every outlet, especially near water sources or in damp workshops. Test GFCIs monthly by pressing their Test and Reset buttons.
Match power outlet voltage and amperage rating to tool requirements. Confirm proper polarity. Do not use 3-prong to 2-prong adapters.
Ensure extension cords used are properly rated for power needs of the tool, are grounded, and have undamaged wiring/plugs. Avoid cheap light duty extension cords.
Do not use outlets or circuits that feel warm or are discolored indicating overloading. Spread tools over multiple circuits to better balance electrical loads.
Never operate power tools outdoors, in wet areas, or on wet ground in the absence of GFCI protection. Use isolative mats if area tends to get damp.
Avoid positioning electrical cords across aisles, under furniture, or anywhere they can be tripped over and damaged. Suspend overhead or tape down safely if needed.
When using tools outdoors, prevent electric shock risks by using battery powered cordless versions or portable generators properly grounded and protected from moisture.
Turn off and unplug tools before changing blades, bits, fuses or making any adjustments or repairs. Confirm power remains off by pressing Start button.
Establish and clearly label a central power cutoff switch to kill electricity in an emergency if working alone. Train others on its location and use if you have visitors.

Fire Precautions (#CommissionsEarned)

Fires often originate from electrical problems, chemical reactions, or sparks around flammable materials and fine dust. Minimize fire risks with these tips:

Keep a properly sized and serviced ABC fire extinguisher mounted in the workshop. Get training on using it. Have a backup extinguisher near exits.
Use nonflammable metal containers lined with plastic bags for rags, sanding dust, or scraps with finish or chemical residues. Empty frequently.
Avoid accumulating more than 1/8″ thickness of dust buildup throughout shop. Routinely clean above lights, heaters, ducts, and wiring where dust collects.
Adjust tools producing sparks like circular saws so spark direction aims away from flammable surfaces. Catch flying sparks with a splash guard.
When friction heating blanks for bending, stay vigilant of smoke signaling excessive heat. Stop before scorching occurs. Have an extinguisher and wet rag on hand.
Keep flammable liquids like accelerants, solvents and oils in labeled, sealed non-plastic containers away from heat sources, sparks, and pilot lights. Limit quantity kept on hand.
Do not operate tools or appliances with frayed, cracked, or damaged power cords. Heat from cord defects can ignite materials.
Never leave portable heaters unattended in a workshop. Confirm heaters automatically shut off if tipped over. Position safely away from foot traffic and flammables.
Avoid storing lumber, chips, or fine dust against hot surfaces like kilns, lamps or heaters where prolonged contact could cause slow ignition and smoldering.

Dust Explosion Prevention

Airborne wood dust can combust violently if suddenly dispersed into a concentrated cloud and exposed to an ignition source. Follow these dust explosion prevention steps:

Operate dust collection constantly whenever generating fine airborne dust through sanding, cutting, or other woodworking operations.
Routinely maintain and clean dust collectors to maintain optimal airflow. Check for damage to ducting.
Properly ground non-conductive ducting to dissipate static charges that may build up inside fast moving dust.
Locate dust collectors and discharge ducting away from busy areas, doors, windows or other locations where dust could be dispersed rapidly if an explosion did occur.
Allow powered equipment coming in contact with dust to fully stop rotating before powering down to avoid sparks inside settling dust clouds.
Use specialized dust explosion suppression systems if generating substantial dust from operations like industrial planing, or when fine dust may be especially concentrated.
Store settled dust over 1/32″ thickness in closed metal containers rather than allowing large accumulations in open workshop areas.
Avoid operating dust

Conclusion

Woodworking is a fulfilling and creative endeavor, but it comes with its own set of risks. By following the safety tips and best practices outlined in this article, woodworkers can ensure a safer environment for themselves and those around them. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsman, always prioritize safety. For more insights and tips on woodworking, check out our other articles like 10 Woodworking Products to Make and Sell Vol. 1, Beginner Woodworking Tips and Tricks

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