10 Safety Tips for Woodworkers

Woodworking can be fun, but there are some hidden dangers that most hobbyists aren’t aware of. There can be some severe injuries from the flying wooden chips hurting your eyes to the cutting blade harming your finger. You are at a reasonable risk of getting an electrical shock or being cut by the tools.

Not only with tools, but there are also tons of chances, which can lead to severe cuts and bruises. And how can we forget the danger of loose clothing or hanging jewelry getting caught in moving machines.

But, now that you are here, we got you!

We are providing you the top 10 safety tips here using which you can stay safe even with sharp types of equipment around you. Even professionals can make the best use of this content to ensure a secure job right from beginning to the end using these tips.

So, without seconds late, let’s begin with the safety tips necessary for everyone involved in working on wood or with wood.

1. Never forget using the safety equipment

What safety equipment do you use while woodworking? If your answer is nothing, then it is high time to invest in a pair of safety goggles and protective glasses. Your eyes and hands are prone to injuries while working with wood.
No one can predict uncertainties, as even if you don’t injure yourself, others may do in your workshop. Thus, one should never involve in woodworking without safety measures and safety based tools.

In fact, there is separate safety equipment depending on the woodworking task. But, some of them are compulsory. For instance, you should never involve in wood cutting work without safety glasses. The wood powder or pieces emitted from the cutting process can damage your eyes instantly. Make sure your eyewear is in tune with the OSHA standards as Inferior eye protection can turn out to be an extremely bad investment.

Also, use earplugs to earmuffs that provide a lot of protection. If possible, also opt for a respirator that is appropriate to your task. This will ensure that toxic fumes do not enter your nose while you are working.

2. Proper outfit

Most professionals don’t worry about outfits while working with wood, but it can be dangerous as well. If you are wearing loose clothes, chances are a part of the attire can go along with the cutting head. In such a case, your outfit will surely damage, but due to diversion, you can damage your hands as well.

On the other hand, dangling jewelry like bracelets or rings can divert your mind and make you lose focus. Thus, make sure to wear an outfit that fits perfectly and remove the dangling jewelry before beginning. Outfits with full sleeves are also dangerous while handling sharp tools for filing the wood.

In fact opt for a proper balance of something that is non-restrictive and comfortable and also not hot and irritating. Also, safety clothing involves wearing gloves of the right type and also appropriate footwear.

In all, you might want to look a bit fashionable while working but mind you it is not a wise investment at all!!

3. Stay away from alcohol and drugs that mess with your focus

This tip should be followed by you without saying. But alas, people still commit this mistake and lose their judgment while on a woodworking project. The end results are quite fatal. Wanna know how?

These cause mood swings and reduce concentration power to a great extent leading to severe injuries. There are several cases that lead to death during woodworking only due to such consumptions.

Being drunk, you may choose the wrong tools and implement the incorrect procedure, which will either damage your work or damage yourself. However, the lack of proper handling is the common cause of injuries while woodworking.
Apart from consuming drugs or alcohol, one should also prevent keeping cigarettes in the mouth while working. Such scenes are found in movies, but they can be fatal too. Thus, it is better to be clean from the inside while involved in woodwork.

4. Always Disconnect Power When Replacing Bits and Blades

Changing the bits and blade is an essential part of woodworking. Some people even change the bits regularly as they spend a lot of time in their workshop dealing with wood.

Whenever you are about to change the blade or a bit, make sure to disconnect the power. A tool with connected power isn’t less than a working blade, and there can be some serious injuries.

All you have to do is, pull the power cord out of the wall outlet, and then get into the task of changing the bit or blade. You can also look for the woodworking guides on theedgecutter where they have some great tips for woodworkers.

Also, ensure to avoid just shutting off the tool when changing bits or blades. Instead, unplug your tool’s primary cord. As an extra precautionary measure, lock out the power. And, no matter how you do it, de-energize the tool entirely before servicing it. Always remember, being extra careful is far better than causing serious injuries

5. Never use blunt blades

Using blunt blades is one of the primary reasons leading to injuries while working on wood. Applying more force on the machine to cut wood due to the blunt head may drain your energy and thus causing fatigue. But, the common reason for the injuries due to the blunt blades is using excessive force and missing the head.

It’s better to change the blades as soon as you notice the change of behavior. Sharp edges of the blade not only assure safety but also can provide good grip and performance. Moreover, it will also produce cleaner cuts so the advantages are far more than just meant for safety. And who doesn’t want better results in the end after all!!

The same applies for sharp drill bits as they don’t bind/jam like dull bits. Also, do send your blades and bits for professional sharpening to avoid your cutting tools from getting dull over time.

6. Analyze the wooden surface before proceeding: –

Before starting the cutting procedure, it is necessary to check the targeted wood log’s surface. The presence of nails or metal pieces on the wooden surface can suddenly impact your blade.

Sudden jerks while handling the cutting machine can be fatal and lead to deeper cuts on fingers. Besides, the sparks emitted from the friction between nails and blades can divert the focus from the targeted area.

Sometimes, the metal or nail pieces can remain pierced inside the surface. Thus, the best way to ensure any metal pieces beneath the surface is to use a metal detector. Give a sweep around the wooden log, and you are good to go.
Also, clamp the work pieces firmly if the need arises. For small pieces, hand pressure is effective, but for bigger ones, use a mechanical restraint. In fact the market has an availability of many clamp forms; hence go creative with them.

7. Proper handling skills

Most woodworkers cut their fingers just because of their handling position. When you are using a saw to cut the wood, point your finger right behind the space of placement.

This will ensure a proper target, but you should hold the saw only using the handle provided in it. Misplacement of hands-on anywhere else can lead to imbalance, and the marking finger could cut within a glance.

One should follow the instruction manual properly before hopping-on for cutting when it comes to the lathe machine. However, proper handling skills come from experience; thus, safety equipment plays a significant role during practice sessions.

8. The direction of cutting

No matter whether you are holding wood for lathe machines or blade, the order of cutting the wood matters a lot. There are numerous cutting methods; the standard procedure is to go in the opposite direction.

The direction of blade rotation should be opposite to the direction of wood movement. Moving both of them in the same direction takes your hands closer to the blades. Thus, the risk factor for injuries increases to a great extent. You may require a few days of practice for this, but you can start with the basics.

And in reality, most of the occasional hobbyists or novice woodworkers are unaware of this safety tip. This is because it is not something natural and obvious to work against the cutter.

So, next time you are in a shop, then ensure to work against your cutting tools for safety and better results.

9. Keep the Distractions Away

A safe and sound environment is quite essential while working with sharp tools and cutting machines. It helps to focus on a particular work without any distractions.

Thus, whether you are in a factory or in your own garage, try to keep your room free from distractions. The best way to reduce distractions in a working space is to wear earplugs. The less you distract, the less you will be chances of getting injured.

On the other hand, you should also look for proper lighting conditions around the workspace. Dim lights make the target area hard to see and make you get closer to the blades. On the other hand, brighter lights can make your eyes uncomfortable while focusing on a single wood for a long time.

Apart from light and sound, table position or the bench press position are also essential to ensure safety. If you are uncomfortable with the table’s height and the blades’ proper placement, you are more prone to injury.

Keeping the distractions away will bring safety closer!

10. Never try to get closer to a running blade

Getting closer to a running edge is actually one of the most dangerous scenarios one can come across.

You may want to clean the soil or small pieces of wood from the targeted area or cut. But, the best way to clean the wooden pieces is to use a brush or stick. If you want to use your hand, it’s better to switch off the machine.

Never try to move your hands when the blade is running because a small distraction can be fatal. Sometimes switches can be faulty or loosen up, which may lead to a restart if your hand is close by. Not only this, there are many other scenarios, which can lead to cuts when you are closer to the running blade.

Instead, focus on reaching around a running blade in case you wish to get behind it. And if something suddenly comes up, then shut the tool off and stop the blade. Also, don’t forget to use blade guards and make sure to keep them handy.

Final Verdict

All those tips mentioned earlier are for everyone working with wood and using woodworking tools. Whether you are a professional or a novice, you must take care of all these tips to ensure safe work even in distractions.

Gear up with the safety equipment every time you are up to woodworking. This will reduce the chances of risk to the maximum level. But, the handling skills and marking skills are also equally essential, which is why the presence of an instructor is always best.

One must go through enough classes to handle the lathe machines or any other blades before trying it directly on the wood. Furthermore, make sure to go through the complete instruction manual before using a new device. Even online classes are useful in training your intellect and reflexes, but these safety tips are a must for any wood works.