Safety Guide for Woodworking Students
Written by Staff Writer
Woodworking is a creative and valuable skill, but it's also one that involves working with sharp tools and powerful machines. Whether you're building a simple project or working on something more advanced, the most important thing in the shop is safety. Injuries can happen in seconds and many of them are preventable by following a few key rules.
General Shop Safety Rules
- Always wear safety glasses when you are in the shop, even if you are not currently using a tool or machine. Eye injuries can happen from flying debris at any time.
- Tie back long hair, tuck in loose clothing and remove any jewelry that could catch on moving parts. Avoid hooded sweatshirts or anything with dangling strings.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip-flops or shoes with slippery soles are not safe in a woodworking environment.
- Keep the shop neat and clean. Scrap wood, tools left out or sawdust piles can create tripping hazards or fire risks.
- Never run or play in the shop. Even joking around can lead to accidents when tools or machines are involved.
- Focus on what you're doing. If you're distracted, tired or in a rush, it's better to stop and come back to the work later.
- Know where the emergency equipment is located. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency stop buttons should be easy to find.
- Do not use a machine until you've been trained on it and have permission from your instructor. Watching someone else use it is not the same as getting proper instruction.
- Woodshop Health and Safety Rules
- Woodworking Safety Manual
- Safety Rules for Wood Studios
Machine Safety Rules
- Inspect each machine before use. Make sure guards are in place, switches are working properly and nothing seems damaged or unusual.
- Use push sticks, push blocks or other safety tools when needed. They help keep your hands away from blades and cutting surfaces.
- Never make adjustments to a machine while it's turned on. Always power it off and wait for it to come to a full stop before touching anything.
- Make sure your hands are dry and free of oil or glue. Wet hands can slip and cause accidents when handling tools or material.
- Stand to one side of the machine when starting it. This helps protect you in case something kicks back unexpectedly.
- Woodworking Shop Safety
- Hand and Power Tool Safety Guidelines
- Wood Shop Safety
Radial Arm Saw Safety Rules
- Before using the saw, set the blade depth and adjust the fence as needed. Make sure everything is tightened and locked in place.
- When cutting, pull the saw toward you slowly and steadily. Do not force it, as this can lead to kickback.
- Keep both hands away from the path of the blade. A minimum distance of 6 inches is a safe rule to follow.
- Use clamps or hold-downs to secure the wood when possible. This helps ensure a stable cut and protects your fingers.
- Never cross your arms while operating the saw. Always keep your hands in a natural, balanced position.
- Safety Analysis: Operating a Radial Arm Saw
- Radial Arm Saw Safety
- Safety Procedures for the Radial Arm Saw
Jointer Safety Rules
- Always inspect the wood before using the jointer. Remove nails, staples or other metal objects that could damage the blades or cause injury.
- Do not joint pieces of wood that are too short or too thin. A good rule is to avoid jointing anything less than 12 inches long or thinner than half an inch.
- Always use push blocks to guide the wood through the cutterhead. Never put your hands directly over the blades.
- Check that the blade guard is working properly and returns to cover the cutterhead after each pass.
- Feed the wood at a steady, even pace against the direction of the cutterhead. Do not force it or stop midway through the cut.
- Jointer Safety
- Jointer and Shaper Safety
- Jointer Safety Rules
Band Saw Safety Rules
- Adjust the upper blade guide so that it sits just above the surface of the wood you're cutting. This gives you better control and protects your fingers.
- Avoid backing out of a curved cut while the blade is still moving. Doing so can cause the blade to come off its track.
- When cutting small or narrow pieces, always use a push stick or guide block to keep your hands at a safe distance.
- Keep your fingers at least 2 inches away from the blade at all times. Never reach across the blade.
- Stand slightly to the side of the blade, not directly in line with it. This helps protect you if the blade breaks or jumps.
- Band Saw Safety
- Safety Tips for Band Saw Users
- Band Saw Safety Checklist
Drill Press Safety Rules
- Clamp down your work before drilling. Loose pieces can spin or lift unexpectedly, causing injury or ruining your project.
- Choose the correct drill bit for the material and make sure that it is securely tightened in the chuck.
- Always remove the chuck key before turning on the machine. Leaving it in place can cause serious injuries.
- Adjust the speed of the drill press based on the size of the bit and the type of material you're drilling.
- Let the bit come to a full stop before removing your material or trying to clear away chips or dust.
- Drill Press Safety Guidelines
- Drill Press Safety and Operation
- Shop Safety Procedures: Drill Press
Belt/Disc Sander Safety Rules
- Use the downward-moving side of the disc when sanding. Sanding on the upward side can pull the wood out of your hands.
- Keep your hands and fingers away from the moving sanding surface. Always maintain control of your work.
- When sanding small items, use a sanding jig or clamp the piece to a block of wood for safer handling.
- Apply light pressure. Let the sander do the work rather than forcing the material against the abrasive surface.
- Make sure the table is adjusted close to the belt or disc so your material doesn't catch or slip into a gap.
- Portable Sander Safety
- Sanding Machine Safety
- Belt and Disc Sander Safety Guidelines
If you ever feel unsure about how to use a tool or machine, stop and ask for help. There's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to safety. The more careful and prepared you are, the more confident you'll become and that makes you a better woodworker.