Shopsmith Hands On!

Everyone knows that working with power tools can be hazardous. So, what can you do to protect yourself from injury?

The simple answer...let common sense be your guide. The list below contains safety rules that apply to power tools in general. Use this list to develop a mental checklist that you go over in your mind BEFORE you turn on any power tool.

Print out this list...mount it on poster-board and hang it in a highly visible area of your shop. Let this list remind you and everyone who visits or uses your shop that SAFETY is the first rule in woodworking!

KNOW YOUR POWER TOOLS -- Read, understand and follow all the safety rules contained in the Owner's Manuals that came with your power tools. Understand their capabilities, limitations and potential hazards thoroughly before using them.

GROUND ALL POWER TOOLS (unless double insulated) -- Grounding prevents electrical shock. Tools should have approved, three-prong grounding plugs and be plugged into mating three-hole receptacles. If necessary, use a temporary adapter with a grounding wire to plus a tool with a three-pronged plug into a two-hole receptacle and attach the ground wire on the adapter to an appropriate ground. (NOTE: These adapters are not allowed in Canada.)

NEVER OPERATE POWER TOOLS AROUND STANDING WATER -- If you have a power tool in an area where water could come into play, plug it into a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) circuit. In the event water gets into the area unexpectedly during use and causes a short, this special circuit will disconnect the power instantaneously, preventing electrical shock and injury. Special GFI extension cords are available to convert an ordinary grounded receptacle into a GFI circuit.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION -- Always wear safety glasses with side shields when working with power tools. If you're cutting green wood with a chain saw or performing other operations (such a lathe turning) where large wood chips could be flying about, a protective face shield will provide even better protection.

WEAR EAR PROTECTION -- Many power tools (most notably, table saws, jointers, planers and routers) produce loud, high-frequency sounds that can damage your hearing. When working with noisy tools, always wear hearing protectors .

KEEP ALL GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER -- Power tool guards are provided for your protection. Although, at times, their use may be inconvenient, USE THEM. The majority of power tool injuries occur when operators are using them unguarded.

DISCONNECT THE POWER -- NEVER make adjustments, change spindle-mounted accessories, perform maintenance or service your tools with the power connected. ALWAYS turn off your tools before removing wood scraps.

REDUCE THE RISK OF UN-INTENTIONAL STARTING -- Double-check to make sure all power tool switches are turned off before plugging-in any power tool.

DON'T STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND THE WORKPIECE WHEN FEEDING IT INTO A TOOL -- This is particularly important with table saws and similar tools where the workpiece could grab and be thrown back into your body. If your table saw or radial arm saw has an upper guard with anti-kick-back fingers, ALWAYS use this guard to prevent dangerous kick-backs.

WEAR A DUST MASK -- Breathing sawdust is a health hazard. Always use a Dust Collection System and wear a dust mask to eliminate airborne dust at the source and filter-out as much as possible before it reaches your lungs.

NEVER OPERATE POWER TOOLS IF YOU ARE FATIGUED, TAKING MEDICATION OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.

REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES FROM YOUR TOOL BEFORE TURNING IT ON -- Many injuries occur from flying Allen wrenches and Chuck Keys.

KEEP YOUR WORK AREA WELL LIT, CLEAN AND FREE OF CLUTTER.

PROTECT ALL SHOP VISITORS -- All shop visitors should be asked to stand a safe distance away from power tools and wear eye and ear protection.

MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILD-PROOF -- Install padlocks, lockable master switches or removable power keys on all power tools to prevent unauthorized use. Keep all sharp tools and toxic finishing supplies under lock-and-key.

DON'T FORCE TOOLS -- A tool or accessory will produce better results and be safer for the operator if it is used at the rate for which it was designed. Force-feeding workpieces through blades or cutters is hazardous and could lead to personal injury. Slow down and allow the blade or cutter to do its job.

USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB -- Don't use a tool or accessory to perform a job for which it was not intended.

WEAR PROPER APPAREL -- NEVER wear loose clothing, gloves or jewelry when working with power tools. ALWAYS roll sleeves up above the elbows, wear non-slip footwear and tuck long hair under a hat.

SECURE THE WORKPIECE -- When practical, use a vise, clamps or fixture to hold a workpiece in position when working on it with a tool. It's safer than using your hand and frees both hands to better control the tool.

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