Questions tagged [safety]
Questions dealing with safety issues in woodworking. Equipment usage, techniques etc. where the potential harm to self or others exists.
140
questions
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59 views
Is water-based polyurethane completely scratch resistant?
Just received a custom table finished with minwax water-based polyurethane. It's been about a week so I tested applying pressure with my fingernail, which did leave a small scratch if you look closely....
0
votes
2answers
71 views
Wide or narrow side between blade and fence in rip cut on table saw
I've heard lots of rip cut guides say that you should have your workpiece between the blade and the fence and the offcut on the free side of the blade.
The thing that bothers me about this advice is ...
1
vote
3answers
621 views
Can I use an oversized blade on a radial arm saw?
I have a 10” Craftsman radial arm saw that serves most of my shop cutting needs. However, occasionally I need to cut through material that is just a bit thicker than what can fit under the blade. ...
2
votes
2answers
129 views
Problem in the shank diameter of trim router bits
My router supports 6mm shank bits. However the bits that I have are 6.35mm shank diameter.
Can I safely and reliably change the collet of the router to accept a 6.35mm tool without compromising safety?...
1
vote
1answer
157 views
Why do people claim a Radial Arm Saw is so dangerous (making dado cuts)?
I'm not going to buy one, but I'm curious...I saw one for sale on Craigslist and did a search on it (was thinking of using it for dado cuts). Saw lots of postings about the dangers of the saw ...
5
votes
2answers
669 views
Is it safe to use just the chippers in a dado stack?
I have a dado set that comes with a 1/16" and a 3/32" chipper. These will be perfect for the 5/32" dado I need to cut. Unfortunately, the outer blades are each 1/4", so there's no ...
0
votes
1answer
93 views
Can I put a 25 gallon fish tank on an amazon basics desk? [closed]
I have a desk from amazon, it says it holds up to 200lbs. Not sure what the tank weighs when full, I’m just wondering if y’all think it’ll hold the weight with some extra support in the center maybe?
2
votes
1answer
131 views
Confusing warning in manual for Dewalt DWS715 miter saw
I just purchased a Dewalt DWS715 miter saw. I have never used one in my life, so naturally I am carefully reading the entire manual (here) first.
There is "miter lock knob" which securely ...
0
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0answers
40 views
Wood sag question
I used a 2ft. piece of 2x12 Doug Fir as a small ramp for truck.
When truck weight was on the 2x12; the 2x12 flexed (sagged) a little and when the weight was removed the 2x12 went back into its regular ...
1
vote
1answer
121 views
Is there an advantage to removing the guard on a grinder with a CBN wheel?
I've been reading about CBN "diamond" wheels (*) recently which apparently are great for sharpening woodworking tools.
In comparison to traditional grinding wheels which apparently are ...
1
vote
1answer
86 views
Recommendations for securing a high torque drill with a larger bit
This is not a major problem, but I recently encountered an issue in which I was drilling a medium sized hole, about 1.5", in a small piece of treated wood. The bit was a fairly new and fairly ...
0
votes
1answer
112 views
Is it safe to use a Craftsman molding head on a shaper?
I have a Powermatic shaper, 3HP, with a 3/4 spindle.
I'm wondering if it is appropriate to use a molding head of this type on that machine:
The molding head will fit a 3/4" spindle/arbor. I can ...
1
vote
3answers
2k views
Adding a "plank" like section to the edge of a table to allow for monitor stands/ mic stands
I am using an Ikea dining table as my work table. It works wonderfully, is made of quality pine and looks good. Recently, I was considering adding a VESA table clamp monitor stand but the table has a ...
1
vote
2answers
98 views
How to make compound cuts for struts in a icosahedron?
I'm making a dodecahedron and an icosahedron from struts of wood with compound mitre cuts. I have a compound mitre saw. I've made some test joints and the dodecahedron joints seem fine:
while the ...
8
votes
3answers
483 views
How did I bend this router bit? What safety or operating step did I miss?
I turned on my compact router with a tongue cutting bit installed. Immediately after I hit the on switch I heard grinding noises and felt the router try to wobble out of my grip. I turned off the ...
1
vote
1answer
48 views
Advice on safely storing chemicals outside
I am setting up my new home shop and am considering a smallish yellow metal chemical safe to store alcohol, varnish, etc.
I am wondering if I would not be better off for fire safety and indoor air ...
2
votes
1answer
169 views
Do chainsaw gloves protect your hands from the blade of a jigsaw?
I know that gloves of any kind do not protect a woodworker against a circular saw, on the contrary they can make matters worse. However, when using a jigsaw, like the one in the picture, do chainsaw ...
0
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0answers
39 views
Cutting board from previously stained wood
I purchased some lumber from a third party which included a large walnut slab that had previously been stained on one side (I don't know what it was). I wanted to turn it into a few cutting boards, so ...
-1
votes
1answer
169 views
What are the less commonly discussed must-haves in your woodshop first-aid kit?
I was talking with a relative who is an EMT. I asked them what thing I should have in my first aid kit that wouldn't be obvious to me (or that would not come in a typical store-bought first aid kit). ...
1
vote
2answers
243 views
Varnish in contact with skin for outdoor material
I'd like to "re-fresh" a balance bike.
According to the constructor, its laminated body is made of
Simply superply™. Nothing but hand-picked, grade a veneers bonded with the finest marine ply "WBP"...
2
votes
1answer
232 views
How thin a blade in plunge saw
I have recently purchased a plunge saw and a blade. The saw is a Mac Allister MSPS1200, which is a rebranded Titan in UK, similar to many cheap ones. The blade is a good Freud 1.7mm kerf.
I have now ...
1
vote
1answer
503 views
How thick to make toddler bed slats
I'm building a bed for my toddler out of pine, and wondering what dimension wood I should use for the bed slats, and how many. Toddler mattresses are generally on the order of 52" x 27" or 28", so I'm ...
0
votes
1answer
419 views
Using a jigsaw for joinery
I was wondering about the feasibility of using a jigsaw to cut half lap joints. Is it even possible? How would one go about it?
I thought that maybe one could set up a small jig to elevate the jigsaw ...
2
votes
1answer
98 views
Emerald Ash Borer: pesticide safety concerns?
I've been working with ash lately, turning several bowls and using for jaws in a workbench. A fellow woodworker was explaining some of the effects of the emerald ash borer to me and how it's affecting ...
1
vote
2answers
507 views
Handle cutouts safely using a router
I'm new to using a router and have been experimenting with basic cuts on a table. I have not tried a handheld or freehanded on the table. I recently did all the cuts to make a serving tray and I want ...
4
votes
1answer
74 views
Crib/cot construction safety norms
I was planning to build a bedside cot for a newborn and I was looking for some safety standard to follow. All I could find were places where these are sold (like https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/search-...
0
votes
0answers
165 views
Exposure to a lot of oak sanding dust when didn’t know the harm...advice please!
I got into rustic oak furniture making a few years ago and used a belt sander and detail sander outside on the pieces (about 20 days solid in total spread over 3 years, but covered in dust). I also ...
1
vote
3answers
165 views
How to prevent short off-cuts from flying everywhere?
I am mitering some 21" boards for picture frames using a tablesaw. The first cut leaves a small off-cut to the right of the blade. Sometimes it goes flying, or even gets caught between the blade and ...
2
votes
1answer
120 views
Safe to make a cable organisation box out of wood?
I have quite a tangle of cables leading between the internet router, television, A/V reciever and Xbox.
Was thinking about building a box to dump the power bars and cables into. (UK plugs)
Was ...
11
votes
2answers
6k views
How to soundproof the Wood Shop?
I hold a small (15qm) Wood Shop at the basement, where I have the classic power tools like: a miter saw, a bench saw and a wood drill press and some other hand power tools.
There is a real issue ...
1
vote
1answer
403 views
Table saw cross cut on panel
I'm a beginner who wants to be safe here!
I need to cut multiple boards (let's say 10" x 16") with a table saw.
My first cut was going to make a 16" rip cut on my 4 foot plywood and then cross cut ...
2
votes
1answer
343 views
What does methyl bromide look like on timber?
I have timber from pallets without any stamps. From my research, un-stamped pallets may be for domestic use and, therefore, are not treated in any way.
With that said the timber has some granular ...
6
votes
1answer
548 views
Wood Lathe Safety Drive Center: Correct Usage?
I'm just starting to learn how to use the skew chisel in spindle turning and after watching one of Alan Lacer's videos I decided to invest in a safety drive center, shown below:
He had his students ...
4
votes
1answer
614 views
Cutting rabbets with a table saw against the fence
I'm very new to woodworking (I've only just started out in an online course), and I've been trying my best to educate myself on safe practices. Recently, I've been thinking about how rabbets are cut ...
1
vote
1answer
115 views
If I make a stool from this composite (?) wood, will it end in tears?
I want to try making a stool based on this video series by Paul Sellers. Unlike Paul, I will use some power tools (power drill, oscillating tool for sanding/cutting, maybe rotary tool for sanding). ...
3
votes
1answer
101 views
Table saw setup - calibration?
I am planning on a few different projects around the house for the new year, including some bookcases for the bedroom, a couple of shelf units, a new aquarium stand, and possibly built in closet ...
-2
votes
2answers
100 views
Help me get started [closed]
I have never done woodworking, but it seems cool and I would love to become good at it, where should I start? where did you start?
Thank you
2
votes
1answer
215 views
Protective clothing for circular saws? [closed]
What protective clothing (upper body, lower body, and footwear) should I wear for circular saws?
Regarding lower body, I read that chainsaw Kevlar chaps stop safety-spec-conforming gas-powered (but ...
4
votes
2answers
391 views
How to cut a double rabbet joint (that looks like two stair steps) for tablet holder?
I am making a tablet holder. The tablet rests against a piece of plywood, and is surrounded on three sides by hardwood rails. The hard wood rails need to have a two step rabbet, one step for the ...
2
votes
3answers
1k views
What are some good ways to cut 1/8" strips of hardwood?
Considering quality of cut and safety, I'm looking for suggestions on good tools/methods for cutting 1/8" knife blanks. The other dimensions would be 6-8" and 1.5-2.5".
I make straight razor scales ...
2
votes
5answers
209 views
What kind of finishes can kids safely work with and apply?
I'm developing a hands-on workshop/demo series for elementary schools kids. At some point, I'd like the kids to apply a finish to the baubles I/we make during the workshops.
What would be a good wood ...
3
votes
3answers
3k views
What are the best substitutes when nothing labelled as "Denatured alcohol" can be found in your area?
In the process of replacing methanol solvents (methyl hydrate) in my shop with arguably less toxic ethanol-based "denatured alcohol", I've encountered difficulty in finding any product labelled ...
4
votes
4answers
348 views
Is it appropriate for an 8 year-old to act as a 'helper,' ripping sheets on a table saw?
Serious question. I know of a child who at eight years old was instructed to help the operator of a table saw guide large (8 X 4 foot) plywood sheets through it. Neither operator nor child were ...
6
votes
1answer
112 views
Stopping a table saw by turning off at the outlet
I have the much-maligned Makita MLT100 table saw. For all its faults, after a fair amount of fettling I've got it working fine.
However I've taken to stopping the saw by turning off the switch at the ...
2
votes
1answer
275 views
Questions around designing and building an indoor climbing frame
As the winter is coming, we're planning with my wife to build a simple, indoor climbing frame for our small children and ourselves.
We're also thinking of doing it ourselves as we can't afford to pay ...
2
votes
2answers
437 views
How can I safely cut this thin stock with a small angle on a right tilting table saw?
I am replacing the meeting rail on some wood windows due to damage. I need to make a a roughly 36" strip that is this cross-section:
How can I safely cut this on a right-tilting table? It's also ...
0
votes
1answer
93 views
Can I use polycarbonate sheets in a candle holder?
I'm making a candle holder out of wood (yes, that's the tenuous link to this forum; I cannot find an answer anywhere else!) and I would like to know if it's feasible to use polycarbonate sheets ...
5
votes
2answers
377 views
Mitigating static shocks from a Festool router
I am using a Festool router with a 1-1/2 Amana straight bit to create breadboard tenons on a table top. This appears to be generating a lot of static electricity -- evidenced by the jolts I receive if ...
1
vote
3answers
190 views
Safety of commercial oil for cutting boards
Recently I've asked in a couple of places about which oils should be used to finish cutting/butcher boards. Mineral oils were on the list as well as other types of products (tung oil, waxes, etc.). ...
2
votes
1answer
136 views
Bandsaw GFCI tripping
I have an old 1950s bandsaw (Beaver 2300) that has been refitted with a new motor. It runs fine. But now that I am using a power bar with a built in GFCI, the GFCI trips under heavy load. When I ...
