Four Tools That Increase Woodworking Safety

Woodworking is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it’s important to remember that safety should always be your number one priority. Luckily, there are a few different tools out there that can help you stay safe while working with wood.  Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, these tools will help you keep your workspace safe and accident-free.

From dust masks and eye protection to push sticks, all of these tools are essential for any woodworker. Not only will they help you stay safe, but using them will increase your efficiency and make your projects easier. So, let’s take a look at the four tools that will help you stay safe while woodworking.

Personal Protective Equipment

No matter what type of project you’re working on, it’s important to have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This can include items like gloves, ear protection, eye protection, dust masks, and clothing specifically designed for woodworking projects. Depending on how complex the project is, some PPE may be required even when using hand tools.

Chord Reel

From power tools to shop fans, you likely have electrical chords of all kinds running throughout your shop. One way to increase shop safety and eliminate trip hazards is to organize your electric wires.  There are two ways to do this: (1) when using extension chords to run your equipment, utilize a chor reel to store them when you are done or (2) use chord concealers to keep them flush with the ground (you can also use duck tape if you have that on hand already).

Organizational Tools

Organizational tools like clamps and vises are also an important part of staying safe when doing any woodworking project. Clamps keep pieces firmly in place while drilling or sawing so that they don’t slip unexpectedly while being worked on. A vise, on the other hand, holds larger pieces securely in place while also keeping them at the ideal height for your comfort. A plastic vise jaw is a great option for protecting both the workpiece and the vise itself from getting scratched during projects that involve glue or other adhesives.

Dust Collection Systems

Finally, setting up a dust collection system is when doing any kind of woodworking project. Inhaling too much sawdust can be harmful to your health over time, so it’s important to invest in a dust collection system that will safely trap particles before they become airborne. This can include items such as a dust collector for large machines or handheld vacuums with additional attachments for small nooks or tight corners where larger vacuums won’t fit.

Conclusion

It’s important to make sure that woodworking safety is your highest priority, regardless of the project. By investing in the right tools and following some simple safety protocols, you’ll be able to enjoy woodworking in a safe and rewarding way. Starting with the four tools discussed in this article, you’ll be able to make sure that you’re doing your best to stay safe in the workshop.