WORKSHOP SAFETY

Safety First, Always

Woodworking is incredibly rewarding, but power tools demand respect. A moment of inattention can result in serious injury. This guide covers essential safety practices that every woodworker must follow, from beginners to professionals.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eye Protection

Safety glasses are non-negotiable. Every operation that creates chips, dust, or flying debris requires eye protection. Regular prescription glasses are not sufficient—they don't protect from the sides. Use ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses or a full face shield for operations like turning or grinding.

Hearing Protection

Power tools are loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage. Table saws, routers, and planers regularly exceed 90 decibels—the threshold where hearing protection is required. Use foam earplugs (properly inserted) or earmuff-style hearing protectors. Hearing loss is cumulative and irreversible.

Respiratory Protection

Wood dust is a known carcinogen, and fine dust particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. A dust collection system is your first line of defense, but it doesn't capture everything. Use a properly fitted N95 respirator for sanding operations. For finishing with solvent-based products, use a respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

Clothing and Accessories

Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and long sleeves around rotating machinery. Tie back long hair. Gloves should never be worn around spinning tools—they can catch and pull your hand into the blade. Wear close-fitting clothes and remove rings, watches, and bracelets before entering the shop.

Table Saw Safety

The table saw is the most dangerous tool in the shop, responsible for more injuries than any other tool. However, following proper procedures makes it safe to use.

Blade Height

Set the blade height so teeth protrude about 1/4 inch above the workpiece. This minimizes blade exposure while providing clean cuts. Never raise the blade higher than necessary.

Riving Knife and Blade Guard

The riving knife prevents the kerf from closing on the blade, which causes kickback. Never remove it. The blade guard protects your hands from the blade. Only remove guards when absolutely necessary for specific operations, and reinstall immediately after.

Push Sticks and Featherboards

Never put your hands within 6 inches of the blade. Use push sticks, push blocks, or featherboards to control the workpiece. Keep several push sticks near the saw so they're always available. If a push stick gets damaged, that's a success—it saved your hand.

Kickback Prevention

Kickback occurs when the blade catches the workpiece and throws it back at the operator with tremendous force. Prevent kickback by using a riving knife, standing to the side of the blade (not directly behind it), and never reaching over the blade. Don't cut warped or twisted wood on the table saw.

Router Safety

Routers spin at 20,000+ RPM and can grab workpieces violently. Proper technique is essential for safe operation.

Feed Direction

Always feed against the bit rotation. For handheld routers on the outside edge of a board, move counterclockwise. On the inside edge, move clockwise. Feeding with the rotation (climb cutting) can cause the router to run away from you.

Bit Depth

Make deep cuts in multiple passes rather than one heavy cut. This reduces strain on the router, produces cleaner cuts, and is much safer. Maximum depth per pass should be about 1/8 inch for most operations.

Secure the Workpiece

Clamp the workpiece securely. Never try to hold small pieces by hand while routing—use a router table or secure clamping. The router should never be able to grab and throw the workpiece.

General Power Tool Safety

Hand Tool Safety

Hand tools may seem safer than power tools, but they can still cause serious injuries. Sharp chisels and hand saws demand respect.

Chisel Safety

Always cut away from your body. Keep both hands behind the cutting edge. Secure the workpiece so it can't move. Sharp chisels are safer than dull ones—they require less force and are more predictable.

Hand Saw Safety

Keep your free hand well away from the saw path. Use a bench hook or clamp to secure the workpiece. Start cuts carefully to establish the kerf before applying full strokes.

Workshop Environment

Lighting

Adequate lighting is a safety issue. You need to see clearly to work safely. Install bright, shadow-free lighting throughout the shop, with task lighting at each machine.

Dust Collection

Wood dust is both a health hazard and a fire hazard. Install dust collection at each major tool. Supplement with air filtration to capture fine dust that escapes collection. Clean the shop regularly—accumulated dust is a fire risk.

Fire Safety

Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible. Know how to use it. Dispose of finishing rags properly—oil-soaked rags can spontaneously combust. Store them in a metal can with a lid, or spread them flat to dry before disposal.

First Aid

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the shop. Know where it is and how to use it. Have a phone readily available to call for help. Consider taking a first aid course.

Mental Safety Checklist

Before starting any operation, run through this mental checklist:

If the answer to any question is no, stop and address the issue before proceeding. Safety is never an accident—it's the result of careful planning and consistent habits.