| There are many who enjoy wood carving or other | | | | slices through the wood easier, making it safer and |
| wood working projects, but there are many | | | | quicker to use. It, also, leaves a cleaner path behind. |
| accidents in the workshop that could have been | | | | Sharpening equates to less effort, which means less |
| avoided with due care. Safety in the workshop is | | | | force. When less force is needed, more control is |
| important both for you and your project. For | | | | possible, making the work safer. Think through each |
| instance, poor lighting can increase fatigue which can | | | | operation before you execute it and use an alternate |
| lead to making poor choices in the safe use of tools. | | | | technique if the one you plan will put you at risk of |
| Dim lighting also causes shadows that contribute to | | | | an accident. |
| measurement errors, putting your project at risk. So | | | | With any type of wood work, wood chips and |
| evaluate the lighting conditions in your work area to | | | | sawdust are a byproduct. Always keep your |
| ensure adequate lighting for the safe use of sharp | | | | workshop neat and clean. A dirty or cluttered work |
| hand tools. | | | | area provides tripping hazards and excess dust can |
| Having your work surface at a comfortable height will | | | | become a breathing hazard. Sweep up the sawdust |
| create less tension that could cause back, shoulder or | | | | on a regular basis and wipe up any spilled liquid to |
| neck strain. If you, also, have plenty of room to set | | | | avoid slipping. It's also a good idea to wear protective |
| out your tools and project then, not only do you | | | | equipment such as dust masks and goggles to |
| have room to safely work on your project but your | | | | protect your health. |
| tools can be properly organized, as well, to avoid | | | | Before you start a project, it's a good idea to look |
| accidentally picking them up by the blade edge | | | | over your wood stock, inspecting it for loose knots, |
| instead of the handle. It is a good idea to only lay out | | | | twists, cupping or wet lumber. Any of these |
| the tools you're going to be working with, ensuring | | | | conditions can cause trouble if you're unaware of |
| the handles are pointed toward you. Keep all other | | | | them. |
| tools in their assigned place. | | | | Woodworking is an enjoyable, productive pastime if |
| Regardless of what type of project you're working | | | | done safely. Keep yourself safe by keeping your |
| on, always make sure your tools are in good | | | | work area clean and tidy, your tools sharp and your |
| condition and sharp. Sharp tools are essential in wood | | | | area well lit so you can properly see what you're |
| carving. A sharp carving tool works better because it | | | | doing. |