> Safety First

Safety Rules Every Woodworker Should Know
There are a few simple safety rules that every woodworker should always follow. Make safety a habit, and you'll be much less likely to encounter a problem when woodworking.

Woodworking Safety Equipment
There are a few simple pieces of safety equipment that every woodworker should use. Developing the habit of using the safety equipment every time you work in the shop will help protect you from injury.

Wood Turning Safety and Safety Equipment
When wood turning on a lathe, as with other woodworking tools, safety should be the woodworker's first concern. Learn the special precautions one should keep in mind when wood turning, to make wood turning fun and safe.

Woodworking Safety Glasses
The most important rule of woodworking is to always wear safety glasses, no matter what task you're performing in the workshop. Your eyesight is too important to work without them. Learn what you should look for when buying a quality pair of safety glasses.

Hearing Protection
Another very important part of woodworking safety is to implement hearing protection when working with loud power tools such as planers and routers. Whether you choose ear plugs or full coverage ear muffs, it is important to protect your hearing. Learn the advantages of different types of hearing protection.

Wear Appropriate Clothing
When working in the wood shop, it is imperative that the woodworker be dressed appropriately. Loosely fitting clothing can easily get caught in power tools, which can lead to injury or even death. Learn the appropriate attire for safe woodworking.

Is the "New" Pressure-Treated Lumber Safe?
For years, pressure-treated lumber was treated with an arsenic-based substance to help protect against moisture. In recent years, health concerns caused the United States' Environmental Protection Agency to convince lumber companies to change to a new, copper-based formula. However, is this new formula better? Learn how to build safer woodworking projects using this "new" pressure-treated lumber.

Woodworking Workshop Lighting Tips
When designing the layout of your woodworking shop, pay special attention to lighting. A well-lit shop should have consistent illumination on all work surfaces so you can use your woodworking tools from any angle without casting shadows.

Avoiding Drugs and Alcohol When Woodworking
There are a number of common-sense rules that should always be adhered to when woodworking. One of the most sensible is to never work with wood when under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. In this woodworking tip, we discuss ways to avoid potential injury from woodworking while under the influence.

Choosing Proper Router Bit Speeds
When working with large diameter bits on your router, the general rule is the larger the bit the slower the speed. However, to be proper, there is a little more detail to the rule. Learn how to properly choose your router bit speed, to give you the best results on your woodworking projects.

Tips for Using Your Band Saw Safely and Effectively
The band saw is generally regarded as one of the safest woodworking tools in the wood shop, provided, of course, that basic safety rules are followed. Learn the basics of how to use your band saw effectively and safely.

Work Safely with Your Compound Miter Saw
The compound miter saw is a favorite tool among woodworkers for its precision and versatility. It also can be a very dangerous tool if used improperly. Learn some habits that you should follow whenever using your miter saw, to help prevent injury from your woodworking tool.

Using Your Radial Arm Saw Safely
Radial arm saws are among the most versatile tools in the wood shop. They can be used to cross-cut, rip, cut compound angles, cut dadoes and rabbets on your woodworking projects. Like all other woodworking tools, they can be dangerous if used improperly. Learn safety tips for using your radial arm saw safely.

Teaching Kids Shop Safety
You don't have to be an adult to be interested in woodworking. Here are some suggestions on how to teach shop safety to your kids.

How Accidents Happen
Here is some more common-sense reading to reinforce the importance of safety in the shop, with links to specific tool safety tips.