Popular Woodworking 2007-11 № 165, страница 56

But if the piece of wood is wide enough so that my push hand can be more than 3" from the guard, I will not use a push stick when ripping on the table saw. I will explain when and when not to use push sticks later in the series. Just as a hint: When using a push stick you surrender a degree of control.

Personal Safety

Even though your home shop isn't regulated by OSHA, it makes sense to observe the same safety rules used in industry to protect workers. You can't do woodworking from a hospital bed, and there is nothing more precious than your health. Personal safety — which includes your eyes, ears, lungs and hands — are priority one when it comes to safety.

I have always worn safety glasses and can't imagine how hard it would be to live in a world without sight. I recommend that you always wear ANSI-approved eye wear while working in the shop. It's also good to have goggles as well as a face shield in the shop for when the chips really fly.

I've always been especially concerned for my lungs and make it a habit to use high-quality dust masks when needed. I recommend the kind that are NIOSH rated for woodshop dust particulate and can be reused from day to day under normal working conditions. I replace these when they start to loosen up and no longer fit properly or when they become so used that they no longer are easy to breathe through.

Keep away from the guard. Your push sticks and hold-downs should be designed so you can obey the 3" rule. These push sticks look different than traditional ones, but they offer advantages.

These "particulate respirators" are not suitable for solvents, oils, resins and finishing. I always use a high-quality NIOSH approved mask that has charcoal cartridges that filter out toxins from finishing materials. It's a good idea to store these overnight in a plastic bag. These masks must be properly selected, based on the contaminant and its concentration level. They must be properly fitted and used in accordance with all the manufacturer's instructions. It might be a good idea to buy this type of mask from an auto parts store that sells automotive paints. Sales people there can help you choose the correct cartridges and show you how to adjust the fit of the mask, plus they can explain the correct way to store the mask and when it is time to change cartridges.

Ear plugs have always been my weakness. I should have used them more often when I first started working with wood — especially with routers. During the last 15 years I have become more vigilant about protecting my hearing and today would not be in the shop without them. You have to choose what works best for you. Some people use the foam ear plugs and some use the ear muffs. Be aware that foam ear plugs have to be inserted properly to work and ear muffs can get awfully hot. There have been times when I have used foam plugs along with ear muffs for extra protection (usually as a way to doubly block out the sounds of my wife calling to disrupt my shop time).

The issue of gloves is important. I definitely recommend that you wear heavy-duty rigger's gloves when handling large timber or stacking wood and when carrying heavy sheet stock such as plywood, particle board or MDF. But I would never wear gloves while using power equipment. Any saw that rotates or reciprocates can grab the glove and pull you into the machine. With heavy gloves you lose tactile ability that is important. Your fingerprints have a sticky quality that's important when pushing a board forward or back.

When it comes to solvents, finishing materials and resins, a good rule is if you stick your hands in it then you should stick your hands in gloves first. Be aware that some solvents and resins affect rubber and latex gloves differently.

54 ■ Popular Woodworking November 2007