Woodworker's Journal 2011-35-1, страница 23

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Phil Gross designs small projects, such as boxes, trays and turnings, that he can complete in one sitting.

As a result, my projects arc designed to fit my abilities. I keep the projects small in order to create them in a sitting position. Boxes and trays made on the router table work very well. It's an opportunity to use box joints, dovetail joints and splines. To add interest, and since we live near the California wine country, I have lined the bottom of trays with wine corks from various wineries.

Caning also interests me. As long as the project is kept small, I carve sitting down. Working with the lathe is my favorite pursuit. Because of balance problems, the lathe is particularly suited for me. Sitting gives ine a relatively stable stance and is enhanced by one hand on a rigid object, which is similar to the third leg on a stool. This is provided with my left hand secured on the tool-rest holding the tool stable while the right hand directs the angle and die depth of the cut. There are detailed

instructions on the stance needed for good woodtuniing, and these have to be modified to the sitting position. There are obviously enough disabled people to provide a market, as at least two major lathe producers offer lathes for use in the sitting position.

1 am aware of the risk of picking up objects — like a screw on the floor. In this case, a device to grasp things is helpful. Some of these grabbers come with a magnet at the tip, which simplifies picking up small metal objects.

Another common problem for me is loss of balance. Falling down usually occurs when 1 do not have the patience or sense to use the grabbing device to pick something off the floor. When this happens, I call for help through a service agency. This is done by use of a device, worn like a wristwatch, and activated by

The author uses a lathe made by one of the tool makers (in this case, Oneway) who build adaptive tools.

pressing a button. A radio signal is transmitted to a central depot from which a caller talks and finds out what I need. The caller then contacts the appropriate number, and help comes.

Something has to be said about safety. As disabled people, we are very vulnerable. Therefore, any maneuver on the various machines should be well thought-out before we start. In my small shop, I not only have to see if there is enough room to feed the board into the machine, but also plan the space for the board to emerge. Fatigue is another problem often ignored and makes us more prone to accidents. When tired, we should stop working.

My workshop is my refuge. Not many activities I am able to do are as available or afford as favorable an outcome. Fearful of losing my creative energy, 1 am not tempted to enter the production mode. There are people who do this well, but I realize my limits. By giving away most of my finished pieees, I continue to enjoy the craft and reap immeasurable satisfaction.

— H.Phil Gross, M.D

Tool Access

The Access by Gereral line of woodworking machinery customized specifically for woodworkers in wheelchairs was conceived just two years ago. "After a /ear or so of hearing these kinds of questions come up at trade shows and other venues, we asked Durselves why no one is making machinery for people in wheelchairs/' Korman Frampton, General's director of marketing and communications, recalls. "It occurred to us that maybe we should be one of the first companies to do it."

The company launched the Access by General Ine with five machines: a 10' tilting arbor cabinet saw, a 16" x 42" lathe, 15" drill press, 8" jointer and a 15" woodcutting band saw. "Our goal was to cover the basic machines for furniture-making. The only machine we

Shop Talk continues on page 24

As Baby Boomers age. General foresees an expanding market for their Access line.

Woodworkers Journal February 2011

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