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1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools. 2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs. 3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions. 4. Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch. 5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn. 6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired. 7. Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident. 8. Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders. 9. Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person. 10. Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working Dave Markel is the author of "The All Wood Working Journal". He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site athttp://all-wood-working-plans.com Red Oak Red oak is one of three main varieties of oak. The sapwood is a light reddish brown color while the heartwood varies from light brown to dark brown. Red oak is dense with long straight grains that make it a common choice for many wood workers. It also has good wood working properties, working well with both hand tools and machines. It glues well and holds a nail, however red oak has a tendency to split when nailed without pre-drilling. Maple In North America maple grows to heights of 110 feet or more and can have a diameter of 2.5 feet. Most maple have sapwood that is light cream color with rusty brown tinges running through it. The heartwood is a light reddish brown but can also be darker. Maple tends to be a hard, dense type of wood that machines well and is easy to work with using hand tools. Maple is quite resistant to shock and this makes it good for handles and sporting goods. Maple takes glue well and also accepts stains and other finishes without blotching. Ash The sapwood of ash is often a light brown color but can vary to gray. Ash is usually straight grained with high shock resistance. This is one of the reasons that ash is used for tool handles and baseball bats. Ash has a good workability and is able to hold a screw or nail quite well. Ash also takes glue well. Ash is easy to work with and takes a finish well. Mahogany Mahogany can reach the towering heights of 175 feet or more and have a butressed trunk several feet in diameter. Mahogany has a light purple or pink heartwood which darkens after being exposed to the air. In contrast the sapwood is an off-white to yellow color. Mahogany has a medium to course texture. Mahogany is somewhat tricky to work with. Sharp tools are a must to prevent the grain from being torn. Mahogany is quite easy to get a good surface for finishing and takes glue well. Butternut Butternut (Juglans cinerea) can be found in the south east United States and into southern Ontario and Quebec. Butternut can normally be found along clearings and the edge of forests. The tree itself grows quite tall sometimes reaching one hundred feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. In general butternut has a white or light brown sapwood with brown or chestnut heartwood. Butternut is easy to work with and takes a finish well. About the AuthorDave Markel is the author of The All Wood Working Journal. He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at http://www.aaarticles.com/article.php?id=9314 | ||||||||||||||||||||
