88 – Safety Q&A

Video - May 8, 2009

I received a number of great questions for Safety Week and this video covers three of them. The first question concerns running small pieces over the tablesaw and router. The second question is about the proper installation and safe use of a dado blade. The final question concerns the disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste in the shop. An important link I mention in the video is Earth911.com, where you can find your local hazardous waste recycling and disposal centers.

This is definitely more of a conversational episode so you’ve been warned. :) Below is a link to the GRR-Ripper push block.

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Discussion

Kevin May 7, 2009 1:07 pm

great video.

good point about sometimes just not using the table saw. In some regards, I almost wish that I had bought a bandsaw first….okay, just kidding, but seriously, I think people under estimate how versatile a bandsaw really is, then there is the safety factor as well. Then the handsaw, with a good japanese saw, man that is just pure enjoyment for me, though it may take a little longer, it is very worth it, you usually come out of it with all of your fingers.

Reply
Bryce May 7, 2009 1:13 pm

Hey Marc, how do you attach the Board Buddies to your fence? My fence is too skinny to install them directly on the fence.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer May 7, 2009 1:20 pm
  
  I actually don’t use them on my current fence. My old fence had their metal t-track screwed to it and the board buddies just slid on. I got the whole system (including the fence) from a buddy of mine so I wasn’t there when it was installed. Since then I have sold the fence and the track went with it. So I have yet to attach the board buddies to the new fence. I would imagine the company who makes the board buddies would also have a track available for purchase that should just attach to the top of the fence.
  
  Reply
- thewoodwhisperer May 7, 2009 1:20 pm
  
  Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Woodstoc.....B0000223VG
  
  Reply
herb fellows May 8, 2009 7:36 am

Regarding the disposal of paint etc., many, if not most states have rules regarding this, even for the home owner.
Here in NY, I believe if they catch you they blindfold large muscular children, tell them you’re a pinata, and let them have a go at you.

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steven May 8, 2009 9:10 am

where i am its the same way its a big no no to just tosse it. most towns and cities here have a hazardous waste depo day ones or twice a yr and you bring it in and they take it away for free

Reply
Sven May 8, 2009 2:03 pm

Hi Marc
You were giving away the Fingersaver.
How did you like it and how dose it work?
I found one at a garage sale and do not know how to use it.
Any chance you know where to find a Manual for it?
Sven

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer May 8, 2009 2:15 pm
  
  Actually I never used one before Sven. And I am not sure where you might find a manual. The prizes are being delivered directly by Eagle America.
  
  Reply
cahudson42 May 9, 2009 11:20 pm

Solid Carbide Router Bit Safety Tip

Nice safety tips, Marc. Here is a router one that may not be that obvious until you think about it – its the tendancy of solid carbide bits to work loose, up, and possibly out on the router table.

A 1/2″ Solid carbide spiral bit can give you mirror-edge jointing on the router. But these bits have MUCH more of a tendancy to work loose – particularly if you take an agressive cut and it heats up. This is because the coefficient of thermal expansion of carbide is much less than steel. So if you don’t have it REALLY locked down, as the collet and steel router shaft start to expand more than the carbide bit, the bit can work loose.

Always use a guard with solid carbide bits. NEVER have your hand at any time over the bit – say when making a rabbet – as the bit ‘can’ come up right thru the workpiece – and your hand.

I’ll test my setups first with a test cut on a comfortably large piece of scrap. Then look for any bit movement upwards. If there is any, unplug and re-tighten.

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luiz May 10, 2009 9:14 am

glad to see something like that in the internet!
as always, you do another nice work talking about it

unfortunately internet still a jungle and places like http://www.routerworkshop.com/ still making videos ignoring most/ALL safety rules to keep the shop safe – for example: using the router without ear protection in century 21 in one supposed ‘learning video’? please, nobody need to learn that!

yes, I still have my 10 fingers, my eyes, my ears and so on (NO extra in stock)

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Mark Danielsen May 16, 2009 10:02 am

Good Job on the safety week information. I have gone through some safety training at my job (General Motors) and we have a saying called Take 2. Which means Take 2 moments out to fully grasp the situation of what you are trying to do. Look at from a safety perspective, is the action that I am going forward with have a possibility of danger. What are the hazards or concerns around the machine that I am dealing with. What could possible happen. What are possible avenues for help or medical response. I work on Hybrid vehicles and Take 2 is just the start of the safety training that we have to go through in order to work on high voltage vehicles. It is a really helpful common sense approach to just taking a few moments out to understand and think about what you are going to do. So far in my workshop in the basement (knock on wood) I have not had any close calls at all. I have no problem with thinking through (with Take 2 approach), every time I hit on ON switch to a power tool.

Marc — Good job as always with the Wood Whisper, You have helped me work on getting back into wood working which I had not done for 20 years.

Thanks,
Mark Danielsen

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Frank May 17, 2009 9:37 pm

Thanks for the Earth911 – good to know…

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matt May 28, 2009 5:47 pm

now i relly want to go out and get the grr grpper do you know if thar is replacment pads thanke a lot.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer May 28, 2009 6:04 pm
  
  I don’t know if they have replacement pads or not. I have never seen them if they do. That being said, I have owned the same unit for about 6 years and its no where near needing replacement.
  
  Reply
Bob Shepard February 11, 2010 10:21 am

I will never forget what someone told me about safety in the workshop. “Working without safety gear is like frying bacon without a shirt on” Kind of goofy, but it stuck with me.

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88 – Safety Q&A

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