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When working in a shop, safety should always be a top priority. In this article, the focus will be on dangerous misuses of common tools that can lead to serious injury or even death. The background information provided includes examples of misuses of tools such as miter saws, table saws, circular saws, angle grinders, and nail guns, as well as tips on how to use these tools safely.
Key Takeaways:
- Misusing tools in the shop can lead to serious injury or death.
- Safer alternatives should always be considered when uncomfortable with a tool or task.
- Take the time to learn and practice proper tool usage to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Miter Saw Misuses
Cutting Wide Material
One of the most dangerous things that should never be done on a miter saw is cutting a piece of material that is too wide to cut across. Attempting to do so can result in serious injury or even death. It is important to always use a saw that is appropriate for the size of the material being cut.
Cutting Top First
Another risky behavior that should be avoided is cutting the top of a material first so that it doesn’t fall off until the user is ready. This is too risky and can lead to accidents. Always ensure that the material is secure before making a cut.
Using Block for Severe Angle
Sometimes, there may be a need to cut a severe angle. However, it is never safe to put a block of wood right beside the blade to support the back of the cut. This can result in a kickback or other serious accidents. Instead, take the time to struggle and figure out how to cut that angle against the fence.
Improper Shim Creation
If a shim needs to be created, it is important to avoid making it in a way that can cause harm. One should never make a shim by holding the piece of wood with their hand and cutting it with the blade. This is too dangerous and can lead to serious injury. Instead, take the time to find a safer method to create the shim.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when working with a miter saw. Any behaviors that may put the user or others at risk should be avoided at all costs.
Table Saw Misuses
Cutting Curves
One of the most dangerous things that you should never do in the shop is cutting curves on a table saw. This is because it is extremely risky and can lead to serious injuries. Always use a saw stop even when you don’t do dangerous things.
Refining Curves
Refining curves on a table saw is another thing that you should never do. It is too dangerous and can result in serious accidents. Always find an alternative way to do it. You could always use the band saw in place of the chop saw, which would be a much safer alternative.
Circular Saw Misuses
Creating Grooves
One of the most dangerous things that people do with a circular saw is attempting to create grooves. This is an extremely risky task that should never be done. If you need to create a groove in a piece of material, it is recommended to use a CNC machine and program a three-dimensional carve instead of using a circular saw.
Making Notches for Pipes
Another dangerous task that people perform with a circular saw is attempting to make notches for pipes. This is an extremely risky task that should never be done. If you need to make a notch for a pipe, it is recommended to use a CNC machine and program a three-dimensional carve instead of using a circular saw.
It is important to note that circular saws are extremely dangerous and should be used with great care. One should never attempt to perform any task that may put them at risk. Always take the time to find safer alternatives to perform any task in the shop.
Angle Grinder Misuses
Flipping the Guard
One of the most dangerous things that a person can do with an angle grinder is to flip the guard completely over so that the blade spins away from them. This is a major safety hazard as sparks will fly away from the user, and if the blade binds up, it can jump down and cause injury. It is important to always keep the guard in its proper position so that sparks fly towards the user and the blade pulls away from them if it binds up.
Using Guard as a Stopper
Another misuse of an angle grinder is to use the edge of the guard as a stopper. This is not the intended use of the guard and can lead to dangerous situations. It is important to always use proper stoppers and not rely on the guard for this purpose.
It is important to remember that an angle grinder is a powerful tool that should be used with caution and care. If anything in the shop makes a person uncomfortable, they should find an alternative way to do it. Using safer alternatives such as a band saw or a hand saw can prevent accidents and injuries.
Tactical Drill Tip Change
In the video, jimmydiresta advises against performing a tactical drill tip change as it could result in a broken wrist. Instead, he suggests taking the time to do it slowly while everyone on the job site waits. He emphasizes the importance of safety in the shop and encourages finding alternative ways to perform tasks if something makes you uncomfortable.
The video also highlights several other dangerous practices in the shop, including cutting a piece of material that is too wide on a miter saw, cutting curves on a table saw, and using an angle grinder with the guard flipped over. He urges viewers to never perform these actions and to always prioritize safety in the shop.
Additionally, he advises against using a circular saw to make a groove in a piece of material and instead suggests using a CNC machine in a 3D program. He also warns against using the edge of a guard as a stopper on an angle grinder and demonstrates the dangers of putting an angle grinder in a vise to cut metal.
Overall, the video serves as a reminder to prioritize safety in the shop and to always find alternative ways to perform tasks if something makes you uncomfortable.
Improper Nail Gun Usage
Improper nail gun usage is a dangerous practice that should never be done in any workshop. One should never pull the tip back on a nail gun and fire it partway in as it is too risky. Instead, one should find an alternative way to do it. If you need a place to hang a string, find a baby food jar in your father’s garage and find a loose 16 penny nail and nail it in with a traditional hammer.
It is crucial to take the time to do things slowly and correctly, even if it means waiting for everyone on the job site. Doing a tactical drill tip change could break your wrist, so it is essential to avoid doing it.
Always remember to use the right tool for the job. For instance, if you need to make a notch for a pipe, use a CNC machine and program that three-dimensional carve. Also, don’t use a circular saw to put a groove in a piece of material. Instead, use a CNC machine in a 3D program.
In conclusion, never take shortcuts when using tools in the workshop. Always use the right tool for the job and take the time to do things slowly and correctly.
Misuse of Angle Grinder in a Vice
In the video, jimmydiresta warns against using an angle grinder in a vice to cut metal. He emphasizes that this is a dangerous practice and should never be done. He advises finding an alternative way to cut metal, such as using a band saw or a hacksaw.
He demonstrates the dangers of using an angle grinder in a vice by showing how the sparks fly away from the user when the blade is spinning away from them. He also warns against using the edge of the guard as a stopper, as it is not designed for this purpose and could lead to accidents.
Overall, he stresses the importance of safety in the workshop and urges viewers to never do anything that makes them uncomfortable. He encourages finding alternative ways to complete tasks if necessary to ensure safety.
Safer Alternatives
Using Band Saw
When it comes to cutting materials that are too wide for a miter saw or chop saw, a safer alternative is to use a band saw. The band saw is a much safer option for cutting wider materials, and it is less likely to cause any accidents.
Using Hand Saw
Another safer alternative to power saws is using a hand saw. While power saws may be faster and more efficient, using a hand saw is a much safer option. It may take a bit more time and effort, but it is a much safer alternative, especially for those who are less experienced with power saws.
Using Hacksaw
If you need to cut metal, using a hacksaw is a much safer alternative to using an angle grinder. Hacksaws are less likely to cause accidents and are much easier to control. While they may take a bit more time and effort, they are a much safer alternative to angle grinders.
Remember, if anything in the shop makes you uncomfortable, find a safer alternative to do it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
