What are your shop rules?

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:27 pm

Bkhop]
You also must work a lot faster than me. I assure you if I had a projects list in my shop, my wife would insure there was absolutely no room for anyone else to write a request.
She is never at a lost for a new project for me, in fact it often amazes me how she can think them up.

In the past I would always use the "job estimate" (which always included a new tool) to slow her down. But frankly I'm running out of tools and she is getting a lot smarter. The last time I included a "needed" tool in the estimate she carefully explained how I could accomplish what she wanted with the tools I already had in the shop.

Frankly when the neighbors come dragging over with "this will take a minute" jobs I'm beginning to welcome them. It is a break from the honey do or die list.
Ed

bkhop · Post by **bkhop** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:29 pm

..............

mtobey · Post by **mtobey** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:34 pm

Rule # one, obey all rules!--(Barney Fife lecturing a new prisoner in Mayberry) The full quote, " Here at the Rock, we have rules; rule number one, obey all rules."

Greenvilleguy · Post by **Greenvilleguy** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:52 pm

Thanks for this post. It's always helpful to be reminded of safely rules.

It also brought back a very fond memory. When I was a kid, my Dad had a fancy routed sign in his shop that merely reminded "Measure twice, cut one". I don't make a cut today without thinking about that sign. That saying is surely corny and unoriginal -- but very true.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 9:02 pm

This was a good thread. I like everyones rules and procedures:D . I would like to add some:
Never change a setting on any tool without permission.
Always lower the table saw blade to a height below the table when not in use (or raise the table). Always put things back where you found them. (of course this rule is not for the shop owner:rolleyes: )

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:22 pm

I went on vacation and my son and his friend had to cut some wood for a collage project they decided to used my Shopsmith tablesaw (without guards, or fence) and the wood kicked back, it scared them to death so they pulled the plug and left (leaving the machine on).

When I returned I went to use the machine and noticed it was unplugged and I plugged it in and I was nearly jumped out of my skin when the Shopsmith motor came on with the saw blade on (setscrew loose) and no guards.

Two new rules,

1) EVERYONE keep away from my tools unless I say you know how they work.
2) Me don't ever plug in the machine unless you check that if is OFF!!!!

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:22 am

I've heard that most of the guys who rush to the emergency room with their digits in a bag of ice, are professionals who work with woodworking tools on a daily basis. I don't know how many times I have seen table saws used without the upper guards, even on HGTV.

Last Summer, when my contractor's crew was building my shop, I noticed one of the guys hand feeding a 16 inch diagonal cut through an unguarded contractor's saw. I couldn't stand it. I said "Eddie, give me those boards (about 30) and I will cut them on my bandsaw." He didn't argue with me.

Whenever I am faced with the "need" to make a cut with the upper guard removed, I stop and think, "is there some other way to make this cut". Often there is.

al_killian · Post by **al_killian** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:55 pm

Rule 1 - NEVER ENTER THE SHOP IF A MACHINE IS RUNNING!!!!!!!

Rule 2 - Dont set anything down on the equipment unless I give you permission.

Rule 3 - Do not lean on the machines.

Them are the top three for me. These are the ones that really bug when others do them.

bkhop · Post by **bkhop** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:02 pm

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a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:22 pm

bkhop wrote:..............Instead of woodburning these onto a hanging sign, I think I'll have to print up a stack of handbooks. You have to read the entire thing before entering the shop. That'd probably turn away about half of the folks right there!!

I can understand the desire to keep people out of the shop. But, why don't we welcome them in instead. We need to keep interest going in what is becoming an unpopulated "industry". I for one, safety rules not withstanding, welcome my family and friends. Loaning out tools is another story. If you borrow, you are expected to reciprocate. My neighbors and I, and my family and I, have good borrowing relationships. I return borrowed tools promptly and expect the same in return. The worst borrower that I have is my dad. Who can say no to his dad? I am lucky to have him around to loan tools to.

If you never expect to borrow, you can most assuredly refuse to loan.