Oh, No!

Woodworking is serious business; here, more so than with any other art form, you can actually kill yourself if you're not careful. It's absolutely vital to observe some basic safety precautions, because, believe it or not, you're risking more than just losing a finger or two. If you're not careful, then you're risking brain damage, skin cancer and even, for pregnant women, birth defects.

1. One of the reasons I prefer working with non toxic materials is, many traditional woodworking media are carcinogenic. An acquaintance of mine, a master restorationist, had to retire early, because he got skin cancer in his fingertips. His doctor told him that, unless he stopped working with the shellacs, dyes and resins of his trade, he would lose his hands. It goes without saying that this is an extreme example of what can go wrong--but it's also an important object lesson in the value of safety gear. If you're using shellac, then use plastic gloves.

2. My cousin, who is also a professional artist, works primarily with oils. He told me the other day about how so many people don't realize that oil paints contain lead, arsenic and a whole host of other poisons. If you use your fingers to paint, then you need to use some sort of protective lotion, like Art Guard Hand Barrier Cream. Otherwise, your fingers are going to absorb whatever is in the paint like little sponges.

3. If you use spray finish, and I do, then only use it in a well ventilated area. Even "non toxic" spray finishes can be dangerous. If you feel yourself getting light headed, or disoriented, then leave the room immediately and consider calling your local poison control center. The warning labels are on the can for a reason. When I was in college, a professor of mine told us that spray finish can cause birth defects.

4. Wear protective glasses. Even the most careful woodworkers have accidents. Small pieces of wood can catch on the gate of your table saw and shoot back out toward your eyes. Trust me, sawdust is the least of your problems.

5. Watch your fingers. Need I say more? This means not only paying attention while using power tools, but also never trying to make fine cuts with dull blades. If you put pressure on a dull blade, then it's going to slip right or left--and into your hand.

Tools are expensive, yes--but your biggest investment is in yourself. The reason you're reading this blog, after all, is because you're willing to invest time and energy in something you love. That's a big commitment, and it says a lot about how much you value your health and happiness. You spend so much time, money and energy on miniatures--don't let this hobby turn into a horror story.