Woodworking Safety Rules 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to feed a narrow board through a table saw?
- Use a push stick to keep hands away from the blade (Correct answer)
- Push it with your thumb against the fence
- Pull it from the back of the saw
- Hold it with both hands over the blade
Correct answer: Use a push stick to keep hands away from the blade
A push stick keeps your fingers a safe distance from the blade during narrow rip cuts.
Question 2: Which direction should you feed stock relative to a router bit's rotation?
- Against the rotation of the bit (Correct answer)
- With the rotation of the bit
- Direction does not matter
- Always left to right regardless of bit
Correct answer: Against the rotation of the bit
Feeding against the bit's rotation keeps the tool under control and prevents climb cutting.
Question 3: What protective equipment guards against fine wood dust inhalation?
- A respirator or dust mask rated for fine particles (Correct answer)
- Safety glasses alone
- Earmuffs
- Cut-resistant gloves
Correct answer: A respirator or dust mask rated for fine particles
Fine dust harms the lungs, so a properly rated respirator or mask is essential.
Question 4: Why are gloves often discouraged when operating spinning machinery like a lathe or drill press?
- They can be caught and pull your hand into the moving part (Correct answer)
- They reduce your grip strength
- They make the tool harder to start
- They block the dust collection
Correct answer: They can be caught and pull your hand into the moving part
Gloves can snag on rotating parts and entangle your hand, causing severe injury.
Question 5: What is kickback in woodworking?
- When a workpiece is violently thrown back toward the operator (Correct answer)
- When the motor stalls suddenly
- When the blade overheats and warps
- When sawdust builds up in the throat plate
Correct answer: When a workpiece is violently thrown back toward the operator
Kickback occurs when wood binds or catches the blade and is hurled back at high speed.
Question 6: Before turning on a stationary power tool, what should you verify about the workpiece?
- It is free of nails, screws, or other metal (Correct answer)
- It is at least two feet long
- It has been freshly painted
- It is warm to the touch
Correct answer: It is free of nails, screws, or other metal
Hidden metal can damage the blade and cause dangerous shattering or kickback.
Question 7: What is the proper response if a power tool sounds or vibrates abnormally?
- Stop and inspect the tool before continuing (Correct answer)
- Push through to finish the cut
- Increase the feed rate
- Add more lubricant while it runs
Correct answer: Stop and inspect the tool before continuing
Unusual noise or vibration signals a problem that could lead to failure or injury.
Woodworking Safety Rules 3
What is the safest way to feed a narrow board through a table saw?