Hey everyone! I'm just starting out with woodworking and I'm focusing on hand tools since I'm not too comfortable with power tools yet. For my initial project, I'm going to be practicing cuts on some 8-foot lengths of 1x4 over the next few months. I'm trying to figure out what safety gear I should be wearing while I do this. Should I just stick to gloves and safety glasses, or is there anything else I should consider, especially regarding dust? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
5 Answers
You really don’t need much safety gear while using a hand saw. Just make sure your technique is solid. If you're cutting correctly, the saw shouldn't jump or cause major injuries. Gloves are not necessary since your fingers help keep the saw aligned, and safety glasses might be a good idea, but only if you want!
Lol, I've heard that too! It’s always good to be careful, but handsaws are pretty safe with basic common sense.
For hand-sawing, the most important thing is to have a solid work holding setup, like a low bench or clamps. You won't be dealing with flying debris or loud noises, so you can just focus on the cutting. Make sure you have fun with it!
Investing in a good pair of work boots is smart. When you're cutting, offcuts can fall and you wouldn’t want to call a toe truck! Protect your feet.
Honestly, technique is key. When I learned woodworking, the mantra was to keep all body parts behind the cutting edge. A sharp saw is actually safer than a dull one too. If you're ever in doubt, check out resources on YouTube for some solid fundamental techniques!
You don't need to worry too much about safety gear, but if it helps your peace of mind, a breathable pair of gloves and dust mask can be okay. Typically, the dust from hand tools falls to the ground quickly, so it's not a huge concern as long as you have good airflow. Just be alert and pay attention to what you're doing to avoid accidents.
Exactly! Keeping an eye on your tools and your cuts is the best safety tip.
100% agree! Staying aware of your surroundings is so important.

Haha, totally! The idea that handsaws stop working on contact is hilarious!