Let's talk SAFETY

[Glenn]

As blacksmiths everything we handle is either hot, heavy, sharp, or dangerous. SAFETY is a personal responsibility.

When grinding I wear glasses, and use ear plugs to both keep the dust and grit out of my ears, and to protect my hearing. But it turned out that the shield being in place on the angle grinder was the most important safety device.



The grinder was brought up to speed and let run for a minute or so before starting. It had been in use for several minutes when the disc fractured. They do break and without warning. This part of the grinding disc remained on the machine, the rest was not found.

Your safety is your personal responsibility. Please, play safely.

[jeremy k]

Glenn is very right on this! I've had the same thing happen after I was done grinding and the grinder was bumped off the table by mistake and landed on the ground disc first, the next time I used it - apart it came looking very similar to the one in the above picture. If I'm the only one that has either dropped or bumped a grinder to the floor, then I'm one in a million. I'm sure it's happend to most of us, for your own safety and others that may be around you, inspect a dropped grinder for a cracked or broken disc - you'll be glad you did.

[Frankw]

Yes the same thing has happened me if you feel any heavier vibration than normal you should change the disc.

[BIGBAMAK5]

That is scary. Has anyone ever had a chop saw disc come apart on them? I have not but I have seen it. It will make you check that disc everytime you use it. Be Safe!

Rush

[Dan OHare]

Anyone using composite wheels of any type needs to be familiar with the manufacturer's safety warnings and also A.N.S.I. warnings/guidelines. Take heed of FrankW's advice- if something does'nt "feel right" STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Read my post in non-blacksmithing (yippee). Bad things happen but a lot can be avoided by common sense. I have been hurt on the job by carelessness/stupidity of others and carelessness/stupidity of my own. I have had my hardhat knocked off my head by a plasma jet by someone using an air arc inside a boxcar and not knowing who/what was on the outside where his jet was going. I have been mashed into walls by cowboy forklift jockeys and lots of other stuff that should not have happened, but it did. Always be aware of what others are doing around you but never forget this golden rule- safety is YOUR responsibility.

[Blacksmith58]

I've never had it happen to me, but I saw on Biker Build Off in the Discovery Channel, One of the Builders was using a Chop Saw and the Blade came apert on film. They even showed it again in slow motion. The pieces just missed the guys belly! Always use the guards built on the machines. Quit your complaining and learn to work around the Guards!

[Glenn]

I use a broken bench grinding wheel to clean the scale from items being tempered. No idea how it got broken, but it serves as a reminder that they do break.

And who has not picked the little wires from a wire wheel, that embed themselves point first in our clothes? Aprons sure do help, but who said those little wires only attack the belly region of the body? Eye protection is a must have item when using wire wheels.



Welders help us out here, you know the hazards, give us your advice on safety in your craft.

Machinest we need your imput also. I know NOT to wear gloves around anything that rotates, but what are the safety issues in your craft?

The woodworkers are invited to jump into the discussion also. Your craft has rotation (lathe), sharp tools, and power machinery (saws, etc) to deal with. What are the safety issues in your craft?

And any other craft is welcome to add to the discussion. Tell us about the safety issues in your craft.

[Marc]

I had my chop saw go ballistic once. I don't even know what caused it to shatter, but the guard caught all of it.

A broken belt on a belt grinder can be exciting.

When the drill bit catches when breaking through the other side, it likes to grab. If the piece is not clamped down, it spins and smacks your thumb pretty hard.

And don't leave hot pieces on the anvil if you have to answer the phone. That way, if you turn the corner too sharply and jab your thigh on the horn of the anvil, then lose your balance (saying "OW! OW! OW!") and stick your hand on the anvil to steady yourself, you won't end up with a leaf-shaped burn on the palm of your hand, (saying something stronger than "OW! OW! OW!").

[mike-hr]

I always wear earplugs when arc welding to keep the popplers from dancing on my ear drum.

Never try to grab a continuous chip coming from a lathe, mill, drill press.

Resist the temptation to smash a golf ball in the power hammer..

[evfreek]

Hi. I have a question about wire wheel safety.

I have read about many scary incidents involving out of control wire wheels, then I noticed some recommendations about the Harbor Freight 7" variable speed sander/polisher for using with wire wheels. The RPM is limited to 300-3000, which is lower than similar angle grinders, so it is reported to be more controllable.

The sander does not have a guard, however. How dangerous is this? Is there any recommendation for a makeshift guard? It would seem for a radial (not cup) wire wheel, a guard would offer a lot of protection against flying wires, but it would not have to be as stout as a guard for a grinding wheel.