Request: Your List of Shop Rules

[Ken Salisbury]

Everything that has been said already with some additions:

Place a sign on your shop door with the following:

"If you value your life as much as I value what is in this shop, you won't xxxx with it."

Do not work in the dark.
Do not drink paint or lacquer thinner.
Use material at least the length/width of the desired result.
Install BS blades with the teeth facing front.
Do not use a drill bit larger than the desired hole.
When using spray cans make sure little hole is facing away from you.
Do not smoke while wearing a face shield.
Wear shop apron on front.

[Jim Becker]

I have only one more rule that is in my shop.


NO SMOKING.
Someone might miss an ashtray or use something that is not an ashtray. My shop is in the basement.

That's not just a shop rule for me...it applies anywhere in my presence! But yes, it's important in the shop environment for more than just personal health reasons...

[Jerry Olexa]

Today is a rushed day so haven't read all the posts but I will add: Now that I'm older, I try to ALWAYS clean up (sweep etc, run air cleaner) before I leave the shop. When I was younger, I often left a mess. (Still do once in a while ). Also, trying harder now to be more safety conscious!

[Mark Singer]

Thanks Jerry! I must be younger!

Today is a rushed day so haven't read all the posts but I will add: Now that I'm older, I try to ALWAYS clean up (sweep etc, run air cleaner) before I leave the shop. When I was younger, I often left a mess. (Still do once in a while ). Also, trying harder now to be more safety conscious!

[Ken Salisbury]

Thanks Jerry! I must be younger!

ME TOO:

[Lee Schierer]

In addition to the ones already mentioned, I would add:

My shop, my rules, if you don't like my rules go use your own shop.

[Mark Singer]

let me add one that should get no argument....

"The Shop Rules!"

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Originally Posted by Randy Moore
I have only one more rule that is in my shop.


NO SMOKING.
Someone might miss an ashtray or use something that is not an ashtray. My shop is in the basement.

That's not just a shop rule for me...it applies anywhere in my presence! But yes, it's important in the shop environment for more than just personal health reasons...

I forgot this rule as well! A neighbor ONCE and I do mean ONCE dropped a cigarette on my shop floor when he was done and used his foot to put it out. I said how would you like me to do that on your kitchen floor!! He doesn't smoke in the shop anymore

[Frank Pellow]

I have only one more rule that is in my shop.


NO SMOKING.
Someone might miss an ashtray or use something that is not an ashtray. My shop is in the basement.

Randy

That is such an obviuos rule (everywhere, not just in my shop) that I did not even both to state it. Seriously, I seldom encounter smoking anywhere these days.

[Tom Saurer]

With so many posts to this I'm not sure if these have been added...

1. No power tools used when kids are in the shop. They don't know them and respect them.
2. If you're not using a tool, it gets unplugged.
3. If you're working on a tool; ie changing a bit, it gets unplugged.
4. Consider all chisels and planes to be razor sharp and treat them as such.
5. Keep the floor clean and free of clutter.
6. All tools are to be used for their intended use only, except for the maroon handled, crooked, flathead screwdriver. It can be used for anything.

[Frank Pellow]

With so many posts to this I'm not sure if these have been added...

1. No power tools used when kids are in the shop. They don't know them and respect them.
2. If you're not using a tool, it gets unplugged.
3. If you're working on a tool; ie changing a bit, it gets unplugged.
4. Consider all chisels and planes to be razor sharp and treat them as such.
5. Keep the floor clean and free of clutter.
6. All tools are to be used for their intended use only, except for the maroon handled, crooked, flathead screwdriver. It can be used for anything.

I like rule 6. Except that mine has a grey handle.

I dispute your rule 1. I think that children should see power tools in use (while wearing earmuffs, of course) and observe proper use of those tools. At the age of about 6, I believe that responsible chilren should be allowed to use some of the safer power tools under supervision. Two of the safer power tools that I would encourage children to use are a battery powered dril and a scroll saw.

[Chris DeHut]

My Primary rule is

DON'T BE STUPID!

Fairly basic, but it sort of sums up everything and helps to keep me on my toes. Woodworking is dangerous enough, now add to that, the distractions of...

Thinking what to say to the camera
Talking to the camera
Making sure the audio level is correct
Making sure the view on camera is what I want the audience to see
Making sure the lighting is good and there are no hot spots
Making sure I make the part right (the ones filmed are the ones that end up in the finished project, especially considering I never make a mistake )
Thinking through "is the simpliest way to do this"
Thinking through "is this a safe way to do this"
Thinking through "did I explain that in the simplest way with the fewest words"
Thinking, man, this story is going to be 5 hours long, I have to edit some of this talk out
Thinking back in time, "Did I just show this technique, or is there another way this can be done we can show"

Then there are all the other distractions that come with running a business.

So things get very hairy out there for us while filming and distractions abound. To maintain a high level of focus, I enter the shop area with "DO BE STUPID" running through my head and it helps. I guess it also helps to remind me that, while out there, I have to focus on the job(s) at hand, and to leave everything else back in the office.

Chris

[Jeff Sudmeier]

I like rule 6. Except that mine has a grey handle.

I dispute your rule 1. I think that children should see power tools in use (while wearing earmuffs, of course) and observe proper use of those tools. At the age of about 6, I believe that responsible chilren should be allowed to use some of the safer power tools under supervision. Two of the safer power tools that I would encourage children to use are a battery powered dril and a scroll saw.

Frank I agree with you. Children do need to know and respect the tools. If they are not interested in the shop, don't force them, but if they are, letting them use the safer tools, with supervision will increase their respect of the tools. All children should be taught that tools do not get used without parental supervision.

[Terre Hooks]

1. Don't bring any M&Ms in here unless you brought me a bag.
2. Don't whine about me having more clamps than you.
3. Leave your cigarettes in your car. I don't track mud in your house.
4. Stay outta my fridge unless you are putting your beverages in there.
5. Throw your trash away. I do not collect taxes from you for sanitation.
6. Nope, you can't borrow anything, everything is broke.
7. Don't lean up against my jointer.
8. Don't set your junk down on top of my junk.
9. No, you can't use my tire pressure gauge to check the air in your worn out tires on that Dodge.
10. No, you can't operate a cabinet saw in your tool shed on an extension cord.

[Sam Chambers]

Not necessarily in order:

1. Safety first, including wearing safety glasses at all times, keeping the guards on the machines, unplug the power tools before fixing, adjusting or reloading.
2. No power tools after 9:00 p.m., even if I'm not feeling tired.
3. No power tools if I'm tired, even if it's before 9:00 p.m..
4. No shop time after alcohol consumption.
5. Junior is not permitted in the shop without me there. Period.
6. When junior is in the shop, no running, skipping, hopping, tossing, throwing, spinning, roughhousing or tomfoolery is allowed, or he has to go back upstairs.
7. Don't sneak up on me. Ever. (This applies not only to the shop, but to life in general.)
8. No loose clothing, long sleeves or gloves around any power tools.
9. Nothing that's wet, or could potentially become wet, comes near the cast iron stuff.
10. If I have to rush to finish something, that means there's not enough time for the task, and I'm more likely to make mistakes. So, save it for another time.
11. Use the dust collector and/or shop vac.
12. Use the right tool for the job.
13. Dull tools are more dangerous than sharp tools.
14. Sharp, spinning blades and bits win over flesh and bone every time. So, keep all body parts away from sharp spinning things.