A broad subject I'd like some help with. I will be co-teaching a power tool safety course for our local woodworking club and would like to tap into the Creek's collective wisdom to make sure we cover the most important aspects of each tool. We will focus mostly on stationary machines, but may include handheld routers as well. We hope to cover the safe use of table saws, jointers, planers, bandsaws, drillpress, chopsaws, router tables, and dust collection. It is a one day class with 6 hours total of instruction time. The format will be mostly demonstration, though we might have some of the "students" use each tool as well so we can comment on their technique. What I'd like from the creek is a brainstorming of sorts where people chime in with what they feel are the most important "do's and don'ts" for each machine. Some of this will necessarily include aspects of machine set up but obviously we won't be able to cover everything for each machine. Therefore in addition to a list of the most important things for us to cover in our session we would like to put together a bibliography of the best machine specific set-up and use guides. The class is supposed to serve as an introduction for novices and refresher/reminder of safe practices for the more experienced. I know I welcome the chance to focus on safe work practice for myself and think there are many at the Creek who would also.
In order to keep things focused I think a separate thread for each machine asking for input would be best. (i.e. "Tablesaw Safety: do's, don'ts, and your favorite guides"). Before starting that many new threads I'd like input from the moderators. Does this seem appropriate for the forum? and, if so, is my proposed separate thread for each machine a good approach or do you have other suggestions?
If the threads are successfull I could edit them into an article for the Creek.
Mark