wannabewoodworker

Great set of rules Gary. Some I have already figured out but I'll certainly be adding the rest to my checklist.

Speaking of my checklist there is one additional rule that I follow religiously. Whenever I operate my tablesaw or any power tool with an exposed blade I always plant my feet securely before I turn on the machine and don't move them until the blade stops. It sounds awkward but I've always found a position that will allow me to feed the machine and stay out of the way of potential kickback paths. It's all too easy to stumble and fall onto a spinning blade or router bit.

(Yes, I realize that I should have a blade guard but the guard/splitter that came with my old Rockwell Beaver is more of a safety hazard than a protection.)

For me, the key issue is balance. Most of us probably come to woodworking through the usual route of being frustrated with the dull hand tools our fathers let us use early in life, bought our power tools as soon as we could afford them, then realized their limitations and overcame those limitations by acquiring and building our skills in using, and most importantly sharpening, a set of hand tools. I'll never give up my tablesaw or router but at the same time my hand tool and water stone collection is growing -- and being used.

Interesting show. Learned a few things. Camera work improved as the show progressed.