Physical therapist Thomas P. LeRoy talks about hand, wrist, and forearm injuries and suggests simple ways to minimize them when working wood. Hand sizes, flexibility, and tasks vary significantly, so you should apply what is appropriate to your situation. He explains how hands aren’t hammers, though we use them that way, and how it’s important to be mindful of the angles you bend your arm. Avoid using your fingers as a featherboard, and watch how you grip your tools. He advises that people lift with less gripping, that some gloves hurt more than they help, and the importance of well-balanced tools. LeRoy also demonstrates warm-up exercises.

From Fine Woodworking #145

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

Buy at Rockler

Grout float

The red foam on these grout floats grip well to wood, and the large handle keeps your hands safely away from bits and blades.

Buy at Amazon

Festool Cleantec CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

The clear winner here is Festool’s CT 48 Dust Extractor. It has amazing capacity relative to its size, and unmatched suction power. It packs in a number of subtle but very helpful design touches, like a clever foot brake and easy hose and cord storage.

Buy at Amazon