A lot of people are afraid of power tools and understandably so. Seeing those large, humming, sharp-looking machines at work can leave you in awe. You see woodworkers using these tools and wonder “If it can cut through wood, it can certainly cut through your fingers.”
Fearing power tools means you understand and appreciate how powerful and dangerous they are. Knowing that it can hurt you and learning to take precautions before using them is the first step for any amateur woodworker.
Woodworking is all about using your power tools properly and carefully. Once you learn how to do that, this fear will slowly dissipate. Here’s how you can get over your fear of power tools!
You can also rent tools and equipment online, you can check some tool hire here.
#1 Know That Anyone Can Use Power tools
You don’t need to be a burly man to use power tools. According to child safety experts, a child as young as thirteen can use a drill. It is all about your attention span and sense of responsibility.
Anyone above fifteen who is well prepared, responsible, and taking precautions should be able to use them. Any sort of stereotype shouldn’t come between power tools and anyone who has a passion for using them.
Due to this kind of stereotyping, many women think that they should leave the use of power tools to their fathers, brothers, husbands, and/or sons.
The fact that many women are using power tools for home renovations and woodwork all around the world should clear up this misconception.
#2 Watch & Learn
The first step of learning anything is watching other people do it. When you watch woodworkers, you get to see how the tools are actually used.
Find someone who uses tools, like a family member or friend. Observe them while they work. Notice how an expert uses them and ask them any questions you might have.
Seeing tools at work gives you a better idea than just reading manuals. They might even be willing to teach you how to work them.
If you don’t have anyone around to observe, find videos online. You will find reviews, products use videos, how-to videos, etc, or every power tool. For example, look up how to use table saws before using it.
#3 Know All About Your Tools
There are many different kinds of power tools out there. For example, even a saw has many different varieties. You have the miter saw, circular saw, jigsaw, band saw, and so on. Learn what each of these tools is used for.
Many people like using different tools for different tasks. Others like using something that can do the jobs of multiple instruments. Even if it is boring, read the manual for every power tool you buy.
Learning how to use them safely is not enough. You must learn how to clean, store, and maintain them. Your power tools can last you for years if you learn proper maintenance. Click here to learn how you can keep your power tools clean.
#4 Always Practice Precautions
If you have seen power tools at work, you know exactly how dangerous they can be. The internet is filled with gory videos of tool usage gone wrong. To avoid such mishaps, you need to be constantly vigilant while handling and using power tools.
There are numerous safety gear you need for different power tools. It’s a no-brainer that you need to use protective gloves using saws or anything that can potentially cut or damage your hands.
There are also safety glasses, face shields, protective footwear, etc. Power tools are loud. You and anyone in close proximity must also use ear protection.
People have lost limbs or worse by using power tools without proper protection. Remember to always use protective gear while using tools!
#5 Just Take The First Step
Finally, after gaining all that knowledge and taking every safety measure, it’s time for you to put it to practical use. This is the most difficult step of letting go of your fear. People are terrified of taking the first step.
If you are too afraid, have someone supervise the first few times you use the tools. Start small, maybe using something as simple as hand drills. If you are hesitant about using a particular tool, ask for help or guidance.
Taking that first step is important. You might think “No, I don’t have time,” or “It is too risky.” Let go of such thoughts and just begin. Once you get the hang of it, you will gain more confidence.
#6 Practice! Practice! Practice!
Like with everything else on earth, the more you do something, the better you get at it. You can watch all the professionals online and wonder when you would become that good. Keep practicing, and one day, you will also join their ranks.
As you practice, you will learn the best ways to use your tools. You will become used to them, and you will understand what works for you.
It is important to practice using the tools you start with. As you practice, you will gain more confidence and skills to spread out to other tools. There are so many different kinds of tools out there. Try them out and find out what group of tools works best for you.
Final Thoughts
If you have a love for creating beautiful woodwork and home improvement projects, you must try to overcome your fear of using power tools. Don’t be scared of using them. They can be dangerous, but being careful and taking the right preventive measures eliminates any chances of accidents.
Feel confident that anyone can use power tools. Learn everything you can about their usage. Watch experienced builders and learn from their performance. Always ask questions, and if you are scared, don’t be shy about asking for help.
With practice, you will gain valuable experience that will help you become better at using tools. Take the first step, and soon, you will be building like a pro. Don’t hesitate; start your woodwork journey now.