OK, got your attention, didn’t I? Woodworking naked is not recommended for a lot of reasons and I will let you figure that bit out, OK? But, you do want to think about what you are wearing in the shop because your power tools are spinning invitations for loose clothes and long sleeves. You’ve probably seen the “test” of getting clothing caught in a spinning table saw and it actually showed that the blade was generating so much air movement, the clothing didn’t get caught at all.
Ya, try it at your drill press where it is not spinning nearly as fast and not generating a lot of air movement. That sleeve is very much going ot get caught when you least expect it. I have done it, twice, and fortunately, no major injuries occurred, but some pretty nasty bruises were there for a while. I still have all 10 fingers and have not had any major gashes or broken bones in the shop, but it happens all the time.
Clearly, comfort is important, so don’t wear Danskins or your 80′s lycra dance outfit, but do wear stuff you can move in easily. If you are waearing long sleeves, roll them up and out of the way. Never wear a tie in the shop – DUH!
Jewelry is something to carefully consider as well. Any loose, dangling stuff should be removed and put aside until you’re finished.
Just think a moment about what you’re wearing as you step into the shop and see if it is task appropriate clothing. You could even go as far as having a set of clothes just for woodworking, sort of like a uniform. I do this – I have 3 pairs of jeans that are only for the shop. I have 3 long sleeve shop shirts that have buttons to hold the sleeves rolled up when using power tools. I have a pair of boots just for the shop, nothing fancy, just dedicated to the shop. I have a leather shop apron too.
Finally, safety rule #1… The right stuff
May your shop be filled with sawdust all year long,
