Woodworking For Therapy #12: SAFETY BEFORE THERAPY

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My Chemo Therapy has been rough, as anyone would understand that has been through it, but one side effect I wasn’t aware of is call ”Chemo Brain”. It’s like my thoughts are trying to push their way through mud. Since I want to encourage people with cancer and other disabilities to try Woodworking for Therapy, I thought a WARNING might be appropriate.

We all know that Woodworking can be dangerous and we take precautions to avoid workshop accidents. When you have a disability you need to factor that into your Safety Strategy.

I actually depend on my wife for safety accountability. I’ll let her know if I’m going to be using power tools and she can tell better than I when I am experiencing these times of sluggish thinking. She will either tell me to sit down and watch some Woodworking videos or work on plans for a future project. Since I have several projects going at once I might do one of the safer ones like finishing, sanding or glue ups.

Yesterday my Oncologist said my platelet count was very low. This means even a small cut can cause a serious bleeding problem. I’m not worried about it, but I am taking extra precautions for safety.

Sometimes my wife or daughter will join me in the shop and help me stay on track. I put a sign on my table saw that says, “Are you really up for this? Be carefully Dummy!”

You might be in a wheelchair or electric mobility device. Is your position in relation to the tools and work piece comfortable or do you have to over reach? Are there time during the day when you function better than others? Is there something else you could be doing? Are you trying to do something by yourself that really requires a second set of hands? Pride can get you hurt! These are all questions I have to ask myself every time I head to the shop.

My daughter Beth is a big help and we have fun working together.

Probably the most important things for me are:
DON’T USE DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT WHEN NO ONE IS AT HOME TO HELP IF NEEDED.
KEEP A CELL PHONE IN YOUR POCKET IN CASE YOU NEED HELP IN A HURRY.

Woodworking is GREAT Therapy, but do it safely!

Let me close this post with an update on what I’m working on. I am building a box for my daughter Beth for Valentines Day. I’ve never built a box, have little idea of what I’m doing, but learning from you LJs I figured I’d give it a try. It’s almost done, just going to put a coat of wax on it and it should be ready for the big day.

It’s taken me a week, you could do it in a few hours, but I’m having fun, not running a race. I love you guys and all the help you’ve given me. May God Bless you Richly!

Source: LumberJocks.com

Woodworking For Therapy #12: SAFETY BEFORE THERAPY