When doing any repair or refinishing work it's important to follow the safety recommendations listed for your tools and chemicals. Make certain all of your tools, especially power tools, are in good condition with appropriate safety guards.

Safety first!

• Use eye protection, gloves, and an apron, if the chemicals are harsh.
• Label and mark all chemicals with braille or large print labels. For large print labels, try using a dark marking pen and index card. Then attach the card using clear plastic tape. The tape will cover and protect the card from the chemicals for a reasonable period of time.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Refinishing chemicals can be harsh so use them carefully. Avoid spillage by keeping containers in designated spaces, and avoid skin or eye contact.

Practical Tips

• To help locate and recognize hand tools mark the handles with tactual marks using colored wood glue, contrasting tape, or paint so they can be easily identified on the tool bench.
• Some commercially available tool brands now have products with contrasting parts as well as large print numbers and settings. You can also place markings on the most commonly used settings.
• Clamps can help you by securing pieces that are being glued, cut or drilled. They can also free your hands for other activities.
• Maximize the use of your senses, such as the sense of touch to check for smoothness in wood or to locate a screw hole.

A Blind Woodworker's Story

Read the personal account of a blind cabinetmaker who didn't get into serious woodworking until after he lost his sight, and how he learned to make high quality cabinetry. The story is at the WoodWeb.com site. [link opens in new window].