Stab-proof gloves

[Windows]

My wife bought me some stab-proof gloves which are pretty good because they’re tight to hands and wrist and have already saved me from some minor chiselling nicks. But they’re a little small for my long fingers. Do you wear gloves? What kind? Any advice on longer-fingered versions?

 

[Mike G]

Why do you need gloves? My understanding is that gloves are a no-no around machinery for safety reasons, and I'm not sure why you'd wear gloves with hand-tools. I'd save them for cutting the blackthorn hedge, personally.

 

[Windows]

I felt the same way, Mike, but wore them anyway (to respect my wife’s wishes) and was, surprisingly, thankful that I did. I was slightly uncoordinated/careless on two occasions that I’m aware of and managed to tap the chisel against the side and palm of my left hand (just when I was manoeuvring it, not actually using it). I would have been cut without the gloves. I’m not particularly uncoordinated or careless, but I don’t have a lot of practice picking up sharp tools and did make a mistake (twice), so that’s why I’ll wear them. I don’t have to worry about getting them caught in machines, but I can see how that would disincentivise hybrid woodworkers from wearing them. The ones I have were a gift that came with a whittling knife - they’re tight, stretchy, and grippy.

 

[novocaine]

I've just dropped a scalpal on my left thigh. Do they do stab proof underwear yet?

 

[Windows]

Have to admit that chiseling my femoral artery is also a concern to me, so :text-+1: on getting info on stab-proof unders.

 

[RogerS]

Why do you need gloves? .....

In my case, too dry skin, arthritic thumbs, just can't grip the wood safely. I'm much better using yellow gripper gloves as they give the extra friction that I need. Carefully, mind you.

 

[9fingers]

I've just dropped a scalpal on my left thigh. Do they do stab proof underwear yet?

Nah you would not be able to get the lacy designs to work mate.

Bob :lol:

 

[RogerS]

One can never be too careful in the workshop, mused Windows

 

[droogs]

One can never be too careful in the workshop, mused Windows

could be a bit of a design flaw around the groin there regarding kickback :shock:

 

[Woodster]

Why do you need gloves? My understanding is that gloves are a no-no around machinery for safety reasons, and I'm not sure why you'd wear gloves with hand-tools. I'd save them for cutting the blackthorn hedge, personally.

It’s an American thing I think. Some of them can’t even use a screwdriver without donning gloves.

I did a training course many years ago and gloves were generally only used for rough handling. They were banned from use whilst operating any type of rotating machinery. Strangely whilst this is documented in UK and Canadian government safety literature there’s no mention of it in America. I gleamed this from various discussions on wood turning about wearing gloves. I think the American wood turners association frown on it though?

 

[Woodbloke]

Have to admit that chiseling my femoral artery is also a concern to me..

When I was teaching, I used to tell the kids about a woodwork teacher who upon hearing the 'fone go in the office, put a freshly sharpened chisel into his apron pocket and went to answer it. He collided with a bench, slipped up and the chisel sliced into his femoral artery. He was dead inside 30 seconds and it was a hell of a mess for the cleaners later on.

It had the required effect on the little 'oiks - Rob

 

[Windows]

I think all teachers tell these stories, Rob. My favourite was the kid who got his floppy hair caught in the drill press. It wasn’t enough that woodwork teachers told us tales of gruesome injuries though, the others were in on the game too. Anyone else get to enjoy the Apaches movie as a kid?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P0PUMmVU4qQ

This is why RogerS has nailed my wardrobe to a T.

(SPOILER: Apaches is a safety education film from the 70s in which a bunch of kids die on a farm. Don't watch if that's going to upset you.)

 

[Woodbloke]

I think all teachers tell these stories, Rob. My favourite was the kid who got his floppy hair caught in the drill press.

My drill press story was even better 'cos I was using it at the time. I happened to be drilling a large hole (10-12mm) in a bit of cast iron whilst I'd set the class a bit of written work, so there was a row of kids about 6' away from me with their backs facing the drill press.

You can see what's going to happen; I hadn't fixed the cast iron to the table and the drill caught, flinging a heavy lump of heavy cast iron straight towards their heads. Had it been 'on target' it would have almost certainly caused a catastrophic injury.

By a miracle it passed directly between two of their heads and landed with a hell a 'thump' on the bench next to their text books. I remember turning as white as sheet and distinctly thinking that a change of underwear might not be such a bad idea - Rob

 

[Windows]

:shock: Is there a "Cautionary Tales" section in the haven?

 

[chataigner]

Sorry but I never use gloves for woodworking.
in the garden and for rough handling yes, but I have more control when using chisels ans such without gloves. Besides, the only serious chisel injury I ever had was when I knocked one off the side of the bench (wasnt even using it) and it stabbed me, deeply, in the ankle, even nicking off a small piece of bone.
gloves would not have helped !

 

[9fingers]

The only time I would ever entertain use of gloves in the workshop is for handling rough sawn to reduce risk of splinters, handling aggressive chemicals (not usually for woodworking) and just maybe when applying some finishes.
The rest of the time they are potentially dangerous or impede the sense of touch and control of tools.

Bob

 

[Mike G]

There is one circumstance around machinery where gloves have their uses: pushing a long wide board over a planer. If you've got, say, a 10 foot oak board, a foot wide, going over a planer, there is nothing whatever to get a grip on for the first 7 or 8 feet (until the end comes within reach), and there is an awful lot of resistance. I have been seen to lick my palms to provide enough grip. But a joiner friend of mine dons those tight-fitting rubberised knitted gloves for the job, and had no need of swallowing sawdust. Not everyone has a power-feed.

 

[Lons]

Have to admit that chiseling my femoral artery is also a concern to me, so :text-+1: on getting info on stab-proof unders.

I'm not a fan of gloves either.

I knew someone who managed to drill his penis one sunny Sunday morning, I suspect he gave up DIY for good after that and do know he didn't go near a drill again during the couple of years I was his neighbour. It was a mains powered B&D not your wimpy cordless either. :lol: His missus wasn't too pleased.
I just thought that might reinforce your hand tool only approach.

 

[RogerS]

Have to admit that chiseling my femoral artery is also a concern to me, so :text-+1: on getting info on stab-proof unders.

I'm not a fan of gloves either.

I knew someone who managed to drill his penis one sunny Sunday morning, I suspect he gave up DIY for good after that and do know he didn't go near a drill again during the couple of years I was his neighbour. It was a mains powered B&D not your wimpy cordless either. :lol: His missus wasn't too pleased.
I just thought that might reinforce your hand tool only approach.

Hand ?

Tool ?

:shock:

 

[Windows]

So what techniques do people use to avoid knocking a chisel off the bench? Whether you do it to avoid taking a chip out of your shin or to avoid taking a chip out of the blade, do you place your chisels in a particular location/manner between uses?

 

[AndyT]

So what techniques do people use to avoid knocking a chisel off the bench? Whether you do it to avoid taking a chip out of your shin or to avoid taking a chip out of the blade, do you place your chisels in a particular location/manner between uses?

Some people dislike a tool well on a bench but it works for me as a good place for the two or three chisels etc at use at one time.

I also have a simple slotted rack across the back which works for some tools.

 

[Alf]

So what techniques do people use to avoid knocking a chisel off the bench?

A large enough bench to keep my tools at one end, out of the way. A rack on the wall over or next to your bench is another option. Some people even like a rack on the bench. Octagonal, oval or other handle designs that don't roll helps. The oft-derided tool well is particularly useful, especially if your bench isn't against a wall.

 

[novocaine]

So what techniques do people use to avoid knocking a chisel off the bench? Whether you do it to avoid taking a chip out of your shin or to avoid taking a chip out of the blade, do you place your chisels in a particular location/manner between uses?

none. but work in a commercial kitchen for more than 5 days and you learn never to catch anything with your foot, because one day it won't be a bit of cheese.

My wife still laughs at my reaction to things falling off the side, apparantly I look like someone has just shut the ground in front of me.

 

[chataigner]

So what techniques do people use to avoid knocking a chisel off the bench? Whether you do it to avoid taking a chip out of your shin or to avoid taking a chip out of the blade, do you place your chisels in a particular location/manner between uses?

Normally a tool well, but I'm a bit untidy so it's not always used.

 

[Cabinetman]

Can’t say it’s ever been a problem, if I’m using the chisel it’s in my hand or close by, then it goes back in the tool rack, I suppose you just have to be aware of your surroundings and what you’re doing. Ian

 

[AJB Temple]

Well, I do wear gloves, almost all the time when woodworking. Ordinary tight fitting thin work gloves (I get them in Germany as the brand I use lasts well and the rubberising lasts) and sometimes, when turning for example, I wear surgical gloves in a fetching shade of blue.

I've had the triumvirate of asthma, eczema and near year round hayfever and dust allergy since birth. I'm allergic to wood tar of all things (also found in paper) as well as weird stuff like cobalt and most animal dander. Very severe allergic reaction (ie go to hospital right now) to ingesting walnuts and walnut oil.

Any prolonged skin contact with most woods, results in eczema, usually at the tips of my fingers, which them crack and eventually bleed. Blood on wood is not a great look :lol:

This is possibly not ideal for having woodwork as a hobby, but you can't let this stuff stop you doing things. As my main pastime now is music - piano a lot and guitar a bit, it stops me totally if the ends of my fingers are cracked. Blood on the keys and wet strings! I can cope with that but it hurts too, and makes it hard to focus.

So I wear gloves when woodworking, or painting, or fixing mucky machinery. Its totally fine, I am super careful and I have never had a glove related accident. (Famous last words). Just about the only thing that poses a real risk is turning, which I do occasionally when I need a spindle or something. Then I wear surgical gloves, which I am confident will rip long before I am dragged into chucky the man mangler.

Eczema is a weird thing. I keep it entirely at bay most of the time with a combination of antihistamines, moisturiser slathered on and sometimes cortisone (steriodal) creams. However, having creams on the skin can leave oily residues on things like pristine white maple, or even plywood. Odd things can trigger allergies though - for example near to Christmas time I usually have an allergic reaction to apples, and sometimes peas. I really like peas.

I blame my father, which is a variation on the trope "if it's not one thing, it's your mother". My son has inherited this nuisance as well. He is more keen on getting elbows deep in engine oil, rather than sawdust though.

 

[Woodbloke]

Can’t say it’s ever been a problem, if I’m using the chisel it’s in my hand or close by, then it goes back in the tool rack, I suppose you just have to be aware of your surroundings and what you’re doing. Ian

Same here. The chisel rack is directly behind the bench just above the well, so it's easy enough to just replace them when I've finished. If I do have several out in use, I just let the edge overhang the tool well which keeps them well away from my fingers and pointing away from me. No big deal really.

I never wear gloves either except if I'm hauling around big chunks of timber; then it's a pair of thick leather gardening gloves - Rob

 

[Cabinetman]

Crikey Adrian, that’s a nasty mixture you have there, and as you say you chose woodwork as a hobby!
So the wood tar goes through your skin? Ian

 

[AJB Temple]

^^No - it doesn't go through my skin as far as I know. It just causes a skin reaction, which the body overcompensates for, the skin dries out, may become flaky, and then cracks or splits. Usually at the tips right by the nails. It follows a cycle. That is a contact dermatitis aspect, but it eventually triggers the bubbling up that arrives with proper eczema. When I was a kid I had to have gloves sewn onto my pyjamas to stop me scratching. :lol: I largely grew out of it as an adult and it is only triggered by things like contact with wood. Some species are worse than others. It's no big deal and I should imagine is fairly common.

 

[9fingers]

^^No - it doesn't go through my skin as far as I know. It just causes a skin reaction, which the body overcompensates for, the skin dries out, may become flaky, and then cracks or splits. Usually at the tips right by the nails. It follows a cycle. That is a contact dermatitis aspect, but it eventually triggers the bubbling up that arrives with proper eczema. When I was a kid I had to have gloves sewn onto my pyjamas to stop me scratching. :lol: I largely grew out of it as an adult and it is only triggered by things like contact with wood. Some species are worse than others. It's no big deal and I should imagine is fairly common.

Curious. I too had bad eczema as a child of the 50s and was prescribed a tar based thick paste made up by the local chemist to treat it and also wore cotton gloves at night. I suspect steroid creams were less available then.
Strange that for me tar/resinous stuff was a useful medication and yet irritates you Adrian.

Bob

 

[AJB Temple]

Maybe. Certainly steroid creams such as Betnovate and Dermovate have been around since my childhood, along with highly effective asthma broncho dilator drugs such as Ventolin. These days the NHS prescribes special non-steroid emollients as well, which are brilliant. I'm not obsessive about it: I handle wood when needed, but normally it's better to wear gloves.

 

[9fingers]

Maybe. Certainly steroid creams such as Betnovate and Dermovate have been around since my childhood, along with highly effective asthma broncho dilator drugs such as Ventolin. These days the NHS prescribes special non-steroid emollients as well, which are brilliant. I'm not obsessive about it: I handle wood when needed, but normally it's better to wear gloves.

I suspect I might have a few more years under my belt than yourself :lol: being born in 1953
I think I've possibly been prescribed Betnovate, dermovate and synalar on and off since mid 70s and Ventolin and similar since 90s when hayfever turned from simple sneezing fits and runny eyes into a seasonal asthma trigger as it remains today.

Bob

 

[MattS]

See a few people wearing sometimes just one cut proof glove when using knives for spoon carving, I prefer to take the risk for the extra control! I do like wearing the thin rubber gloves sometimes, for example when handling panels of plywood as they increase grip and reduce splinters. I would never consider them when working with handtools though.

 

[Woodster]

I can’t wear the thin rubber gloves for more than a few minutes as they make my hands sweat.

 

[Pete Maddex]

See a few people wearing sometimes just one cut proof glove when using knives for spoon carving, I prefer to take the risk for the extra control! I do like wearing the thin rubber gloves sometimes, for example when handling panels of plywood as they increase grip and reduce splinters. I would never consider them when working with handtools though.

I sometimes where one when spoon carving, and they make good undergloves for motorbiking nice and warm.

Pete

 

[TrimTheKing]

I can’t wear the thin rubber gloves for more than a few minutes as they make my hands sweat.

Me too, but I try and wear them when planing and handling oak otherwise my hands turn purple and it takes ages to get the colour washed off. My hands react with the oak tannins so my hands go purple anywhere they have made contact.

I also have seriously rusty hands, in that my planes and chisels need to be wiped down and piled/waxed regularly otherwise they start to rust within minutes after contact with my acidic hands!