Post #208464 by GMAN on Wed, Jan 18, 2006 10:16 AM

Hey guys,

I think this thread is a great idea. Over the years I have taken some major hits and had some serious surgical reconstruction, although most were non-carving related. Anyway, I need all my parts so I try to protect them every way I can. The folks who saw me carve at the Tiki Jam saw that I am very serious about my safety.

When I carve with the chainsaw I wear tall steel toe boots, jeans, Kevlar wrap around chaps, heavy leather gloves with chain stop material, a long sleeve shirt, safety glasses, ear protection, and a face screen/shield.

When I'm using a grinder or other rotating nasties, I always wear a cartridge respirator in addition to much of the safety gear above. I also wear the respirator when using power sanders.

It's a good idea to keep a first aid kit out in the garage or workshop so that if you do take a hit, you don't have to go find it inside...somewhere. Plus, your spouse would probably get real pissed if you squirted blood all over everything inside.

Last but not least, I always make sure my wife or a neighbor knows that I am chainsaw carving and either they stop by or I check in with them periodically.

I also recommend marrying an Emergency Room Doctor like I did. Having a trauma doc at home is a big plus for a chainsaw carver! :)

-Gman