If you’ve ever stepped into a woodworking shop, you know it’s a place of creativity, craftsmanship, and, let’s be honest, a few hazards. But what happens when you’re not just working in your own shop, but someone else’s? Enter Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton), the Canadian carpenter and woodworking guru who’s seen it all. In his latest video, he lays down the law on what will get you tossed out of his shop faster than you can say, “Should I have used a coaster on that table saw?”
This article dives into Stumpy Nubs’ workshop rules, blending humor, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of common sense. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a newbie, these tips will make you rethink your shop habits. And hey, if you’re looking for some killer woodworking plans, check out Teds Woodworking Plans to get started on your next project.
Flip-Flops: The Workshop’s Worst Enemy
Let’s start with the obvious: flip-flops. Seriously, who wears flip-flops in a workshop? Stumpy Nubs doesn’t mince words here. “If you aren’t at the beach or in a shower at some CD truck stop, wear shoes like an adult,” he quips. And he’s right. Flip-flops offer zero protection, no support, and are a tripping hazard waiting to happen. Imagine dropping a heavy piece of wood on your toes—ouch! So, keep those nasty hammer toes inside a pair of sturdy shoes. Your feet will thank you.
Rings: A Finger’s Worst Nightmare
Next up, rings. Stumpy Nubs used to wear them in the shop until a serious injury nearly turned catastrophic thanks to a titanium ring. If you’ve never heard of “degloving,” consider yourself lucky. A quick Google search will show you why rings are banned in so many workshops. The images are not for the faint of heart. Instead, Stumpy recommends silicone rings. They’re soft, safe, and won’t turn your finger into a horror show. Plus, they’re cheap—just a few bucks online. Check out some options on Amazon.
Loose Clothing: A Recipe for Disaster
Loose clothing is another no-go. Stumpy recounts a close call with a shirt tail nearly getting sucked into a jointer. Yikes! He’s even had to enforce a rule about loose sleeves, requiring wristbands for anyone sporting them. And gloves? If the tool spins, the gloves come off. It’s better to risk a splinter than lose a finger—or worse, an entire arm. Nitrile gloves are the exception, as they’ll tear before you do. But even then, use them wisely.
Music in the Workshop: Yay or Nay?
Now, let’s talk music. Stumpy Nubs isn’t against tunes in the shop, but he draws the line at “incoherent mumbling that passes for rap music or that new hip-hop country crap.” Fair enough. He provides Isotunes Bluetooth headphones to everyone in his shop. They protect your ears and let you indulge in your questionable music taste—privately. If you find music distracting, just hit the pause button when you’re using a machine. Simple, right?
Chainsaw Discs on Angle Grinders: Just Don’t
Here’s a head-scratcher: chainsaw discs on angle grinders. Stumpy Nubs calls these “so poorly thought out that they just have no place in my workshop at all.” Angle grinders lack the safety features of chainsaws, like blade brakes and slow-speed motors. The whole thing is a kickback zone, and if the chain breaks while spinning at 11,000 RPM, you’re in serious trouble. If you own one of these, throw it in the trash. Today. Your life is worth more than a cheap shortcut.
Tool Organization: A Workshop’s Holy Grail
Stumpy Nubs’ grandfather had a rule: tools must be returned to their exact spot. Now, Stumpy enforces the same rule in his shop. “There’s nothing worse than looking for a tool and not finding it because someone didn’t put it back,” he says. If you borrow a tool, it’s your responsibility to return it to its rightful place. Take notes, take pictures, do whatever it takes. And while you’re at it, clean up your mess. A clean workshop is a happy workshop.
Blade Guards: Non-Negotiable
Safety devices like blade guards are non-negotiable in Stumpy’s shop. If he catches you with the guard off, you’d better have a darn good reason. Otherwise, it goes back on. The same goes for jointers, nail guns, and other tools. Push sticks, safety glasses, and hearing protection are mandatory. And the beer and bourbon? Those are for after the tools are put away. You can be dumb in your own shop, but not in his.
Nickel-Plated Surfaces: A Game-Changer
Here’s a pro tip: nickel-plated surfaces. Stumpy’s table saw, band saw, and router table are all nickel-plated, which means you can pour water on them without worrying about rust. It’s not just for careless drinkers; it’s also great for humid environments or shops with fluctuating temperatures. Plus, it looks pretty snazzy. If you’re tired of scrubbing rust rings off your tools, this might be the upgrade you need.
The Grabber Pro: A Must-Have Safety Tool
Finally, let’s talk about the Grabber Pro. This nifty tool makes your table saw safer by controlling both halves of a workpiece during cutting. It reduces the chance of kickback and protects your hands if something goes wrong. You can even use two together for longer rips. It’s adjustable, versatile, and significantly cheaper than other versions on the market. If you’re serious about safety, this is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts: What Would You Add?
So, what do you think? Is Stumpy Nubs overreacting, or are these rules spot on? What would you add to the list of things that’ll get someone tossed out of your shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’re ready to take your woodworking to the next level, don’t forget to check out Teds Woodworking Plans for inspiration.
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