Creosote-treated timbers: Cut with care
Some wise precuations to take if milling lumber previously treated with creosote. September 21, 2000

CV and formaldehyde fumes
The wrong respirator can lead to serious health problems. July 22, 2003

Tablesaw Accident Anecdotes
Is a kerf in the palm of your hand a dado, a rabbet, or a groove? An accident that could have been worse sets off a collection of reminiscences, cautions, and advice. December 30, 2005

Dealing with spray booth noise
Protecting your hearing from the deafening roar of spray booth exhaust equipment. November 15, 2000

The truth about pressure-treated wood
Exploding some myths about the dangers of CCA pressure-treated wood. August 10, 2000

Cutting the butt off blowdowns
Cutting the butts off blown-down trees can be hazardous. Here are some safety tips. June 27, 2000

Seeking a sweeter-smelling finish
Potential sources for less noxious finishing materials. November 29, 2000

Health hazards of wood dust
Studies have shown that breathing wood dust can be hazardous to your health. 1998.


Pressure treated lumber -- O.K. for grape arbor?
A look at pressure-treated woods, then and now, and safety factors to consider in using them. 1998.

Formaldehyde, sawdust and cancer
Discussion on the health risks of formaldehyde in finishes and wood dust in the air. April 4, 2001

Computer Clinic: Ground Your Equipment!
Protecting computer equipment, and users, from power surges. 1998.

Cutting creosoted poles
Advice on cutting (or not cutting) utility poles treated with creosote. June 20, 2000

Wood dust a carcinogen?
The Wood Doctor points to two sources of information on the carcinogenic properties of wood dust. 1998.

Dark liquid from walnut: Toxic?
The Wood Doctor says: Stay away from this stuff! 1998.

Filtering out isocyanates
Is an organic respirator capable of filtering out isocyanates? December 6, 2000

PVC piping -- OK for dust collection?
Why PVC piping is not safe for your dust collection system. March 19, 2001

Wood Dust, Spray Finishes, and Lung Function.
A cabinetmaker who finishes his own pieces asks whether anyone else feels shortness of breath. Fellow woodworkers chime in with advice on pulmonary health and the cabinetry trade. November 21, 2005

Thoughts After a Severe Accident
After a shop worker is very badly injured by a machine, the owner seeks feedback from colleagues. April 7, 2008

Attention, Safety Practices, and Loose Nuts
A woodworker describes how a moment's inattention damaged his machine — but luckily, not him. The tale sets off a long thread of similar stories (including one fatality) and lessons learned. November 16, 2011

Regulations for finishing operation
Concerns about building, fire and environmental laws for new shop. March 23, 2002

Procedures for shop-floor medical emergencies
What to do when a serious accident occurs in the shop. September 26, 2000

Heaters in the Finishing Room
Portable electric heaters create sparks and cause explosions. Don't do it. June 18, 2013

Health Alert: Hearing Loss
A short discussion about how woodworking can damage your hearing. April 22, 2014

Safe sprayroom setup
Advice on everything from finish type to disposal of hazardous materials. December 17, 2003

Working Safely with Ipe
Dust and oils from Ipe wood are allergenic and toxic. You need serious personal protective gear if you work with Ipe. Here's more info. May 16, 2008

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