Getting a grip

[Andy Mac]

Hi there,
Here's a query for you all, how do you keep your fingers from slipping on wood?:confused:
I've just spent 20mins checking-out housings for half lap joints, using the radial arm saw. You know, set the blade halfway up the wood and move it back and forward umpteen times while sliding the wood along 3mm at a go. Boring, repetitive, and potentially dangerous when you can't slide the timber 'cos your fingers won't get a purchase on the the dressed timber. I ended up licking my finger tips continually, but wondered if anyone has some stuff they apply to their hands?! Maybe talc, like the weight lifters use; or spray adhesive even!!:eek: Seems when you don't want sticky fingers there's always Epoxy picked up from somewhere...

Cheers,

[bitingmidge]

How about those rubber finger tip thingies that look like thimbles that the bank johnnies used to use?

I suspect they are still available from a stationery supply near you!

cheers,

P

[Lignum]

Andy i got the perfect thing for you, i use it and its great. "Wilgrip" Concentrated Sports Grip. Avail at all good sports stores. Just rub some lightly on your finger tips and it dries in a few minutes and the grip is fantastic and its hardly noticable and dosnt transfer to what you are working on

[silentC]

I always try to pull away from the blade, rather than push towards it. It's a good habit to be in, even if your fingers are sticky. I want my fingers to stick to my hands

Must admit, I have had that problem on ocassion. I wondered if rock climbing chalk would help but couldn't find my bag. I guess you don't want to use anything that will stain or mark the timber. Maybe a rubber glove on one hand?

[silentC]

I just want to point out that I have exercised great restraint in my reply to this thread. It would be so easy to send it to the orange room

[Andy Mac]

Thanks for the quick replies, some good ideas . And I especially like SilentC's comment about pulling the work away from the blade...I'll have to pay more attention to that!

Cheers,

[AlexS]

Pick up a small resin bag - your local squash courts should have them. That's also what weightlifters use, not talc.

[silentC]

What's that stuff they keep in the Weber BBQ at the Olympics?

[jmk89]

Rosin

[schaf]

As Alexs said. A small risen bag.You just hold and squeeze ,also sold by lawn bowls shops.

[Toolin Around]

That's a problem I had alot in Canada. When it's cold your fingers have very little grip from the dry cold conditions. I would wear a pair of rubber coated gloves, I called them my spiderman gloves cause I could grip anything with them on. You can buy them here at most hardware places, I found them at bunnings. They're the knit gloves with the blue rubber coating on them.

[Hickory]

Silent C's response is along the lines of "Correct Procedures" and "Safety Practices"

Also consider better facilitating the movement by reducing the friction on the RAS's table/fence. Teflon tape along the fence as well as a few strips along the table surface would reduce the resistance to movement and require less forceful attempts by the operator, which would regain control of the equipment and re establish your safety range.

I reciently completed a series of such joints on 4X4s and 2X4s and experienced similar problems. I was assisted by my son who pecked on the end of the 4x4 after each cut, which advanced the timber for the next cut. Perhaps you can train SWMBO to be a wood pecker and peck on your timber for you. :eek:

[floobyduster]

Hi there,
Here's a query for you all, how do you keep your fingers from slipping on wood?:confused:

Well, I reckon a copy of drops off super glue should do the trick

On a more serious note - how about a golfing or driving glove made of soft leather? Even some gardening gloves have rubber dimples on the fingers for grip although the fit is likely to be sloppy compaired to the others mentioned.

[journeyman Mick]

Developing a set of gnarly calloused hands will give you a pretty good non-slip surface. I used to have a set that SWMBO would complain about, used to hook on her clothing and hair, scratch her skin and look very blue collar . Nowadays they're more genteel (like moi )

Mick

[Lignum]

Well, I reckon a copy of drops off super glue should do the trick

.

Brilliant for when you cut yourself. A few drops on the cut and a quick blast with the accelerator and bingo - no more bleading.