> Metal working machines are among the most dangerous equipment one can operate.
No, woodworking stuff is FAR more dangerous.
The reason for this is twofold:
1) Metalworking almost always involves workholding.
Metalworking almost always has a vise attached to your work and the machine. Metalworking almost always has your hands somewhere other than near the sharp bits. A mill has your hands on the dials. A lathe is similar. A drill press has your hands on a handle.
With woodworking, your fingers are almost always the motive force and they almost always pass near the cutting edge even if you are using push sticks and sleds.
2) Woodworking machines rotate far faster
Radial and circular saws can remove your hand in a blink. Wood lathes often throw or explode the part while your hands are right next to them.
Admittedly, the plural of anecdote is not data. However, almost all the woodworking accidents I have seen have been far more problematic than the metalworking accidents I have seen.
No, woodworking stuff is FAR more dangerous.
The reason for this is twofold:
1) Metalworking almost always involves workholding.
Metalworking almost always has a vise attached to your work and the machine. Metalworking almost always has your hands somewhere other than near the sharp bits. A mill has your hands on the dials. A lathe is similar. A drill press has your hands on a handle.
With woodworking, your fingers are almost always the motive force and they almost always pass near the cutting edge even if you are using push sticks and sleds.
2) Woodworking machines rotate far faster
Radial and circular saws can remove your hand in a blink. Wood lathes often throw or explode the part while your hands are right next to them.
Admittedly, the plural of anecdote is not data. However, almost all the woodworking accidents I have seen have been far more problematic than the metalworking accidents I have seen.