"Andy Dingley" wrote in message
...
On 21 Dec 2004 13:28:20 -0800, "
wrote:

You don't think this is a problem?


http://www.msd.k12.mo.us/vocational/...oors%20plain%2
0Dylan.jpg


http://www.msd.k12.mo.us/vocational/...%20frames/plaq
ue%20(Tabitha).JPG

I hadn't noticed those two yet - nasty.

The first machine is probably illegal to operate in the UK in a
commercial workshop and is _certainly_ so in a school workshop.

In fact the first one just isn't something _I'd_ do. That's the most
common table-mounted router accident requiring a hospital visit
(according to the HSE's figures) - a blind emerging cut, where the
pushing hand goes straight into the unseen cutter.

Through 3" of wood? I think not.



The second picture is one I'd cheerfully do, but I'd never let kids do
it. _I_ have some idea of where my fingers are, where the bit is, and
how far to separate them. Kids can't reliably do that.


I have to respectfully disagree Andy. My own kids are proof of that and
I've had a few other kids that were either neighborhood kids or the kids of
friends, who over the years I've taught a bit of wood working to, or have
for one reason or another, have done wood working in my garage. I assure
you - not all and even *most* kids that are interested in this stuff are not
the absent minded air heads you typically find in the shopping malls.
There's a world of bright, attentive kids out there. If you haven't crossed
paths with them, then that's truly a shame, because it does your heart good
to work with them. They can indeed reliably function in a wood working
shop.

I've read more stuff here that concerns me than what I've seen and
experienced with the attentiveness and capability of the kids I've worked
with.
--

-Mike-