Standing or sitting

[mikeBuk]

My son just informed me that his teacher tells all pupils that when using any power tools, Health and Safety rules dictate they must always be standing up, what are your thoughts when for instance doing intricate pattern cutting on your scroll saw.??

[newfie]

using the scrollsaw doing most anything and intricate patterns i'm sitting

[mikeBuk]

I agree, and also wonder how many H & S lawmakers have even seen a scrollsaw 

[jscott2]

In most cases, standing makes sense, and would be safer - table saw, lathe, grinders, etc.  It would let you stand off to the side so you aren't in line with the blade or wheel.

I can't personally see a problem sitting in front of a scroll saw.  The worst event I can think of would be a piece of broken blade flying into your eyes - always wear safety glasses.  I have a magnifier light between me and the blade.  But, if you are standing, it would be easier to stop cutting and walk around for a break. 

In the end, I think it's up to you.
Jim

[daveo]

Hi Mike
well HSE might say stand, but then they also say the blade guard should be used but I bet its not, anyway I usually stand,but really thats because if I sit and lean over the machine i just can't get the light right
but as said its a matter of preference
Dave

[EIEIO]

Sitting

[chelcass]

For my scrollsaw I have a bar stool I sit on.  When using the bandsaw, drill press, oscillating or any other sander I stand.  I just find this work for me.

[Intarsia92]

I sit when I use the scrollsaw, stand for everything else.

[mikeBuk]

Thanks for all the replies, I thought this might generate a little interest. I would have done it as a poll but as a newby, I couldnt find the option

[Becky]

Like Al, I sit for scrolling but stand for everything else (not that I do a lot else).  Nothing else I do takes nearly as long as my scrolling for one thing.  The line-of-sight angles work best for me using these conditions and, well, my chair is by the scroll saw!  In my itty-bitty shop it would be a pain to drag it around.