In my video on safety I talk about ripping out chunks of hair and the machine hitting you in the head, should you get your hair caught in it. So I also agree with you on that.

As for how to hold the bead safely, I have talked about this in tip 6. I will also add here that if you can’t hold it firmly in your fingers while buffing, than it is too small to buff. With small beads like that you are better off buffing by hand or using a rock tumbler to do it for you.

My comment about women using tools comes from experience with thousands of women in my classes who were afraid to use power tools. They were comfortable with a food processor but not a sander and I just want them to be able to see they are the same.

Just like you, I am very comfortable with working with tools, but I am not so blind to think that there isn’t a strong stereotype out there. Just look at your industrial school. I’m guessing, Woman are still the minority.

I recognize that my style of ‘perpetuating the stereotype’ may be annoying to you and perhaps to many other women. But for many ladies who still think that way, they can relate. And when they can relate, they feel more comfortable. When they are comfortable, they may just try something new. And isn’t that what we want them to do in the first place?

For me, by recognizing the stereotypes I can help people move beyond them. It may not be the best way to go about it, but I mean well by it and I hope you can forgive me for that.

Thank you very much for sharing your opinions. I really appreciate your involvement!

As far as the hair thing goes- it doesn’t just hurt to get your hair caught in power tools. There have been cases with slightly high power tools where the force of the hair being caught actually ripped off portions of scalp. Not a pretty sight at all.

Also, this comment: “Girls… power tools can be your best friends if you learn how to use them correctly! And guys… you’re smiling cause you already knew this, didn’t you!” Arg! Some women are very, very proficent with power tools! I frequently know more about them the guys in my classes (at an industrial school) and at the professional design firms I’ve worked for. Why must other women continue to spread this sterotype?

Just my 2 cents. Overall, the site seems to full of good information and a good resource for newbies to clay like myself.

When using power tools safety glasses should be worn even if regular glasses are used. They help protect laterally and give extra protection to the glasses themselves.