Model railroading is an incredibly fun hobby, especially if you enjoy activities like painting, construction, and organizing. However, model railroading can be dangerous when you start using tools, especially if you have kids or pets in your home. Let’s review some of the best safety practices for model railroaders.
Don’t Leave Your Tools On
If you decide to use power tools, hot glue guns, soldering irons, or any other kind of electrical tool, make sure you turn them off when you’re not using them. If you get up from your workbench to use the bathroom or grab a snack, just make sure you flip the switch to off or unplug the tool before you do. Leaving tools plugged in can cause a fire, or you could hurt yourself if you bump into a tool you forgot you left on.
Go Slow With Blades
Any time you use a tool for cutting, be sure to go slowly and carefully. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a small crafting blade or a table saw. When you move quickly, you’re more likely to lose control of the blade and injure yourself. And even if you don’t hurt yourself, you could accidentally slice through your project. Be sure to go slow with blades if you want to improve your model railroading experience.
Wear Protective Gear
Always wear protective goggles when using a saw or cutting crafting materials that could become projectiles. If you pour resin or use a hot wire cutter on insulation foam, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator. If you can, it’s also a good idea to wear gloves while working with tools. We understand that gloves can make it harder to hold small train parts, but you should still wear gloves whenever possible.
Use Cradles To Hold Things
Model railroaders often use pieces of foam called cradles to hold their trains while they work. Cradles are very handy, especially when you don’t want to risk touching your trains and messing up a fresh paint job. And when you’re working with tools, cradles are useful for holding things so you don’t have to put your hands near the working end of the tool.
These best safety practices for model railroaders can help prevent injuries and project mishaps. Make sure you use common sense when using tools and keep them away from pets and small children.
