cr0sh, if all I want is a 1/8" router like this one for dremel, will it be safe to open up a drilled hole into an LCD screen (2.0"*0.7") with it? Thanks! I know things can get ugly if something is caught and start spining
If it's meant to be used with a Dremel, and you are wearing proper hand protection, then it should be fairly safe. If you want to be sure of safety, mount the part you are cutting to a workbench with clamps or a vice. Even with gloves on, it is possible to cut/drill into your hand if something should slip wrong.
By the way, I remember I am not supposed to wear gloves or long sleeves with machines in case they get caught and pull my hand into spining stuff.
On any larger non-hand held machines, gloves shouldn't be worn; I apologize for not making that clear. You are right about that safety part (though goggles and possibly a face shield should be worn). On a milling machine, your hands shouldn't be anywhere near the bit or worked piece, since they should be on the feed controls (if the machine is manual).
Does the opposite apply for handheld power tools?
Typically, yes - because with a handheld power tool, things can slip easily and the tool cuts quickly. Sometimes, even gloves don't stop the injury, but they can make the damage that is caused less in the event of an accident (right-angle grinders are fun!).
So far I've only worked in well-maintained student-level machine shops and I don't like spinning stuff despite occasional work with them since 01.
As with electricity - respect the tool, and it will respect you. Pay attention to where your body parts are in respect to the machine. Don't let your unease stop you from working with the machines, a certain level of wariness is a good thing. Its when you get lax and "comfortable" that things can go awry...
I've got goggles.
Good - wear them. If you are doing heavy machining (not that it sounds like you are), consider a full face mask. Also consider ear plugs, as well as a dust mask (for certain materials, you might even want to use a respirator). Dust masks/respirators are things you need to consider if you end up drilling/cutting/machining PCB material and certain plastics. The particles can be inhaled and lodge in the lungs, leading to all sorts of bad juju over time.
BTW, a college student stepped in my lab yesterday and said,"I'm taking science labs tomorrow, do you know where I can buy goggles?" I guess he couldn't tell chemistry from physics. Only mad physicists like the one in "Back to future" would need goggles
That's not completely true; if doing hands-on physics work, I can certainly see the need for goggles in some experimental setups. If working with lasers (ie, anything stronger than a standard cheap red laser pointer), goggles for the wavelengths being worked with are a must (especially once you get past about 50mW in power).
One other thing to keep in mind: If you wear glasses (or do in the future), don't assume that they are the equivalent of goggles - they aren't (unless you have specialty prescription safety glasses made). Wear goggles over you glasses.
Finally - when soldering, wear goggles; I can't tell you the number of times when I've been soldering and the solder or rosin "spattered" and popped up on my face; the quick sting was one thing, no scar - but had my eyes not been covered with goggles... :-X
Stay safe!
