Taming a wild belt sander (video)

Wow, I've been gone a long time. Now that my professional commitments have settled out, I'm back in full force (at least for now).

For my first post-hiatus post, I thought I'd share with you this video, which came to my inbox yesterday courtesy of the Handyman Club of America. I've just been filing their newsletters (and a lot of other things) for future reference, but when I saw the subject line (Video: If a Keystone Cop Touched a Belt Sander), I couldn't resist.

Sadistically set to the "William Tell Overture," the video carries the disclaimer "Warning: violence! Pain!" for good reason. There's no blood, but a LOT of potential for lasting damage - both to the floor and to the guy using the sander.

After you watch for yourself, you'll see why I don't feel bad for the guy (nor do I feel bad about not feeling bad). He asked for everything he got. Enjoy.

Speed vs. safety

Are you like me? Are you already planning how you're going to squeeze in some home projects this weekend? After all, Sunday is pretty much out, it being Easter and all. Even if you're not religious, chances are you celebrate in some way (family gathering, dinner, one of your twice-a-year pilgrimages to church, etc.).

It's invigorating to cross a project (or better yet, projects) off my to-do list. So I know if I do get some work in on Saturday, I know I'd normally be tempted to rush, trying to get as much done in as little time as possible. In those cases, safety (or at least a heightened sense of it) tends to either take a vacation or at the very least slide to the bottom of my priorities list.

But after watching the below compilation of DIY disasters from, I'm having second thoughts. Seems there's a reason the old saying is "Measure twice, cut once" and not "Speed trumps accuracy (and safety)."

Enjoy. (Just pardon the laugh track.)