Safety First
Although these things are not all necessary in making professional volumes, they are helpful in keeping you safe.
You need your eyes to see so use some eye protection. It is very easy for wood to get into your eyes. When making cuts this is when you are most susceptible to this happening. It can happen anytime in the process though, so it is best to wear them always when working. We suggest the DeWalt concealer clear anti fog dual mold safety goggles. They provide all around protection and are anti-fog so if you are using them with a mask they work perfectly.
Better you hear, with your ear, very clear, than not so well at all. Loud noises that are produced in from the tools you use can possibly cause damage to your ears, so it is best to protect them with ear muffs or ear plugs. Sounds louder than 85db can cause damage to your ears. A normal conversation is at 65db.
Wearing a mask when working with wood and paint can protect your lungs. It is easy to overlook when working, but should be a precaution. Dust particles smaller than 10 microns can bypass the body's defenses and can reach deep within the lungs. Many factors go into air filtration like the size of the room, the quality of ventilation occurring, and many other things, but to be safe we are going to assume that wearing a mask is better than not wearing one. This is especially the case when using the power tools that produce lots of dust like the saws and sanders. We suggest the 3m particle disposable respirator.
If you are making climbing volumes it is assumed that you are a climber yourself and as a climber protecting your hands is important. There is a large debate among the woodworking community about gloves. It is to wear them or to leave them aside. Our belief is to wear them. When working with particle board you are susceptible to splinters. When working with the sander they can reduce vibrations felt through the hands. They provide protection from scrapes and other injuries. They can in some cases provide better grip too. This doesn’t mean you have to always wear them, like if you need to feel the wood, take them off. It is just general safety to wear them.
Things to avoid with gloves are baggy or lose gloves, gloves with holes that give the illusion of safety, finger-less gloves, and latex, rubber, plastic… gloves (maybe for the painting or staining process but not when working with the wood).
Other safety tips are clothing related. Wear comfortable closed toed shoes. Pants and long sleeve are advised. Avoid wearing bracelets and rings. Be smart when working.
Stay safe when making volumes. It would be unfortunate if you hurt yourself making something you can climb on and not get to climb on it.
If you want to learn more about how to make professional volumes buy the book. It includes plans and all the knowledge needed to make professional volumes for yourself.