[Nfb-seniors] Adaptive techniques for wood working

[David Evans]

Dear Annely Rose,

There are many ways for a person with low vision or even totally blind to 
use power tools and hand tools to do woodworking.
I am nearly total and use table saws, drill presses, jig saws,Routers and 
all manner of hand tools to cut and shape wood, metal and plastic.

I always try to figure out how I can make a "set-up" or a jig or fixture to 
make the cuts I need to make safely and still get the job done.
I use allot of "C" clamps and welder's clamps, steel and aluminum angle iron 
to use as guides and ripping fences.
I use my router, with a ball bearing tipped lamination bit to follow an edge 
to trim, shape and copy the outlines of things I make.
I use a drimmel tool to carve wood and do other tasks.
Mostly , the use of a good table saw and a work bench with a vice on it are 
my main tools.
The table saw lets me use the ripping fence to make allot of cuts and the 
miter square on it helps me cut angles.
The hardest thing is getting the measurements right and for that I use 
either a talking tape measure or a Braille ruler or yardstick I have marked 
with notches along the edges.
I have made my own computer desk and access corner in my house.
I can make PVC and wooden furniture as I like.
I even wittle with knives and use files and sandpaper to finish things.
I have also done upholstery and staining of wooden furniture.
I ask for help when I need it, but mostly I work alone.

They use to teach wood shop to Blind people all of the time,  but they have 
gotten away from that and that is a sad thing.  I think that it gives people 
confidence in their abilities and teaches them how to figure out problems by 
thinking and using simple principles.
I also still have all of my fingers and toes, even if I can't see them 
anymore.

If you have questions, just write me back.

David Evans, NFBF
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Annely Rose" <annely53r at yahoo.com>
To: <aernet at lists.aerbvi.org>; <nfb-seniors at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 11:52 PM
Subject: [Nfb-seniors] Adaptive techniques for wood working


Hi Lists,
I am looking for some information. I have an 82-year-old man, who is totally 
blind, who wants to continue building small tables and nightstands using 
various tools and electric saws for cutting wood. I've checked out the tools 
in Maxi-aids already. Is there a web site I can go to or someone I can talk 
with about adaptations or techniques? Thanks in advance for any information 
you can provide.
Annely Rose
VRT
Independence for the Blind of West Florida
1302 Dunmire St.
Pensacola, florida 32504
Office: (850) 477-2663
Cell: (850) 554-5162



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