Arts and Craft Tutorial

Rules:

These rules are mostly here for big projects. While you don't HAVE to follow them I'd reccomend that you do in order to keep you and others around you safe while building. Also some of these may help taking care of your equipment if you didn't already know how. These are here to make sure that you don't accidentally severely injure yourself.

 

*This is assuming that you have NEVER worked with any of the tools neccesary for large projects.

1. Don't touch or point a hot glue gun's tip/ exacto knife blade at anyone.

I know this seems really obvious but seriously. Do me and everyone else a favor and just don't do it. Not only is it really dangerous its also not smart in general. Trust me cuts and burns from hot glue guns and exacto knives hurt. ALOT. Especially if its a high temperature glue gun or a new blade. 

2. Don't leave the hot glue gun plugged in when not in use. 

This is a really easy way to hurt yourself and waste glue. When plugged in a hot glue gun gives off a lot of heat which is how you're able to spread the glue around. It would not be nice if you were to forget it and accidentally touch it. Plus since its always hot the glue drips out while its not in use, even if the trigger isn't active.  

3. Don't toss dull blades into the trash without a cover or guard.

Even if the blade is dull, it doesn't mean that it can't cut or hurt anyone. If your going to dispose of a dull blade at least securely wrap it in paper towels or tissue paper before disposing of it. Another option would be to get a refill set that has an area to dispose of the dull blades. 

4. When cutting aim the knife away from you and anyone near you. 

This rule applys to the times when you're cutting something thick that would take more than one cut to completely cut through. If you're not careful the blade could cut through the material and hit you or anyone near you. I have learned this the hard way. While making a paper prop I have accidentally lost control of the blade and hit my finger leaving a pretty big gash, that hurt a lot. 

5. When cutting thick sheets, cut multiple times not all at once. 

This rule goes with number 4. Cut slowly and take multiple trys. If you're not careful you can lose control of the blade and the momentum can force the blade to cut you or anyone around you. Cuts that come from these kinds of actions are usually deep and not fun. The thicker your material the more times you will have to repeat cuts. This will also help with accuracy. 

6. Don't clean the blade from the front. 

Same rules for cooking right? When cleaning up you dont clean the knife blade from the sharp side. You clean from the blunt side. Even though exacto blades have a short life span there are still gonna be some times where you will want to save a blade for later. I don't care if your careful just do it.