Safety First! What's your must-have PPE for specialty tools?

Hey folks, just had a close call with my angle grinder yesterday - sparks flew right past my face shield. Got me thinking: what specialty tool PPE do you swear by? For me, it's full-face shields with grinders and respirators for any dusty work. Don't skimp on the good stuff!

SparkySam's right - seen too many guys lose an eye being lazy. Back in my shop days, we had a rule: no face shield, no grinder. Also, ear protection with routers - those things scream! And leather aprons for welding. Old school but saved my skin more than once.

Good topic! For garage tinkering, I always double up - safety glasses UNDER my face shield when using the lathe. Also, vibration-dampening gloves with rotary tools. Anyone have recs for heat-resistant gloves? My welding gloves are too bulky for detail plasma work.

Sarah - try the thinner Kevlar-lined gloves from welding supply shops. They're pricey but worth it. And DrillMaster, 100% on hearing protection! Tinnitus is no joke. Adding: knee pads for tile saw work and anti-vibe mats for standing at stationary tools all day.

Forgot about those mats - good call. Young guys think PPE slows them down till they get hurt. Saw a apprentice lose part of a finger to a dado blade once - no push stick. Always use the right jigs and guards, even if it takes extra minutes. Your tools don't care if you're in a hurry.