Hazards of traditional luthiery

[Andy123]

I've been looking at how traditional Eastern and Middle Eastern luthiers make instruments, and noticed an alarming trend. Most of their work is done seated on the floor instead of standing at a bench. This leads to such interesting techniques as the crotch drill press and the toe-vice (toe-vice is quite a common move).

The potential for injury is cringe-worthy:








...ok so the last one wasn't an instrument but you get the idea.

[Simon Barden]

None of the luthiers look very old...

[dave.king1]

None of the luthiers look very old...

And with that level of OH&S may never get to be

[FrankenWashie]

It's all perfectly safe until someone decides its not. Scrutinsing the photos seems to show all digits in their proper place and quantity.

[Simon Barden]

That's simply because those that have lost them can't do the luthiery any more.

[wazkelly]

Geez, one slip and it could be the end of starting a family of your own.

Can you imagine the carnage if these guys had access to proper power tools?

[Dedman]

Japanese sword smiths also do much of the polishing sitting down and holding things with feet. Have done for centuries.
Waz, it's the power tools that add the danger, not the technique.

[bassdude]

Geez, one slip and it could be the end of starting a family of your own.

Can you imagine the carnage if these guys had access to proper power tools?

I pride myself on still getting by with improper power tools ...

Peter

[FrankenWashie]

I pride myself on still getting by with improper power tools ...

Peter

Wheras the Lab makes do with proper tools used improperly…