Posture brace

[reads2kids]

I have a bad habit of tensing my shoulders while I scroll. I try and catch myself and relax my shoulders. Still after scrolling for awhile, my upper back is killing me. I've been looking at posture braces and wondering if that would help, but there are so many varieties (and prices), I thought I would ask here if anyone used one and liked it.

Patty

[sappy]

Patty, the problem could be your posture. See if there is some way to re-arrange your work station to save on bending over or change the angle of your arms. Also, take breaks! Roll your shoulders, flop your arms around do some simple stretching. A back brace isn't the answer unless a doctor has prescribed one. I have back problems also and was in a brace for 3 years. It's better to try for a healthy back.

[lucky788scroller]

Patty, if your sitting,Try raising your stool, try lowering your stool, try tilting the saw little by raising the back a couple inches. If your standing...try sitting as you cut, and vise versa.I prefer sitting on a stool, with my saw tilted towards me . And once you get more experienced, youll find your more relaxed and not only will you ease your upper body strain, but your cuts will be much nicer as well.

[wood-n-things]

Patty,
I have the rear of my saw raised. It is simple, I used a piece of 4x4 and placed it under the back of my saw. This seems to be the right amount of lift for me.

I take breaks and glue up another pattern or sand another project or just sweep my floor, or take a drink of water.

I also found that additional lighting helped remove some tension as I'm able to see better I'm not craning my neck anymore...

Hope these help..along with the suggestions above mine all good ones.

[KtownScroller]

Hi Patty - I get locked up too and have to remind myself to relax my shoulders as I cut. Holding the wood right on the saw line can be very intense causing back aches. Another thing I do is spend some time cutting and then spend some time sanding or doing something else for a short while. A cool project can really drive you to over do it too. You might want to adjust your chair height if you sit. A couple of inches up or down can make all the difference in how tight your shoulders get.

[knothead]

Try a chilled beer or two or three or..........
Works for me and my back is wired together like an erector set.

Tom

[wood-n-things]

Tom, is kidding of course..never drink alcohol before going into, or while in your shop.

Wear eye protection...oops wrong soap box...cya.

[ubgoofy2003]

Patty, I find that I lean forward while cutting a work piece. For two reasons, I have a Light fixture with a magifying glass to see my work up close. This causes me to bend over my work. I don't know if that is your problem or not. I guess it will affect all of us different. Good luck. Perk

[georgewoodie]

readstokids:

Sounds like seat height adjustment is at least a good way to go.

Years ago when secretaries had typewriter desks, that working height was a bit lower than a standard desk top and was much easier on the shoulders and neck.

In bygone days when I had to work for a living, I made my computer table that height and i could work for up to 4 hours at it with no aching shoulders and that is why I say that the advice given on working height sounds pretty good.

I hope that works for you and lets you enjoy scrolling rather than suffering.

Woodie

[proudrex]

To all who stand while they scroll my hat goes off to you (and my heart goes out). I broke both my feet and and ankle 3 years ago and can't stand for extended periods of time. When I got my saw put together I could see that I would have problems. I have some stools but after a while they weren't fun either. Then I took my old computer chair, put it on a lift, table, or whatever it is, raised my foot peddle on a small stool I already had stuck in a corner and can now take all the time I want to make sawdust. I decided to raise the chair because the saw was about the same height as my work bench. Now I can saw, turn and use the bench, drink my doctor pepper and eat popcorn and never have to get up. When I need a break I just lean back in the chair, put my feet up on the work bench and even take a snooze (don't tell my wife).
Rex