I agree. I think dressing up as Thor and playing up the crowd the way you suggested would have gone a long way. Also putting the fingerprint scanner where you one actually grabs the handle from, somewhere midway on the shaft, would have been a better design.
If you like this kind of stuff, check out Colin Furze's youtube channel. He does some similar experiments, and is very entertaining.
It is kind of terrifying seeing him operate so many machines with his tie dangling around his neck. He obviously knows his way a round a shop better than I do but I always thought neckties were no-nos in the shop.
Wearing them still isn't a good idea, but clip-on ties will at least break away when they get caught rather than forcing your head into some machine...
From the constant cuts to extreme close-up, I'm betting he puts on the tie and collared shirt for talking-to-the-camera shots (and one or two per episode where a machining tool is on, but he's carefully away from it) and takes it off most of the time when he's actually working.
If you like this kind of stuff, check out Colin Furze's youtube channel. He does some similar experiments, and is very entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/user/colinfurze