Shop Safety #3: Caution, Very Graphic Video

wow when you said graphic you weren’t kidding! i did make it through it and i think that it is something tht every woodworker should know about. looks from what i saw that there was a check in the wood and when he cut it free it released tensions and got caught in the blade sending it back. always got to look for checks when you are ripping and if there is any loose material get it off!

WOW is right. I would like to know how it got in his face. I did have a piece kick back and hit me in the lower abdomen once. It hit me hard enough that my first reaction was to reach around my back and make sure it did not go through. It did give me a welt about 8” accross and a permanent scar in the shape of the wood. I would have to agree with Lee that it is important to have a decent splitter.

-- Michael A. Brailsford

OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I use shop made zero clearance inserts with splitters, but not pawls.

My instructions how to make them...

If the wood can’t pinch the rising side of the blade, no need for pawls.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

Lee,

You can’t beat the drum loud enough.

Because of the posts here on LJ, I’ve installed a splitter and kickback guard on my saw.

I thank you and all who’ve posted their stories for motivating me to be more safety conscious.

Q

-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."

I couldnt watch the whole thing either. After the first image i had enough. I don’t have a splitter on my saw…now I am going to find it and put one on! Do you know Lee if a full face mask would resist a punch like this?

-- "That Government is Best that Governs The Least."-Jefferson

WOW….that was cool…...not really. As a blood and guts kinda guy, that made me take a step back. Tomorrow, there will be splitters added to my shop-made inserts tomorrow.

-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"

I don’t think I can even bring myself to watch it!

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

Thanks Lee, I’m glad we don’t try to act ingorant here at LJ’s and pretend these things don’t happen. My splitter and pawls were off my saw until a few weeks ago when Karson shared his story – everything is in place where it should be now!

-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA

Thanks, I watched it all, spliters will go on before I use my saw again.

-- Ron Central, CA

I bet that left a mark.

I have been meaning to put splitters on the inserts for a while. I guess I will do it really soon now.

-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA

This is a truly great service you are providing Lee.
Most folks have never seen or experienced a Kickback so they are really vulnerable to having one.
This is a blood sport if you are not informed and carefull.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

ouch.

-- Tony, Ohio

That doesn’t look like fun, I couldn’t watch the whole thing. I definately reminded me to use a splitter and be careful

-- Glenn, New Mexico

I’m an EMT so I’ve seen some stuff, and this gave me the woodgies. That is a whole new kind of hurt! You’re so right to draw our attention to this stuff, and I’m guilty. I don’t have a splitter… yet. It sure makes me glad I’m a galoot, and for sure!

Thanks, Lee. Good word.

-- There's no tool like an old tool...

this thing is wicked!

yup, gotta remember – we are dealing with some seriously mean machines, and if we don’t pay attention, and stay one step ahead of the game – probability of things to happen is only going to get higher.

Thanks for sharing- it’s one thing to talk about those things, but to actually see it, kinda hits the bell.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I thanks you all for taking this in the context as it was to be.

I was somewhat reluctant to post this, but now I am glad I did.

Just yesterday a fellow ordered an ezee-feed, and in the course of our conversation, he mentioned a recent kick back experience. I did ask if he had a splitter on the saw. He was a little embarrassed to admit he had one, but wasn’t using it. I was able to convince him that once is enough to be fatal even if you have been using the saw without one for forty years. The saw doesn’t take experience into account.

Dennis;

There does not need to be a split in a board for this to happen. Typically a board will turn sideways in the kickback process. This is due to the very nature of a kickback. A board that gets wedged between the fence and blade will be turned, and often shatter. Plywood is not likely to split, which on one hand is a plus, as the board isn’t turned into a spear. On the other hand getting hit with either the corner of a piece, of a flat side of a piece of plywood is also a pain. In Kason’s case, his saw is a 14” or 16” blade running on a five 5 Hp behemoth. Is saw would show no mercy to an elephant! It is a super machine, but stopping a board on it;s way by is not recommended,in the owners manual.

Hi Barry;

I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree. Any movement at either the front or rear of the blade that moves the saw kerf out of parallel to the blade can cause kickback. I fully believe in redundant safety features which is why many splitters come with the pawls on them. I am not an expert in kick backs, and have no desire to become one, but I do know that there are times when I’m very relieved to have those pawls.

Hi Christopher;

I really don’t know the answer to that, and have wondered about the breaking point of them, as well as safety glasses. There is sure to be a failure point, but what it is I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out through my own testing.

Hi Bob; Thanks for verifying it was a good decision to post the this. As I mentioned, I gave it considerable thought before hitting the send button. Having you as a voice of reason, concluding with my decision is reassuring, as I do respect you point of view immensely.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Gulp, that had to smart. I’ve had a splitter on my saw since a little kickback incident with some ply (monster bruise, so got off easy). No pauls though. My new saw will have a riving knife on it which will go a long way towards minimizing the risk of kickback, you can never be too careful around these machines.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Not trying to be crass or mean; but, Holy #!!!$......

I just watched to the first shots of him with that sticking out and that was enough for me. I had a bad kick back with a dado once that buried itself in the garage door and that was enough to scare the mess out of me.

Thanks Lee for the reminder. I have found myself being a little lazy putting the Guard/Splitter assy back on after using the dado because it’s annoying.

Apparently there are worse things than being annoyed….

-- Chris

Looked like a Dräger anesthesia machine in the background.

Sorry. My wife won’t watch movies with me if they contain hospital scenes.

Thank you for posting that. It definitely makes me want to look at my tablesaw operations again. Fortunately, my one and only tablesaw injury occurred when the saw wasn’t plugged in. The blade hadn’t even been installed at that point.

Thanks again.

Dave

-- Until you spread your wings, you'll have no idea how far you can walk.

Ouch Lee, thats a good reason to have the safety gear. One real issue though is the TV woodworking shows blatently igonre the safety issues & say they take off the claws & splittere so the audience can get a better view. Not a good example to set.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

“Hi Barry;

I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree. Any movement at either the front or rear of the blade that moves the saw kerf out of parallel to the blade can cause kickback. I fully believe in redundant safety features which is why many splitters come with the pawls on them. I am not an expert in kick backs, and have no desire to become one, but I do know that there are times when I’m very relieved to have those pawls.”

Not to argue, but I think it depends on the splitter. If the splitter is close to the blade, properly sized to the kerf, etc… no pawls are needed. Witness that riving knife equipped saws don’t have pawls…

If you needed the pawls, your splitter isn’t performing properly. Most mass-produced metal splitters that include pawls are too thin to work without pawls.

For kickback to happen, the rising teeth have to be able to gain enough traction to toss the board. A splitter that’s tight in the kerf and ridgid enough not to flex will prevent that from happening, as well as prevent ripped reaction wood from closing on the kerf. It will not allow the cut wood to touch a rising tooth with enough pressure to do more than cut it a fraction more.

A shop made splitter in a shop made insert can be almost as close (distance wise) to the rising teeth as a riving knife, and can be thicknessed to match a specific blade. I have different inserts for my combo blades and my dedicated rip blades, due to different kerf widths.

The only way kickback can occur with a proper splitter would be a board short enough to become trapped between the fence and the rising teeth. For example, “ripping” a plywood part that’s wider than it is long, and is less than 12” long, or using the fence as a cutoff gauge when crosscutting, without the benefit of a spacer block.

The only kickback that can come off the front of the blade is a small cutoff during crosscuts, similar to what a miter saw might toss.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

Like someone else who responded to this post. A few weeks ago I removed my splitter/pawls to use a dado blade, and havn’t replaced it even though I have used the Saw.

that will be corrected very shortly.

-- Nelson

Thanks for sharing the video, watching the entire video was not a problem for me, in my younger years..a long time ago I worked as an EMT on our local ambulance and have seen a few accidents from machines and they are never a pretty site. Safety in our shops, yards, homes, and work can never be over emphasized. I faithfully use my splitter, pawls, and feather boards. I will admit that I have done some other stupid things and that is usually from carelessness. Safety must become a habit. Every Lumberjock, please think safety at all times.

Thanks again Lee.

-- Doug, Cass City, Michigan

Hi Dam;

Haven’t heard from you in a while. How’s the bench coming along?

Amen to no such thing as too careful!

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hi Chris;

I agree it’s better being annoyed, than sorry.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hey Grumpy,

How are you?

I guess we all have rules we break, and have to hope we get away with it. It’s not a good example as you say.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hey Grumpy,

How are you?

I guess we all have rules we break, and have to hope we get away with it. It’s not a good example as you say.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hi Barry;

Thank you for adding to this post.

Could be I’m an old dog, instead of just a dog like before.

It also could be that all the saws I’ve used have had both, so I’m comfortable with it.

The new riving knives are certainly much more substantial than the previous ones, as you mention. The splitter on my saw is definitely too flexible.

Again, thank you for adding to this post, and keeping safety a topic well worth discussing, and PRACTICING.

Lee
p.s. what kind of horse is that. lol

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hi Nelson;

Honestly a couple days ago, I cut a dado in a piece of plywood. The following step was to rip the board, followed by another dado.

I actually turned on the saw to rip the board. and stopped to think about all the preaching I do on this subject. I shut the saw back off and added the splitter.

I considered what would I tell all you guys and gals if I got hurt without having a splitter on the saw.

Glad to hear you’re putting yours back on!

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hi Doug;

I agree safety must become a habit. I also realize it’s a pain in the butt sometimes, and maybe not convenient, but compared to what could happen, it’s a piece of cake!

Thank you;

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hmmm, that was an intense video. I agree that you can’t beat this drum loud enough or too often. I found myself getting lazy the other day hogging out some wood with my router with my full face shield only steps away (I was wearing just the safety glasses…then I thought to myself why be so lazy so I went and got the face shield…not two minutes later a large chunk of wood came whirling out between the router sheilds and nailed the shield just below where my eye would have been without it. I was so grateful that all the LJ posts and yours in particular have really been stressing safety… No harm done and I didn’t have to dial my office as ask for my colleagues to come with the flashing red lights and scoop up my face from my shop floor. Those shields are tough, but I am going to replace that one after that impact.

What’s the phrase…ohyeah “don’t do anything you don’t want to explain to the paramedics” :-)

Thanks for the posts Lee.

-- ...it's rennovation time!!!

My buddy always told me about that; he saw it when it aired on TV. He started wearing his turning mask/face-shield thingy when he rips on the TS. I think it got to him…

Regards, JM

-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/

Right on…

Ya’ gotta do it safe!

I’ve seen some GREAT kickback demos using blue or pink foam insulation. The foam will kick like wood, but doesn’t have the mass to develop the momentum to injure.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

I don’t want to sidetrack Lee’s purpose for sharing this video, but something that’s been troubling me after the video is…

“Why did the medics decide to use bolt cutters to reduce the projectile size before removing it?”

It seems to me that there is more possibility of further injury from the bolt cutters and transferred torque or shock from the cutting action, than simply removing it like they did.

I know I wasn’t there for direct examination, but it seemed like an unnecessary step.

Thoughts?

Q

-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."

The “medics” didn’t cut it, The DOCTORS did. Medics secure in place and transport. They (the doctors) cut it to take less “dirty” material into the clean O.R.

-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"

Hi Mark;

I’m glad to hear the drums aren’t falling on deaf ears, and it’s becoming pretty apparent that L’s are indeed safety conscious.

I’m curious to know what damage the face shield received? One of the guys questioned the amount of damage a face shield would have after a kick back.

I’m also glad and grateful that nobody has chimed in with; “I’ve been doing this for forty years, and nothings happened to me.

Thank you for adding to this post.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Aidrian, thanks for the explanation.

I guess in my insomnia induced posting,It’s like I’ve been watching a car wreck and fixated on the hubcap coming loose… I’m hoping that my incorrect reference to medic didn’t hit a wrong chord, I misspoke in my fascination.

Surviveability from any form of tragic incident like this is such a tribute to the dedication and high quality the first responders who often risk their own safety to help others.

Hopefully others will learn from this poor guys accident and prevent future injury to themsels or others.

Q

-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."

Youch! yes, i will be installing a splitter and pawl on my table saw now.

-- life can always be weaved into a song.

Q,

It’s ok, I have been called worse….LOL

Just don’t call us “Ambulance Drivers”. That will get you a big needle in a bad place.

-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"

Hi Jude;

We wouldn’t want anything to happen to that pretty face!

And I don’t want to imagine what kind of song that would be!

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Doing well Lee. Still got all my fingers.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Hey Grumpy;

Glad to hear it on both counts.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Man, thats enough to scare the table saw right outa my house! My wife is an EMT, and not to long ago she transported a wood worker that cut his thumb off completely and part way through his fore finger with a circular saw…. I didn’t hear the end of it for weeks. For the first few days she wanted me to sell all my power equipment and take up ballet…needless to say…I don’t own any ballet slippers!

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

Just don’t go around the workshop on your tippy-toes Brad, not good for the health. LOL

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Hi Brad;

I’m glad to hear you didn’t give in. There is no Ballerina jocks.

That is enough to scare some caution in us all.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

My splitter is back on now!

-- If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until it's free! PJ O'Rourke

Hello Lee,

No visiible damage to the face shield but I figure there may be stress cracks I can’t see…and replacing the shield is way cheaper than pulling fractured shield and debris from my face … I figure taking care of the safety equipment is a far better thing to do, even though I’m cheap by inclination I’m not that cheap to risk the safety factor…that and Jenn and the kids are counting on me to be around for awhile so I’d better be careful :-)

-- ...it's rennovation time!!!

Hi Tom;

I thank you for posting this. My work here is a success!

I really appreciate everyone taking this to heart, and I have to thank the guy who made the video.

Prior to that, people thought I was over stressing it’s importance, or the possible injuries that can be incurred.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hi Mark;

I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my question. I have to agree it’s far better to err on side of caution, rather than to save a few bucks. I’ve often wondered how much these shields can take before failing.

Does your wife know how considerate you are? You should tell her! lol

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Lee,

Put the new splitter though its paces this weekend, and boy what a difference it make. Not to sound lazy, but it does help with technique. One of the problems I’ve been having, is when sorta of the hand over hand feeding of long items and for some reason with the right hand and its placement on occasion would cause a slight toe out on the uncut side of the board. We of course know what happens with that. Most of the time I have the mental agility to make that adjustment quick enough to avoid an accident, but ….

Then new splitter is keeping the keeper piece of the cut tightly against the fence. This make life much safer!

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

Hi sIKE;

Bravo my friend, Bravo!

Real glad to hear it.

How long has your right hand been giving you trouble? lol

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

My thoughts on this, Never rip with a radial arm saw, I have one and use it for crosscutting and bevels only.
This is the one saw that I have experienced kick back on even with hold downs in place.
For small pieces use a band saw. I don’t think that kick back will ever be an issue with a band saw.
I feel much safer using a Skill saw and guide to rip. I use EZ Smart Guide by Eurekazone.
http://www.eurekazone.com/products/detail/sgs.html
This is always my 1st choice to rip when the stock is large enough to clamp to the guide rail.
Given the task I look to my band saw first, EZGuide 2nd, mitre saw 3rd, table saw 4th, radial arm 5th,
chain saw 6th, and occasionally a scroll (jig) saw or hand saw.

excerpt below from eurkazone.com (I have this system and use it often)

“Eurekazone was founded in the year 2000 by Dino ‘the carpenter’, a woodworker who loves his trade and understands the associated problems that come with it. His vision is to make woodworking easier, safer, and affordable to all because woodworking is art, fun, a refuge, and an honest profession.

Our Design Philosophy
The Dead Wood concept and the EZ smart
Everyone has had a few close calls working with wood. We become complacent. We relax. We try to work with the tool in an unsafe manner, and we know it. Many things happen when we work with wood. Some of these things can scar us for life.

We have these thoughts as we look for ways to make this occupation and hobby safer. The idea we have embraced is the ‘Dead Wood Concept’. We have sought to design a system of tools and accessories which will keep the wood dead still in place as we cut, bore, plane, rout, etc. First we eliminate the opportunity for the wood to become a projectile. Next, we position the power tools in such a way that hands and fingers stay clear of the tool path. Then the path of the power tool is always going away from the body guided in the track of the rail.

This concept of securing the work piece is widely used. By labeling it the ‘Dead Wood Concept’, we are just calling attention to our desire to make woodworking safer and more enjoyable. We like designing ‘Smart Tools for Smart People’.

Our Goal…
We’re almost there
The Feedback from our customers say it all

To Everyone,

As a shop teacher I think more about how to work safe than most people. I have fearless teenagers who aren’t afraid of any tool in our current arsenal. The EZ system is the safest and most practical system of cutting panels that I have ever used hands down. Now I understand that panel reduction is only a part of woodworking. I argue that all of Dino’s products are equally as good for working hardwood. ... If it sounds like I am passionate about the Eurekazone its because I have seen that the EZ systems can prevent accidents, not only that it can be many times more productive than conventional woodworking systems. I view it as my duty to demonstrate this system to every potential student that walks through my door. I know there is the EZ challenge and I challenge anyone who is a fan of this system to promote it. Take a look good hard look at woodworking today, we need it to advance and to be safer and smarter for future generations. Dino keep up the exceptional work and thanks for all you have done for me.”

Sincerely,
Darin Fritz

Excerpt from the EZ Smart woodworking forum at Saw Mill Creek

video

-- Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

Hi Gary;

Thank you for the input.

That looks like an interesting product.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Lee,
Can I just ask what a splitter is? Is is what we refer to in the UK as a riving knife? (Curved knife behind the blade same height and same kerf.)
Thanks.
Allan

-- Allan Fyfe, Lethenty Mill Furniture, http://www.lethenty-mill.com

Hi Allan,

Correct, same thing.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Being a shop teacher myself, I agree it is our responsibility to introduce different methods of completing the work, especially if they are safe. I am NOT sold on that system. Circular saws have more accidents per year than the table saw. People respect the table saw, they think they are invincible with the circ saw. The deomonstrator had to hold his clamping system with one hand, and hold the saw with only 1 hand when it is designed to be used with 2 hands. I had a discussion similar to this with another shop teacher about the sawstop table saw. His response was teach the kids proper use and accidents go down. Not all people will have access to this system or a sawstop. They must be taught how to do it the common way, safely.

Hi Tool dad;

After reading your post, I decided to watch the video that has been posted. I didn’t really give it te attention I should have, before commenting on it.
I agree, I too am not impressed at all with this system.

It looks to me like it would build a false sense of security to the user, resulting in more accidents than prevention.

There was a fellow demonstrating a unit, possibly this one, at the woodworking shows I attended with my product.

This person was an accident waiting to happen. He was in the booth next to mine on two occasions. I explained to the shows producers that I did not want to be anywhere near this fellow, as I didn’t want to witness any accidents. His work habits were horrible. He would straddle a pile of scraps while cutting lumber with a circulr saw, and a track of some sort. I didn’t watch him, as I expected to see a few fingers go flying by.

After complaints from other vendors as well, he was no longer permitted to rent a booth a these shows. I do not know if this is the same fellow, or product, but I did feel as though a used car salesman was doing the presentation in this video.

Based on this video, this is NOT a product I would buy or recommend.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Lee,

Are you sure about Allan’s question?

An American style splitter is NOT the same as a Euro style riving knife. The riving knife is much closer to the rising teeth and doesn’t allow the “pinch” that can precipitate a major kickback. The RK moves up and down with the blade and stays closer to the blade, regardless of height setting, than anything sold in the US that’s not called a riving knife.

One of these days, I’m going to fly down to S. Jersey / E. Philly area from CT and have lunch with you. I’ve been to the Flying “W” for a sandwich, and that’s not that far… <g>

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

Hi Barry;

Where is the flying W?

I have to be more careful in my responses! To many knowledgeable guys running around here!

I tried to get away with the short answer, as I’ am running on an average of a hundred emails a day or so. Give or take three. lol

And now that I know I have a professional clean up man behind me, oh boy! This is exciting!

I would greatly enjoy having lunch with you!

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com