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Ouch...

1K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  TheKiltedWoodworker 
#1 ·
Ouch...

Well, tonight I thought I would get a head start on the weekend projects by working on the mother's day gift that I am building for the boys to give mom on Sunday. Well, in one of my stupid moves I was supporting a cut being made with a chisel with my hand behind the chisel. You guessed it… Chisel slipped and the sharper corner of the chidel went right into the first joint down on my left index finger.

Ok, now for a little analysis. Why did I have to support the cut? It was becuase I was working on top of the tablesaw and I did not have the workpiece properly secured. Why was I working on a table saw? That would be beacause I keep putting off the building of my workbench. I desperately need a good way to hold work like this, and I am getting sick of sticking myself every couple of weeks. I think I will start on the bench sometime tomorrow. The reason I put it off is because I am undecided on how to build the top. Well, I will probably make that decision tomorrow.

So, I sit here typing just waiting for the next few days of pain in the finger. Just let this serve as a warning. Always work safely and make sure your work is secured so you do not need to get your fingers in the way.

Good Night…
 
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#3 ·
If you have not decided what kind of workbench you want to build, you could build a smaller, portable workbench that you attach to the top of your table saw. You would accomplish two things: You would cover the table saw and not drive the chisel into the table saw deck, and you could have a work surface that you could move around as needed. (you would also be able to finish the project for mother's day, and not hurt yourself. Take care!
 
#5 ·
I do feel for you….but consider yourself lucky! Maybe this can act as a warning for one and all.

I totally understand about getting fingers in the way. I can laugh about this now, but it hurt for a very, very long time, and I include my pride in with this!

While trying to "Mass Produce" picnic tables for a lumber yard I worked at about 20 years ago I got my fingers in the way! Understand this is a very true and painful story that nobody believed, not even at my place of employment. My wife did witness this, much against her will.

I was kneeing up a 2×4 for a display table for Wickes Lumber, Columbus Indiana (now out of business). It was really warped. I finally got it into position. Air nailer in the right hand, knees on the 2×4, keeping my balance with my left hand fingers on the concrete a good 40 inches away from the point of impact with the nailer on the 2×4 that I was working on….. POW! The nail ricochets off a knot in the wood, off the concrete first striking my index finger - hitting meat, then middle finger - first knuckle, yes….into yet a third finger - my ring finger - another meat shot!!!

They removed a small piece of concrete from the middle finger later that day.

Method of removing this galvanized nail…..With a Vice-Grip they went to purchase at our local Ace Hardware. I had to wait until they sterilized it.

Yes it is true!

After hearing my story rebuffed several times at work…I had had enough! My wife works here at the local hospital where I have gone several times since this occurrence. I had her talk a doctor into having a copy of the first x-ray they took with the spiral shank nail stuck in all three fingers. First to prove that it really happened and I have it serve as a reminder in my shop today.

Though slightly deformed I can move that first knuckle.
 
#9 ·
I agree with Giz. Check out Woodcraft for a good selection, usually in-store so you can take home that day (avoiding extra shipping costs).

Or, if you happen to be lucky enough to live near one, you can check out Lumber Liquidators for an only slightly thinner butcher block counter top for a lot less ($185 for 8' or something like that). I think you can order to pick up at the store, as well, and avoid shipping costs there, too.
 
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