So, we are all aware of the inherent dangers involved in woodworking, and if you are unaware of these dangers then you really need to pay attention. For those who are a little squeamish then I recommend skipping past the image, there’s some blood.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit, that of all the possible things that could have happened here, I am very lucky.
This happened about 2 years ago now. I was cutting a thin strip of wood on the table saw, I was using a push stick but I had my left thumb tip on the waste piece in a position that I thought was far enough from the blade, I was paying more attention watching the blade cutting through the top of the piece when I felt a quick tug on my thumb. And I remember thinking to myself, “did that just happen?” Not looking at my thumb I reached down and switched the saw off, then when I looked I saw a small trickle of blood go down my thumb I thought, “yeah, that just happened.” And I went and cleaned myself up and bandaged everything. I was more embarrassed than anything else.
I was very lucky in that it only took a bit of skin off and a small part of the nail. It’s all healed and looks as if nothing has happened. So, what did I learn from this? Well, it just went to reiterate what I teach my patrons when I run them through the safety course, “Know where your hands are at all times.” So, take it from me, always pay attention to your hands, and use a push stick when you’re close to the blade.
-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken























7 comments so far
jockmike2
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7326 posts in 1143 days
posted 350 days ago
Good advice, and nice reminder. We all need to be reminded constantly that these things we are using are not toys although we think they are at times, they (the machines) give us such pleasure. Thanks.
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
oldskoolmodder
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707 posts in 576 days
posted 350 days ago
While not what I needed to see while I’m eating lunch, hehehe, I live with being overly cautious sometimes, because of the same type of thing, but much worse.
My tagline says it all.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
KBC
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31 posts in 357 days
posted 350 days ago
You do know there are easier ways to trim your nails,don’t you…lol
-- Ken, Northern Illinois,kbcmtndewman40@yahoo.com
Layton
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15 posts in 356 days
posted 350 days ago
ouch,damn,ouch
socalwood
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968 posts in 500 days
posted 350 days ago
Thanks for the post .I dimensioned window casement pieces for 8 or 9 hours straight today on a tablesaw , stopped to take some aspirin and did not go back to the saw . Take care of your finger , I will keep your pic in mind tomorrow- – -
TimberMan
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106 posts in 361 days
posted 350 days ago
I am glad you made it out safe. I was not so lucky. Here is the black and white. Feel free to click the link for more pictures but I warn you wait 30 minutes after you have eat’n to open them! My accident was very close to yours but my finger went straight down on the blade. Well maybe not so straight :) At least all my cuts are not that crooked! It was a clean cut through the bone.
3fingerpat
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909 posts in 564 days
posted 348 days ago
My picture is worth a 1000 words. Nuff said.
-- "You get what you inspect, not what you expect"