A Word on Shop Safety

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