January 1, 201313 yr I am an idiot.I am a "hand tool" woodworker although I do run a mixed shop with machines like jointers and planers and bandsaws for breaking down rough stock. I woodwork full time and have been making saw dust for over 16 years. Although I have many designs that use only hand tools, lots of my commissioned work involves powered machines due to time constriansts and deadlines. That said, I haven't touched my 8 inch jointer since last may until today. I started breaking down stock today for a smallish cabinet I am making and it needs to be done by late next week. So I break out the machines and start knocking down 4/4 mahogany. Where's that pesky push stick I made so long ago? Aw, who cares. It's only a few boards and I am experienced and SO careful... Ha. The tip of my left ring finger is now jointed nice and straight, about an eighth inch shorter than it was this morning. Yes, it hurt. Yes, it will continue to hurt for days. Yes, I am an idiot.I guess the point of this post is that saftey is always important no matter how experienced you are or how often you use your machines. A jointer was the last thing I expected to get hurt on. Ruined my day:-)The push stick was mixed in on a lumber rack that I keep scraps on. Had I really looked, I would've found it. I was comfortable. I do this six to ten hours a day everyday and have no need to worry. Thinking like this was my first mistake. Always take time to be safe. Don't be an idiot like me.Tommorrow, I will finish processing the lumber with my jack and jointer planes. They work well and I might just keep the jointer in the corner (where it has been for so many months) and let it laugh at me for a few weeks. BE SAFE! Don't let your jointer laugh at you! And I hope everybody has a SAFE and prosperous New Year!Adam Welker Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking
January 1, 201313 yr Go back at it and ride the horse that bucked you!!!!! Don't shy away from it just learn and go back at it. Sorry to hear about your finger, by the way, even though tapping it is painful, tapping it on a hard surface will help deaden the nerves, painful but it helps. I caught myself standing OVER a chainsaw blade today while cutting because of a stupid rock in the way.  Mental note to self "WTF are you doing?" Stopped the cut , locked the blade, kicked the rock away and went back to cutting safely in the right position (hickory). Been using that saw for years (Saws name is ching, first name cha) and not about to have it laugh at me. At least all it was was a tip, lol glad to hear it wasn't worse!!Â
January 1, 201313 yr Ouch Adam. Did you miss the bone?Ron DudelstonSite AdministratorAbove and Beyond WoodWorks
January 1, 201313 yr Sometimes I shudder about how I'm doing or about to do some cutting, step back and do it safely. I got lucky several years ago doing something I had seen my Dad do many times. I got bit on my t/s, not bad, but it reminds me every day of the stupid thing I did!Harry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
January 1, 201313 yr I'm sorry to hear you were injured and am glad that it wasn't much worse.I almost lost my fingers down to the palm on my left hand on an old Swedish tilt table saw one Christmas season about 20 years ago.The cut was halfway through the bones in 4 of my fingers and just nicked the thumb. To this day I see a color flash back of my hand going through the blade whenever I turn on a power tool. I thank God every day I have most of the feeling and full use of my hand and fingers. I am much more careful now and I visualize every cut before I make it to make sure where the blade is and my hands in relation to the blade. A hard lesson learned and it was all my fault because I was in a hurry.www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
January 1, 201313 yr Adam so sorry to hear about you accident.i have a good friend that decided to run a small piece across his jointer to shave of a little bit. It did and shaved off the end of three fingers on his right hand. When you feel too comfortable with a piece of equipment or a process is the time it will jump up and bite you. Glad it wasn't worse and hope it heals quickly.John MoodySite AdministratorJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
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