In the Blink of an Eye (graphic pictures)

[John Moody]

I started this knife block some time back and then the virus pandemic hit and I didn’t do much in the shop. 

 

I worked everyday at the gun store/range as we were considered essential business. I did a lot of repairs to the range since we did close it for a while due to not being able to keep 6’ distances. So I installed new LED lights and we filled in holes in the walls where they got shot and then painted. So I say all that to say I had been busy away from the shop.  

Last week I finally glued the part that would hold the steak knives. Monday evening I went to the shop and took it out of the clamps. Checked to see the it needed to be flattened to fit the larger part. 

 

I took it to the jointer to flatten the back edge. I ran it across the first time and it was close.

 

 

After checking the fit i came back to run it one more time. 

This time not watching I turned the piece around and started to push it through. That’s when in the blink of an eye things changed. 

The piece grabbed and kicked back on me. 

 

When it kicked back it threw my hands  into the top edge of the fence. I knew I was hurt and looked down and saw raw flesh. I grabbed my fingers and noticed my right little finger was pointing 90 degrees out at the first joint. Some how I put it back in place while still holding my fingers. I ran in the house got my wife and headed to the ER. 

When the nurse told me to turn loose of my fingers and let her look I told her I wasn’t sure I could. I just knew they were separated. I finally let them go and gave her a look. 

 

 

They tried to clean them up but the were bleeding so they put them in a solution to soak. 

 

 

After hours of soaking this is what I had. They told her to stitch them and she told them there wasn’t enough to pull over and stitch. 

So I had to see an orthopedic surgeon the next morning. I was pretty sure I was going to loose the ends. 

 

 

So when he came in he was very positive that they would heal and would not require removing any if I don’t get an infection. 

Ive got to wash them 3 times a day for a while and keep the bandage changed. 

 

a 

So here is what they look like after the first washing. 

 

I’m very blessed that they are as good as they are. But as long as I’ve been woodworking just goes to show you things can happen bad in the blink of an eye. Had I watched the direction and noticed the slight slope would cause the End grain to lead I could have prevented this. A piece of wood coming back from a kick back is moving fast and what ever is in the way can be damaged or destroyed. 

While working with power tools take your time and pay attention to every detail. I very thankful I didn’t get into the spiral cutter. 

Hope the pictures don’t bother you but show you how fast something can happen and change your life. 

 

It it will be about 6 weeks before I’ll go to just bandaids and those fingers will be tender for a long time. 

 

Be safe and always use safety equipment. 

 

 

[lew]

That's gonna leave a mark!

 

It could have been so much worse. I have a woodworking friend who is terrified of the joiner. Now I see why.

[Gunny]

32 minutes ago, lew said:

That's gonna leave a mark!

 

It could have been so much worse. I have a woodworking friend who is terrified of the joiner. Now I see why.

Not exactly my favorite piece of equipment.

[John Moody]

1 hour ago, lew said:

That's gonna leave a mark!

 

So true Lew!

 

[Artie]

Scaring the bejeebers outta me! I have only used a joiner once, just to test the Shopsmith one was set up right. I flattened a piece of 2x4. In my lack of experience I always thought of a joiner as relatively safe. I think of the scroll saw and bandsaw the same way. I may have to concentrate on my metal detecting as a future hobby. Other than people, biggest danger in beach detecting is toeing through a pile of scooped up sand, and running foot into a needle. Haven’t run across one yet, but they are making the papers. Other danger is stepping on crab when detecting in the water, this actually happened to me, hurt like the dickens, ended up worse for the crab. I am hoping you make a 100 % recovery!

[Gene Howe]

That's nasty, John. Hope you heal quickly. 

[sreilly24590]

Here's to a fast recovery. Unfortunately it's one of the more nerve sensitive areas and will take a good while. You may well find ice packs to be a very good friend in the near future. Sorry you had to teach us a lesson but sharing that really puts a face on the possibilities.

 

Now you need to come up with a good cover story for the future. Like defending yourself from a machete wielding lunatic while trying to get that last pack of toilet paper back in 2020 in Costco.

 

But seriously, get well.......

[FlGatorwood]

John, I am so sorry that you had to experience this to help us understand the inherit danger of these machines.  You are right to point out that all mistakes can and do happen instantly.  What a story to tell.  It should be share with all those who play with these toys.  And, using a push pad may have helped, but paying attention is the most important.  I have broken a cherry bowl by blinking at the wrong time.  Yep, I truly respect these tools, but sometimes, something will distract at the right moment.  I am looking forward to your rapid and complete healing.  Please keep us posted on the progress of your hands.  

[FrederickH]

Best of luck with the healing/recovery. Reading this post makes my palms sweat and a promise to be ultra-careful on my jointer. Thanks for the share!!!

[Smallpatch]

John I'm sure feeling for you and sorry it had to happen. 

Maybe you need to construct a sign like I have over my joiner. Nothing under 18" goes through this machine, nothing!!!

[Ron Dudelston]

Hey John, did you look closely at the jointer blades?  Check them out before you fire it up.

[HARO50]

Sorry to hear about your accident, John. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

John

[Gerald]

Sorry to hear you had a close encounter. Yes it will be sensitive for a long time. Tried to cut a finger off on  TS couple years ago. Was using push stick and it tipped into blade. Good thing was the blade was only 1/4 over the board. I will not post picture and the rest of the complications that occurred .

[Al B]

Just had a minor accident using my TS this week. Removed a little skin from my thumb, a bit of bleeding but nothing serious, but a reminder for me to pay attention.  Sorry to see what happened to you. I've always thought of the joiner as a safe tool, but your experience proves that power tools are dangerous, even for the most experienced woodworkers.  Hope you heal soon with no issues.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Wow, scary stuff. Hoping for a speedy recovery...and thanks for the post. Like some others said..the jointer is one of the more frightening tools in the shop.

[Cal]

Thanks for the reminder John.  Hope you heal up quickly with no complications.

[Larry Buskirk]

Yeouch! 

[PeteM]

Thanks for being the object lesson; hope we all benefit from your pain.

 

Never a horse couldn't be rode, never a cowboy couldn't be throwd

[HandyDan]

Wow!  Hate seeing that happen.  Had pains run down the back of my legs just seeing it.  Hopefully is heals well and fast for you.  Take care.

[Gunny]

42 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

Wow!  Hate seeing that happen.  Had pains run down the back of my legs just seeing it.  Hopefully is heals well and fast for you.  Take care.

I had to sit down and have a drink myself. Rethink my life and such.