Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The 12-Gauge Garage
- Thread starter Jack Olsen
- Start date
Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I lost an eighth inch off my left index finger when I was 28. It was an adult enrichment class, last one of the session, last few minutes. I was in a hurry, working with small pieces, someone behind me said something and I got distracted. When I put together my own shop 13 years later, I got the biggest bandsaw I could fit. I don't really have space for a table saw with infeed/outfeed/wings, etc.. If I need to deal with sheet goods, I use a track saw, if I need a slot, I use the router table.
I lost an eighth inch off my left index finger when I was 28. It was an adult enrichment class, last one of the session, last few minutes. I was in a hurry, working with small pieces, someone behind me said something and I got distracted. When I put together my own shop 13 years later, I got the biggest bandsaw I could fit. I don't really have space for a table saw with infeed/outfeed/wings, etc.. If I need to deal with sheet goods, I use a track saw, if I need a slot, I use the router table.
rlitman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Ahh. Yeah, then it was indeed too small. Are you familiar with "zero clearance inserts"? Can one be fitted to your saw?
Ahh. Yeah, then it was indeed too small. Are you familiar with "zero clearance inserts"? Can one be fitted to your saw?
Coopduc
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Almost the exact same thing happened to me more than 25 years ago, only it was my middle finger. Saved the finger, but after it healed it was extremely sensitive to the slightest pressure on the fingertip. It was more than ten years before I coul tap that finger on a table without pain. Nerve damage repair is a very slow process.
Almost the exact same thing happened to me more than 25 years ago, only it was my middle finger. Saved the finger, but after it healed it was extremely sensitive to the slightest pressure on the fingertip. It was more than ten years before I coul tap that finger on a table without pain. Nerve damage repair is a very slow process.
ratdoggy
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Jack I love the playhouse you really are a craftsman.
Hope the hand heals up as good as new......
I've been using my table saw a lot and I do have a healthy dose of paranoia as I operate it....
I'm taking your accident as a reminder to keep that healthy dose of paranoia as I operate the table saw in the future
Jack I love the playhouse you really are a craftsman.
Hope the hand heals up as good as new......
I've been using my table saw a lot and I do have a healthy dose of paranoia as I operate it....
I'm taking your accident as a reminder to keep that healthy dose of paranoia as I operate the table saw in the future
Zeke
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Yeah, I think we all are.
Jack, you mentioned that the work piece slipped down between the blade and the insert slot. Whenever cutting a thin rip this is a problem. As I mentioned and was mentioned again above, a zero clearance insert is very important. In fact, the only reason to ever not use a ZC insert is for dust collection either powered or gravity.
Even with the ZCI, the work is still thin and hard to push through. If you push on the waste side the thin piece once cut may fly out of there with ferocity. I've had that happen once and it hit me right in my junk. Talk about hurt. That was the real definition of 'blue balls'.
Jack I love the playhouse you really are a craftsman.
Hope the hand heals up as good as new......
I've been using my table saw a lot and I do have a healthy dose of paranoia as I operate it....
I'm taking your accident as a reminder to keep that healthy dose of paranoia as I operate the table saw in the future
Yeah, I think we all are.
Jack, you mentioned that the work piece slipped down between the blade and the insert slot. Whenever cutting a thin rip this is a problem. As I mentioned and was mentioned again above, a zero clearance insert is very important. In fact, the only reason to ever not use a ZC insert is for dust collection either powered or gravity.
Even with the ZCI, the work is still thin and hard to push through. If you push on the waste side the thin piece once cut may fly out of there with ferocity. I've had that happen once and it hit me right in my junk. Talk about hurt. That was the real definition of 'blue balls'.
rlitman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Ouch! The lesson here is to only push along the fence, or with the miter gauge (never with both). Pushing on the side of the blade opposite to the fence lets you push into the side of the blade (which can also happen if the fence is misaligned). That's how kickbacks are started. Don't worry about the piece left next to the blade on the table. It's not going to magically jump back at you unless you push it into the blade.
Even with the ZCI, the work is still thin and hard to push through. If you push on the waste side the thin piece once cut may fly out of there with ferocity. I've had that happen once and it hit me right in my junk. Talk about hurt. That was the real definition of 'blue balls'.
Ouch! The lesson here is to only push along the fence, or with the miter gauge (never with both). Pushing on the side of the blade opposite to the fence lets you push into the side of the blade (which can also happen if the fence is misaligned). That's how kickbacks are started. Don't worry about the piece left next to the blade on the table. It's not going to magically jump back at you unless you push it into the blade.
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Why were you wearing gloves? They will drag your fingers into the blade if the blade catches.
On my ten inch saw I run a 7 1/4 " blade with a zero clearance insert if necessary.
Clean and wax all surfaces so less resistance and more control. Clean and lube the blade.
Trouble with table saw blades is they rip and crush flesh and bone. Bandsaw blades make clean cuts...still nasty. Heal quick and I like the kids play house... very cool.
Why were you wearing gloves? They will drag your fingers into the blade if the blade catches.
On my ten inch saw I run a 7 1/4 " blade with a zero clearance insert if necessary.
Clean and wax all surfaces so less resistance and more control. Clean and lube the blade.
Trouble with table saw blades is they rip and crush flesh and bone. Bandsaw blades make clean cuts...still nasty. Heal quick and I like the kids play house... very cool.
myredracer
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
OUCH. There are a LOT of nerve endings in a finger and that is very painful.
I have done that before myself... Twice... Have used a table a lot over the years without a guard and it only happened simply because I was tired and not paying attention. The first time, after I removed the bandaging put on at the hospital, I wrapped it with gauze. The skin started to grow back through and over the strands of the gauze. Had to pull the individual strands out with tweezers. VERY VERY painful.
The second time I ended up losing feeling at the end of a finger. I don't have fine touch/dexterity now on that hand. Can't fish an aspirin out of the bottle. I use non-stick bandages and push sticks a lot more now.
Had a next door neighbor with a shop who did cabinet making. He had several parts and pieces of fingers missing and disfigurement from numerous close encounters with his table saw blade. Despite that, he kept running his remaining fingers close to the blade and with a look on his face of no fear. That I don't understand.
Kickback doesn't always have to result from a gnarly, knotty, warped or wet piece of wood. It can happen even with a soft and thin cedar shingle as I found out.
OUCH. There are a LOT of nerve endings in a finger and that is very painful.
I have done that before myself... Twice... Have used a table a lot over the years without a guard and it only happened simply because I was tired and not paying attention. The first time, after I removed the bandaging put on at the hospital, I wrapped it with gauze. The skin started to grow back through and over the strands of the gauze. Had to pull the individual strands out with tweezers. VERY VERY painful.
The second time I ended up losing feeling at the end of a finger. I don't have fine touch/dexterity now on that hand. Can't fish an aspirin out of the bottle. I use non-stick bandages and push sticks a lot more now.
Had a next door neighbor with a shop who did cabinet making. He had several parts and pieces of fingers missing and disfigurement from numerous close encounters with his table saw blade. Despite that, he kept running his remaining fingers close to the blade and with a look on his face of no fear. That I don't understand.
Kickback doesn't always have to result from a gnarly, knotty, warped or wet piece of wood. It can happen even with a soft and thin cedar shingle as I found out.
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Kin Creed
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I agree with this approach if I'm understanding the type of cut you were making. If the workpiece is clamped securely to the fence there would be less danger of it getting sucked down into the blade insert slot and while a zero clearance insert would be a great idea you could probably get away without it if the piece was clamped with enough force.
Also having the workpiece clamped and stationary while you wind the blade up into it let's you back it off if things start to bind up or burn. You can wind the blade into the work in several steps sort of like drilling a hole allowing the blade to clear a path for itself.
Glad to hear you are not too badly hurt! I've had pretty good luck with my table saw so far, but only when I am being careful and setting up the cuts properly. As soon as I start doing something a bit sketchy I can feel it wanting to kick back and I'm reminded that table saw luck only goes so far!
I agree with this approach if I'm understanding the type of cut you were making. If the workpiece is clamped securely to the fence there would be less danger of it getting sucked down into the blade insert slot and while a zero clearance insert would be a great idea you could probably get away without it if the piece was clamped with enough force.
Also having the workpiece clamped and stationary while you wind the blade up into it let's you back it off if things start to bind up or burn. You can wind the blade into the work in several steps sort of like drilling a hole allowing the blade to clear a path for itself.
Glad to hear you are not too badly hurt! I've had pretty good luck with my table saw so far, but only when I am being careful and setting up the cuts properly. As soon as I start doing something a bit sketchy I can feel it wanting to kick back and I'm reminded that table saw luck only goes so far!
Pathfinder
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Jack, In my previous post I was remiss in not commenting on what a wonderful job you did on the playhouse. Your design is creative, bold, and beautifully executed. As an architect I have a keen appreciation of such things. Well done Sir.
John Minton
Jack, In my previous post I was remiss in not commenting on what a wonderful job you did on the playhouse. Your design is creative, bold, and beautifully executed. As an architect I have a keen appreciation of such things. Well done Sir.
John Minton
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Had this happen to me once, 30+ years ago; except the projectile tried to amputate my right ******...
. If you push on the waste side the thin piece once cut may fly out of there with ferocity. I've had that happen once and it hit me right in my junk. Talk about hurt. That was the real definition of 'blue balls'.
Had this happen to me once, 30+ years ago; except the projectile tried to amputate my right ******...
mv213
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Glad you are going to be OK. I don't know how but I've managed not to hurt myself with a table saw in about 40+ years of using one.
Now, a metal buffing wheel, that's another story. 13 stitches and a permanently numb finger from having a piece of metal ripped out of my (bare) hands while polishing it. At the urgent care facility they asked my what caused my injury. I answered "stupidity".
Glad you are going to be OK. I don't know how but I've managed not to hurt myself with a table saw in about 40+ years of using one.
Now, a metal buffing wheel, that's another story. 13 stitches and a permanently numb finger from having a piece of metal ripped out of my (bare) hands while polishing it. At the urgent care facility they asked my what caused my injury. I answered "stupidity".
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
^
Over time the numbness should subside and hopefully the feeling will return.
I think the 2016 term for any anything that goes wrong is "teachable moment".
Glad yours didn't turn out any worse!
^
Over time the numbness should subside and hopefully the feeling will return.
laser3kw
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
And walking to the ER? epic!
I hope you have a speedy recovery with no lasting effects.
I'll add my story: pushing a piece off metal into a band saw without a push block. Broke through part and jammed my thumb into the blade. I had about the same carnage. I now think twice when using the band saw and use pusher blocks.
you could of lead off and ended your post with this quote!
And walking to the ER? epic!
I hope you have a speedy recovery with no lasting effects.
I'll add my story: pushing a piece off metal into a band saw without a push block. Broke through part and jammed my thumb into the blade. I had about the same carnage. I now think twice when using the band saw and use pusher blocks.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Isn't Jack Olsen getting hurt in the 12 Gauge Garage somewhat akin to Dale Earnhardt backing out of his driveway into the neighbors car?
Isn't Jack Olsen getting hurt in the 12 Gauge Garage somewhat akin to Dale Earnhardt backing out of his driveway into the neighbors car?
1jjpop
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I read A want ad ,it said Table saw for sale with a pair gloves with 2 fingers missing on one glove .That makes you wonder.????
I read A want ad ,it said Table saw for sale with a pair gloves with 2 fingers missing on one glove .That makes you wonder.????
Kin Creed
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Many moons ago I bought a motorcycle that had been in a wreck, I talked to the owner's dad (he had helped buy it) and he explained the accident and how it had been completely repaired with insurance proceeds.
When I went to pick it up the kid who had wrecked it showed me the bike, except he was still on crutches and also showing other lingering signs of injury from the accident. My girlfriend at the time was a little freaked out, but I bought it anyway. Still a pretty good reminder to ride safe!
Maybe power tools should be sold with pictures of mishaps just the drive the point home!
Many moons ago I bought a motorcycle that had been in a wreck, I talked to the owner's dad (he had helped buy it) and he explained the accident and how it had been completely repaired with insurance proceeds.
When I went to pick it up the kid who had wrecked it showed me the bike, except he was still on crutches and also showing other lingering signs of injury from the accident. My girlfriend at the time was a little freaked out, but I bought it anyway. Still a pretty good reminder to ride safe!
Maybe power tools should be sold with pictures of mishaps just the drive the point home!
dwysywd
Well-known member
Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Thanks for the suggestion, here it's available on Amazon. I ordered one. Great idea.
Jack, hope you get well soon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001I...grr+ripper&dpPl=1&dpID=41Ws1vAN2XL&ref=plSrch
Sent from my bag phone...
Thanks for the suggestion, here it's available on Amazon. I ordered one. Great idea.
Jack, hope you get well soon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001I...grr+ripper&dpPl=1&dpID=41Ws1vAN2XL&ref=plSrch
Sent from my bag phone...
doctordirt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 15, 2014
- Messages
- 492
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Anyone every see this?
http://www.sawstop.com/why-sawstop/the-technology
Anyone every see this?
rlitman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I'm not an architect, and I too keenly appreciate the design of the playhouse. So much so that I'd suggest it deserves its own thread.
I'm not an architect, and I too keenly appreciate the design of the playhouse. So much so that I'd suggest it deserves its own thread.
Pathfinder
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I second rlitman's suggestion. How about it Jack? We would love to see more of the playhouse.
John Minton
I second rlitman's suggestion. How about it Jack? We would love to see more of the playhouse.
John Minton
SweetD
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
^ Jack documented the playhouse build (at least a good bit of it), in his 12 Gauge Garage thread.
^ Jack documented the playhouse build (at least a good bit of it), in his 12 Gauge Garage thread.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Jack, I am glad to see you literally walked away (and to the hospital) virtually unscathed.
I saw my brother-in-law's fingers covered in leaches 25 years ago after a table saw accident. He endured 13 hours of surgery to attach his severed fingers, removal skin to promote blood flow, then came the leaches.
Jack, I am glad to see you literally walked away (and to the hospital) virtually unscathed.
I saw my brother-in-law's fingers covered in leaches 25 years ago after a table saw accident. He endured 13 hours of surgery to attach his severed fingers, removal skin to promote blood flow, then came the leaches.
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I read the first post and skipped ahead. I have decided that when I make my basement wood shop it will be built around a saw stop. I have been in a machine shop all my life and I still fear table saws.
I read the first post and skipped ahead. I have decided that when I make my basement wood shop it will be built around a saw stop. I have been in a machine shop all my life and I still fear table saws.
OCJohn
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I got a safety check at the start of the year when our dog got her nose into a spinning blade. A real wake up call to me that my safety is not the only concern. (I've since made a hardware cloth, safety screen on the bottom of the table saw...)
View media item 56043
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It didn't slow her down for long...
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Glad you're okay, Jack. Also appreciate you sharing the experience.I'm typing this with nine good fingers. The other one will be back in service in a week or so. But I hope the post nudges anyone reading it to be just a little bit more careful in 2016.
I got a safety check at the start of the year when our dog got her nose into a spinning blade. A real wake up call to me that my safety is not the only concern. (I've since made a hardware cloth, safety screen on the bottom of the table saw...)
View media item 56043
View media item 56042
It didn't slow her down for long...
View media item 56044
Zeke
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
My advice is to plan the cut and plan the clearing of the work before starting. Every time I don't do that I stand off to the side expecting the worst. And when it happens, while I don't get hurt, the equipment does in some small way.
While I find you one of most well informed posters on the GJ I'm going to respectfully disagree. I have left many pieces between the blade and the fence while shutting down and most will stay put. But it only takes a bump to the saw to launch one. The type of saw JO was using is unstable at best.
My advice is to plan the cut and plan the clearing of the work before starting. Every time I don't do that I stand off to the side expecting the worst. And when it happens, while I don't get hurt, the equipment does in some small way.
csargents1546
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Had a hell of a scare a couple of years ago. Was cutting some wood using the miter gauge and the fence, I know bad combination one or the other. Had the piece bind against the fence and blade. Kicked back and up. Hit me square in the chest. Had enought sense to kill the power then dropped to the floor for a few minutes.
Years earlier, my wife's grandfather was cutting some plywood on a tablesaw. Now my dad was a lifelong woodworker that passed away with all of his fingers intact. He had instilled on me the use of push sticks. After seeing grandpa not using push sticks. Made him a set. About. A week later he was outside cutting. No sticks or gaurds. Had his hands on both sides of the blade. Caught the edge of his pointer finger, pulled his hand across the blade. Cut off his pinky finger. Needless to say after that he used push sticks.
Glad it was only a deep cut Jack. Heal fast.
Had a hell of a scare a couple of years ago. Was cutting some wood using the miter gauge and the fence, I know bad combination one or the other. Had the piece bind against the fence and blade. Kicked back and up. Hit me square in the chest. Had enought sense to kill the power then dropped to the floor for a few minutes.
Years earlier, my wife's grandfather was cutting some plywood on a tablesaw. Now my dad was a lifelong woodworker that passed away with all of his fingers intact. He had instilled on me the use of push sticks. After seeing grandpa not using push sticks. Made him a set. About. A week later he was outside cutting. No sticks or gaurds. Had his hands on both sides of the blade. Caught the edge of his pointer finger, pulled his hand across the blade. Cut off his pinky finger. Needless to say after that he used push sticks.
Glad it was only a deep cut Jack. Heal fast.
rlitman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Fair enough. I completely agree that you need a stable saw (and stance), and should always plan out your cut before starting the saw.
Yes, pieces left between the blade and the fence ARE a real danger. Vibration as the saw slows (even in my new-to-me cabinet saw that easily passes the nickel test; I'll probably start a thread on this when I get the chance) can cause the piece to rotate, which can allow it to get jammed at an angle between the rear of the saw plate and the fence. At that point, it will launch. THIS is exactly why I always use a push stick to clear this piece from the blade (and usually from the table entirely). Generally, planning your cut means that you figure out a way to make pushing this part easiest (not that that is always possible).
Although I guess I was not clear, I was specifically referring to not worrying about the piece left on the table on the side of the blade opposite the fence (usually to the left of the blade, if the fence is to the right). It is critically important that this piece NOT be the part pushed while cutting, and once the cut is complete, this part will safely sit alone beside the blade. With no fence to get jammed against, the blade will not launch it. Either clear it by starting the cut on the next piece of stock, or wait until the blade stops.
Fair enough. I completely agree that you need a stable saw (and stance), and should always plan out your cut before starting the saw.
Yes, pieces left between the blade and the fence ARE a real danger. Vibration as the saw slows (even in my new-to-me cabinet saw that easily passes the nickel test; I'll probably start a thread on this when I get the chance) can cause the piece to rotate, which can allow it to get jammed at an angle between the rear of the saw plate and the fence. At that point, it will launch. THIS is exactly why I always use a push stick to clear this piece from the blade (and usually from the table entirely). Generally, planning your cut means that you figure out a way to make pushing this part easiest (not that that is always possible).
Although I guess I was not clear, I was specifically referring to not worrying about the piece left on the table on the side of the blade opposite the fence (usually to the left of the blade, if the fence is to the right). It is critically important that this piece NOT be the part pushed while cutting, and once the cut is complete, this part will safely sit alone beside the blade. With no fence to get jammed against, the blade will not launch it. Either clear it by starting the cut on the next piece of stock, or wait until the blade stops.
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Glad there was no serious damage. Ego probably hurt though.
Random thoughts on the various posts....
Best wishes for a full & speedy recovery.
Glad there was no serious damage. Ego probably hurt though.
Random thoughts on the various posts....
- I'll add my vote for the Gripper hold down - I bought a pair of them at a woodworking show years ago.
- Zero-clearance insert can be one of your best friends.
- No gloves - no way.
- Use a feather board to keep things tight to the fence.
- Shopsmith makes a riving knife for non-through cuts. Maybe an option like that for your saw?
- Completely agree with Zeke's disagreement with rlitman about magic flying cutoffs. They really do exist.
Best wishes for a full & speedy recovery.
OP
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I'm looking into the Gripper. I might buy two. And I think clamping the stock and raising the blade into it (in this case) would have solved my problem easily. Very smart.
And yes, no more gloves near the saw.
Thank you very much for that. I'm sure the details will make an architect (or a builder) cringe, but I've broken out the posts from my main garage thread and put it here. You'll see my good work, my bad work, and my ugly work, I'm sure.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315012
I'm looking into the Gripper. I might buy two. And I think clamping the stock and raising the blade into it (in this case) would have solved my problem easily. Very smart.
And yes, no more gloves near the saw.
Thank you very much for that. I'm sure the details will make an architect (or a builder) cringe, but I've broken out the posts from my main garage thread and put it here. You'll see my good work, my bad work, and my ugly work, I'm sure.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315012
Rrumbler
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Glad it isn't any worse, Jack. And I hope you do get by without nerve "changes". I've not got more than an nick from saws a few times, but I have knocked the ends and soft pads off of three fingers by various means, got them stuck back together and healed up, and they look ok, but even though I have feeling, it is not natural, feels weird. Took a bit of time to get used to.
Beautiful playhouse, by the way.
Glad it isn't any worse, Jack. And I hope you do get by without nerve "changes". I've not got more than an nick from saws a few times, but I have knocked the ends and soft pads off of three fingers by various means, got them stuck back together and healed up, and they look ok, but even though I have feeling, it is not natural, feels weird. Took a bit of time to get used to.
Beautiful playhouse, by the way.
matt_i
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I have infinite respect for a tablesaw despite no injuries. Really try to take my planning and concentration to another level when using that machine. People who have never used one sometimes want a try, I tell them be fully awake, untold thousands of people have cut their finger(s) off with one.
One person I knew with a very nice wood shop & had sawed thousands of board feet explained to me he thought that a cabinet saw (Unisaw, Powermatic 66, etc) was slightly safer than a portable-benchtop version. His reasoning was that the added HP made it more likely that a blade would cut thru an obstruction/slight bind rather than slowing down, increasing chip load per tooth and ultimately grabbing or pulling/etc. Of course it may be more efficient at chucking a piece when faced with a full-on jam. Never wanted to explore that territory but the theory sounds interesting.
Excellent playhouse, hope you get back to full capacity soon!
I have infinite respect for a tablesaw despite no injuries. Really try to take my planning and concentration to another level when using that machine. People who have never used one sometimes want a try, I tell them be fully awake, untold thousands of people have cut their finger(s) off with one.
One person I knew with a very nice wood shop & had sawed thousands of board feet explained to me he thought that a cabinet saw (Unisaw, Powermatic 66, etc) was slightly safer than a portable-benchtop version. His reasoning was that the added HP made it more likely that a blade would cut thru an obstruction/slight bind rather than slowing down, increasing chip load per tooth and ultimately grabbing or pulling/etc. Of course it may be more efficient at chucking a piece when faced with a full-on jam. Never wanted to explore that territory but the theory sounds interesting.
Excellent playhouse, hope you get back to full capacity soon!
Zeke
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
OK the clarification means that we agree on all points. On the waste piece I will many times move the work piece to the left (assuming your set up) after clearing the blade to knock the waste piece away from the blade. Can't do that with the Gripper so I just push it all out to the outfeed table of off on to the floor (which is not very craftsman like).
Ever seen David Marks push his work with a pencil. Does it all the time.
OK the clarification means that we agree on all points. On the waste piece I will many times move the work piece to the left (assuming your set up) after clearing the blade to knock the waste piece away from the blade. Can't do that with the Gripper so I just push it all out to the outfeed table of off on to the floor (which is not very craftsman like).
Ever seen David Marks push his work with a pencil. Does it all the time.
58Yeoman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I've seen professional woodworkers on TV pushing wood through the blade, and standing in line with the blade. I was taught to stand off to the side when pushing. Glad you got through the ordeal okay, Jack.
In 2006, I got my left thumb caught in a steel door jamb, and it took off about 1/4", plus a chip of bone. Luckily, I had a golf cart and radio to broadcast what happened. I jumped on the cart and headed for the dispensary a few blocks away. I picked up the plant manager on the way, and he said that he heard someone had gotten hurt. I showed him my thumb, which I was holding up in the air to curb the flow of blood.
He took me to the doctor downtown, but he said he couldn't do anything with it (the foreman had picked up the tip of my thumb, and put it in a plastic sample bag with water). So, then the manager took me 30 miles to an orthopedic surgeon who threw the tip away (too far gone), and nipped a piece out of my palm to fix the thumb tip. There isn't much padding at the tip, so I can't really bear down with it, but it seems to be okay after all these years.
Again, I'm glad you're okay, and the feeling may come back in time.
I've seen professional woodworkers on TV pushing wood through the blade, and standing in line with the blade. I was taught to stand off to the side when pushing. Glad you got through the ordeal okay, Jack.
In 2006, I got my left thumb caught in a steel door jamb, and it took off about 1/4", plus a chip of bone. Luckily, I had a golf cart and radio to broadcast what happened. I jumped on the cart and headed for the dispensary a few blocks away. I picked up the plant manager on the way, and he said that he heard someone had gotten hurt. I showed him my thumb, which I was holding up in the air to curb the flow of blood.
He took me to the doctor downtown, but he said he couldn't do anything with it (the foreman had picked up the tip of my thumb, and put it in a plastic sample bag with water). So, then the manager took me 30 miles to an orthopedic surgeon who threw the tip away (too far gone), and nipped a piece out of my palm to fix the thumb tip. There isn't much padding at the tip, so I can't really bear down with it, but it seems to be okay after all these years.
Again, I'm glad you're okay, and the feeling may come back in time.
James E
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
Sorry to hear about your injury, Jack. It's been sixteen months since I introduced my right index finger and thumb to my table saw blade and I still have very limited mobility in my index finger and large numb areas on both fingers. I had hoped that when I posted my experience, it would prevent some additional accidents with table saws.
It's easy to be dismissive of someone else's accident--thinking (like I used to) that if someone got into trouble with a power tool, it was because of stupidity and was certainly nothing that I needed to be concerned with. While that's often true, the fact is that familiarity breeds contempt and using a tool often can lead to a complacency that can be just as dangerous as inexperience. In my situation, I KNEW my cut was stupid, but I only needed to make just that one cut and doing it safely was just too time-consuming to bother with.
Everyone with a table saw and ten good fingers should take note.
As an interesting aside, according to my hand specialist (and this is my simplified retelling), we have two trunk nerves running along both sides of each finger with branches off of each trunk that provide us with feeling in our fingers. If you cut one trunk on one side of a finger, over time, you may get some feeling back as the meat heals because the opposite side's trunk can grow nerves over into the dead area.
So, cuts that run down the length of a finger have a better shot at recovering feeling than cuts across the finger.
Sorry to hear about your injury, Jack. It's been sixteen months since I introduced my right index finger and thumb to my table saw blade and I still have very limited mobility in my index finger and large numb areas on both fingers. I had hoped that when I posted my experience, it would prevent some additional accidents with table saws.
It's easy to be dismissive of someone else's accident--thinking (like I used to) that if someone got into trouble with a power tool, it was because of stupidity and was certainly nothing that I needed to be concerned with. While that's often true, the fact is that familiarity breeds contempt and using a tool often can lead to a complacency that can be just as dangerous as inexperience. In my situation, I KNEW my cut was stupid, but I only needed to make just that one cut and doing it safely was just too time-consuming to bother with.
Everyone with a table saw and ten good fingers should take note.
As an interesting aside, according to my hand specialist (and this is my simplified retelling), we have two trunk nerves running along both sides of each finger with branches off of each trunk that provide us with feeling in our fingers. If you cut one trunk on one side of a finger, over time, you may get some feeling back as the meat heals because the opposite side's trunk can grow nerves over into the dead area.
So, cuts that run down the length of a finger have a better shot at recovering feeling than cuts across the finger.
rlitman
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
You've just summed up every time that blood was spilled in my workshop. <sigh>
You've just summed up every time that blood was spilled in my workshop. <sigh>
wssix99
Well-known member
Re: Table-Saw Trouble: Let's Be Safe In 2016
I'm glad to hear that you are going to be OK. I think that I will also be poorer in 2016 after some safety purchases...
I've been afraid of this tool ever since I was a kid and took my first job as a "real" carpenter. The crew sat me down for a serious talk about how I had to get over my emotional attachment to my fingers and that if I ever cut one off - I needed to just let it go. (A reattached finger would just get in the way of future work.) That was my only on-the-job training...
During the build of my current house, our flooring contractor popped out of our bedroom while I was looking at some tile work and presented me his hand that he had just run through a table saw. (He cut one finger completely off and severed the other four down to the bone.) I became the medic an ambulance driver for that one, which I never want to repeat again. BTW - Sharp blades are also important!
I've been on a plan to only rent table saws until my budget committee/wife would approve a Saw Stop for a permanent purchase. (... I've probably racked up 1/2 the cost of a Saw Stop in rental fees since.) I'm going to now override "the committee." My plan has been to be "extra careful" with the conventional saw, but I definitely see/realize that is not a 100% solution.
But I hope the post nudges anyone reading it to be just a little bit more careful in 2016.
I'm glad to hear that you are going to be OK. I think that I will also be poorer in 2016 after some safety purchases...
I've been afraid of this tool ever since I was a kid and took my first job as a "real" carpenter. The crew sat me down for a serious talk about how I had to get over my emotional attachment to my fingers and that if I ever cut one off - I needed to just let it go. (A reattached finger would just get in the way of future work.) That was my only on-the-job training...
During the build of my current house, our flooring contractor popped out of our bedroom while I was looking at some tile work and presented me his hand that he had just run through a table saw. (He cut one finger completely off and severed the other four down to the bone.) I became the medic an ambulance driver for that one, which I never want to repeat again. BTW - Sharp blades are also important!
I've been on a plan to only rent table saws until my budget committee/wife would approve a Saw Stop for a permanent purchase. (... I've probably racked up 1/2 the cost of a Saw Stop in rental fees since.) I'm going to now override "the committee." My plan has been to be "extra careful" with the conventional saw, but I definitely see/realize that is not a 100% solution.