Today I joined an unfortunate club in that I’m now missing a portion of my thumb due to a power tool accident. I was working on my table saw and jointer/planer dressing a few boards for a small project and as most stories go “ I was on my last board”. Making my last pass when it began to kick back due to some knot wood, but not real hard. I shut the machine down, back it out slightly, held steady pressure down on the board waiting for the blade to stop turning, when suddenly one of the push sticks gave way (broke in half) and my hand moved in a forward motion, right down onto the blade. Even though it had slowed down considerably, it took a good portion of end of my thumb off. I only live a short distance from the ER, so I was able to get care right away, but I’m still missing a 45 degree slice from the opposite corner of the nail, down to the knuckle, many stitches, part of the bone (the rest is fractured) and all of my pride.
The most important is the lessons I can share to all. Please use good quality safety equipment, not cheap/discount plastic stuff from freight outlets. Make sure all manufacturers guards work properly, mine has been sticking lately. Stop between cuts and plan the next carefully, considering all possible hazards. Looks like I’m in for several trips to the doctor’s for reconstruction, but all and all it could have been worse, I didn‘t lose it totally. Hope this helps whoever reads this. Jim
The most important is the lessons I can share to all. Please use good quality safety equipment, not cheap/discount plastic stuff from freight outlets. Make sure all manufacturers guards work properly, mine has been sticking lately. Stop between cuts and plan the next carefully, considering all possible hazards. Looks like I’m in for several trips to the doctor’s for reconstruction, but all and all it could have been worse, I didn‘t lose it totally. Hope this helps whoever reads this. Jim