My Turn to Be Stupid

[jackellis]

In hopes that others will learn from my mistake...

i had a table saw accident last night.

Luckily it was just a scratch. Not painful, bled about a thimble full, no need for stitches. The blade cut the tip of my left thumb. No photos to share but it was not terribly ugly.

Chain of causation:

It was getting dark outside and the fluorescent bulbs that illuminate the area had failed. I should have replaced them before continuing to work. Mistake number one.

I was getting tired after working frantically all weekend in hot weather to complete some cabinets. Mistake number 2. BTW, it's surprisingly difficult to type accurately without using your left thumb (bandaged and I'm favoring it to help speed the healing process).

My mind had wandered for the barest second. Mistake number 3.

I had just ripped stock to put a bevel on the back while making some drawer pulls. It was one of the few times I ever operate with the guard up. I had just shut the saw off and did not realize it was still running because I could not see the blade (burned out lights) and I had hearing protection on.

Good thing I had lowered the blade so that it was only about 1/4 inch above the stock. The blade had almost stopped spinning at the point where I reached in to remove something.

So, other than being a little scared and perhaps a bit wiser I am fine. Now off to change the lights.

I feel like a complete fool, of course. Especially after urging folks to use their blade guards.

[crokett]

I am very glad you were not hurt worse.

An observation: It seems to me that most of the accident reports I read here involve somebody being tired/and or rushing.

[poolhound]

Glad it was just a scratch, a very "cheap" lesson for us all.

I was doing some non-through cuts at the WE and so couldnt use a guard. Even using a push block and knowing there was no way the blade was comming through the top of the stock it still gave me the willies...

[Pappy]

Over tired, hot, rushing to finish, and little to no light?

no arguement about the title from this end!

[dbhost]

Given the causal factors, I would have left the saw unplugged and picked up the broom and started with some shop cleanup, or just called it a night...

I have come WAY too close to not be super paranoid these days... And it is almost always due to low light, and not enough rest... Which of course gets my mind wandering...

I am very happy that you only suffered a small cut. I am saddened that we had to have this reminder, especially so soon after Rod's accident. I honestly can't look at those photos as I am afraid my mind will drift there when using my saw...

[shoottx]

I hope we are not taking turns. First Australia, then California, then who knows where is next, but it surely would be headed to Texas eventually.

The price of tuition seems to increase as we get older, and you are lucky the cost of this tuition payment was very small for the lesson learned. I know it is very difficult for me to stop mid project for a break or to correct something else. If I stop and do something else, like fix the lights, it is hard to pickup where I stopped and finsh a project.

It is a blessing were not more seriously injured.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Glad it wasn't worse, Jack. Make sure you get some antibiotic ointment on that. I know the longer days let us push later into the evening - I've been doing it too. Might not be a bad time to considder adding more lighting in addition to replacing the spent bulbs.

[Uncle Cracker]

Glad you got out wiser and only slightly injured... Cutting corners often leads to cutting appendages...

[Richard in Smithville]

Had me worried when I moused over the title in the home page. I'm glad to hear that you are ok Jack.

[jabe]

Glad that you're OK. Hope for a fast recovery and now a little wiser. Everyone at one time or another did the same thing you did take chances when you're tired & rushing. I've done it more than once but, was lucky not to get hurt. Now I quit as soon as I get tired, the job can wait.

[cgallery]

Like many have said, it could have been much worse. Thanks for the reminder. My dad always used to tell me that when I was getting tired, I should just bag a project for the night before I start making mistakes. This is another good reminder to do same.

[Bruce Cohen]

Trying not to diminish your injury, but as a former girlfriend of mine used to say "If it doesn't feel right, don't do it".

I'll let you draw your own conclusions about doing it in the dark.

Thinking of marketing a line of bumper stickers that say "A real woodworkers does it
with the lights on".


Bruce