Well, I did it again

[Bruce Cohen]

Once again I have removed a piece of, this time, my thumb, on the table saw.

I guess I'm making up for all those years of not getting hurt. This time, a small piece of stock kicked backed and gouged a bit of the pad of my left thumb off. Hurts like all get out. But not bad enough to warrant a trip to the ER.

And to make me feel worse, my left index finger has just about healed, someone upstairs really doesn't like me.

I did just about everything correct, almost, and caused the kickback myself. And this was when the rip was finished. Just plain stupid, or maybe I'm getting dumber in my old age.

I guess these last two injures were due to complacence on my part, getting too cocky or taking too many things for granted.

This should be a learning experience for all of us, except maybe I missed that class. Well, I now can really say I put my blood into my work.

I'm fine and going back to work, lets see what I can remove this time.

Bruce

[cabinetman]

Sorry to hear stories like this. This just another subtle warning, like a flick on the head, to pay attention. The healing takes a lot longer than when the scab falls off.

[dbhost]

Ouch...

Thanks for the heads up...

I am thinking a Sawstop wouldn't have helped you here would it?

[Stytooner]

Need I say anything, Bruce. You being a repeat customer and all. I think you have the equipment needed to stop these things from occurring.

[Richard in Smithville]

Sorry to hear about your accident, but I am happy to hear it wasn't more serious.

[Bruce Cohen]

UPDATE

Just got back from a Doc in the Box, seems the injury wouldn't stop bleeding. Being a gouging type of wound, they couldn't suture it, so they use this "tape" that covers the open areas and stops the bleeding.

Best part, they gave me a script for Vicodin, so at least I'll be happy while I heal.

Lee, nothing short of having someone else makeing the cut would have prevented this. I got impatient and grabbed the good piece of the rip after the cut was made and before the blade stopped spinning. The piece kicked back right into my left thumb pad and more or less tore off most of the skin, something akin to major road rash.

This was just a really dumb stunt on my part, and I guess I deserved it for being a dope.

Well at least I didn't ruin the wood, and I guess the skin on my thumb will eventually grow back.

Bruce

[RAFlorida]

Bruce, really glad it wasn't worse,

but it's still bad enough to warrant the good ol' Vics. Just chill out for a day or two and read some good woodworking mags if you got any. BTW, really happy it wasn't c4 that you had the injury with...

[Bruce Cohen]

but it's still bad enough to warrant the good ol' Vics. Just chill out for a day or two and read some good woodworking mags if you got any. BTW, really happy it wasn't c4 that you had the injury with...

I'm usually a bit more careful when playing with plastique.

Bruce

[phrog]

Once again I have removed a piece of, this time, my thumb, on the table saw.

And to make me feel worse, my left index finger has just about healed, someone upstairs really doesn't like me.

Bruce

Or, maybe, someone UPSTAIRS really DOES like you. Glad to hear you weren't seriously injured.

[chopnhack]

Bruce, sorry to hear of your second accident in as many months Be patient, its not worth getting maimed. I think your next project should be building a small parts jig!

[Pappy]

Well, I now can really say I put my blood into my work.

Only counts if it was a hot day and the cut was bad enough to bring tears to your eyes....Blood, Sweat, and Tears!

[pacwind3]

I pretty much made a rule in my shop: I make my cut, shut off the saw and freeze till the blade stops spinning. Anyone helping me on the outfeed side is told to wait till the blade stops. It takes maybe 5 seconds and just seems to be safer.
Dont take offence Bruce, sorry you are hurt, it sucks. I'm just stating rules I made for my shop.

[Bruce Cohen]

Hey Pac,

Absolutely no offense taken at all. You just stated what I didn't do this time.

Usually I follow the same rules, but this time, and the time before, I messed up.

And the bandage on my thumb is a reminder of just how easy it is to get hurt when you get too sloppy.

Thanks for your concern.

Bruce

[pacwind3]

Yea, heal fast Bruce. Man I hate becoming a statistic.
Knock on wood, I can only think of two shop accidents I've had. One was a kickback on the tablesaw, my fault. Wasn't really hurt, just threw the wood into my stomach. Luckily I have some cushioning there.
The other was falling off a ladder while trying to look into the attic. Almost broke my nose when I landed and hit my face on the ladder. Still can feel the "scar" under my skin so I am pretty sure something cracked. The really crappy part in that one is you get to wear the war wounds on your face for a week.

Get better Bruce, finger pain REALLY sucks, all those nerves in there.

[Turaj]

Bruce, Sorry to hear about your accident and glad that was not more serious. Accidents like this reminds me (and I guess others) that never stop paying attention as it only takes a second for a mishap.

Get well soon