We have all heard that we shouldn't work when we are tired, right?
Here's a prime example.
I'll preface the story by telling you that I was an EMT for 12 years and a boatcrew member of the US Coast Guard Aux. for 4. I also taught First Aid and CPR for both groups. I am only a weekend wood worker and know that I can not be complacent about safety in the shop.
Yesterday, late afternoon I went out to the shop to make a few simple cuts for some drawers I am making. I hadn't slept well the night before but "it's just a couple of cuts".
I finshed the first rip cut with out any incident when the phone rang. After I hung up, I started setting up for the next cut which was 2 cross cuts to divide 2 of the ripped pieces in half. Very carefully, I measured the 2 pieces and checked it twice. I moved the fence out of the way and placed the first piece on the SMT. I raised the blade guard and carefully lined up my mark with the blade. I didn't have alot of error on this cut, I had to split the line or one of the pieces would be too short. When I was satisfied that everything was lined up, I reached down to plug the saw back in and discovered that it was already plugged in! Now I am usually a fanatic about unplugging the saw when ever I change setups but I hadn't done it. "Ok", I said to myself, "I'm tired and I have to be careful but It's only 2 cuts and then that will be it". Very carefully I made the 2 crosscuts, unplugged the saw and locked up the shop.
This morning, I discoverd that rather then cutting the 2 4" wide side pieces, I had cut 1 4" board and a 3 1/2" board that was to be used for the backs.
So while I still have 10 fingers and enough wood to recut the backs, the first shop chore today will be to make up a sign that reads, "You had better be sharper then the tool you are using!"
Bob
Here's a prime example.
I'll preface the story by telling you that I was an EMT for 12 years and a boatcrew member of the US Coast Guard Aux. for 4. I also taught First Aid and CPR for both groups. I am only a weekend wood worker and know that I can not be complacent about safety in the shop.
Yesterday, late afternoon I went out to the shop to make a few simple cuts for some drawers I am making. I hadn't slept well the night before but "it's just a couple of cuts".
I finshed the first rip cut with out any incident when the phone rang. After I hung up, I started setting up for the next cut which was 2 cross cuts to divide 2 of the ripped pieces in half. Very carefully, I measured the 2 pieces and checked it twice. I moved the fence out of the way and placed the first piece on the SMT. I raised the blade guard and carefully lined up my mark with the blade. I didn't have alot of error on this cut, I had to split the line or one of the pieces would be too short. When I was satisfied that everything was lined up, I reached down to plug the saw back in and discovered that it was already plugged in! Now I am usually a fanatic about unplugging the saw when ever I change setups but I hadn't done it. "Ok", I said to myself, "I'm tired and I have to be careful but It's only 2 cuts and then that will be it". Very carefully I made the 2 crosscuts, unplugged the saw and locked up the shop.
This morning, I discoverd that rather then cutting the 2 4" wide side pieces, I had cut 1 4" board and a 3 1/2" board that was to be used for the backs.
So while I still have 10 fingers and enough wood to recut the backs, the first shop chore today will be to make up a sign that reads, "You had better be sharper then the tool you are using!"
Bob
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