Safety reminder, close call and I did something stupid...

[dbhost]

I have been wondering if I should mention this, and I figure somebody might read this and have this click if and when they try to do the stupid thing I did…

Simply put, I tried cutting too short of a piece of SCH20 PVC pipe on the miter saw, holding it by hand… The pipe twisted, and before I knew it my fingers were touching the side of the blade…

I came out of this with no damage (Thank you God!) but more than a little rattled…

I knew the safety warnings, and somehow brain, and hand were not engaging properly at the time…

So as a gentle reminder, on modern miter saws, they have that “No hands” zone marked on the table for a reason. Keep your digits free and clear of that area!

FWIW, I did manage to finish the cut… by hand with a pull saw, on the bench vise…

So the lesson I learned from this experience?

THINK BEFORE POWERING UP ANY POWER TOOLS! For that matter, ANY TOOL THAT CAN HARM powered or not requires thought before use…

Please, please, please do NOT repeat what I did. I got off lucky by the grace of God, that’s it… you may not…

[Stytooner]

Wow. That was close. We cut plenty of polycarbonate tubing, but use the bandsaw. It too can get away from you and spin if using bare hands.
We have clamping jigs that we use for this now. Just rides the edge of the BS table. Holds the tubes secure. Makes it quite a bit safer.
Glad you weren't hurt. Certainly helps to provide an eye opener.
I remember a few years back, my FIL was using my miter saw when we were installing some crown in his house.
Not sure how it happened, but he cut clean through his wristwatch somehow. Barely scratched his arm, but he too was very lucky.
He is already missing a lot of fingers, but almost lost a hand that day.

[dbhost]

I never considered using the band saw. You can put good money on the bet that I am NOW giving that some serious consideration... Heck, even a handscrew would be enough to control it there...

[Bluto]

Thanks, have also scared myself a few times by making an unwise cut and am more cautious for it. I also sometimes use a handsaw instead of a power tool (like a Skil saw) too if a cut is tricky, or above waist height, if the item can't be secured properly, etc. does not take that much longer and at most I'm risking a cut finger vs. maybe losing one. I remember reading somewhere that accident risk goes way up if your lose your fear of power tools but I still have a healthy fear and stories like yours help maintain it

[nickg]

Cutting PVC Pipe

Same thing has happened to me when cutting PVC pipe on miter saw. So now, I use the band saw. The cut is not as perfect, but who cares!! A little sanding gets rid of any rough edges that will never be seen when pipe is glued into a fitting.

[Pappy]

I did something similar trying to cut pvc on a TS. Got away with just a nicked finger and one helluva safety lesson. Miter saw to cut down longer pieces and I have an old, cheap big box store pull saw for smaller cuts.

[dbhost]

I need to replace my pull saws. The Dozuki and the flush cut are both missing teeth now. Very thin metal, somewhat enthusiastic use, bad combination... I have a trip to Lowes planned for Friday to get new pull saws, and the rest of the pieces to finish the job...

[LCHIEN]

you have to be careful about cutting round items on the table saw, miter saw and even the band saw. They tend to roll beacuse of their shape and can get away quite easily. I know I've been surprised a few times.
Best is to make a cradle you can clamp it in, if you can, then cut on the bandsaw.

I keep a few 2x4 with Lengthwise 45° V- groove cut in it for cutting and drilling pipe, tubes, dowels, etc.

[dbhost]

I am definately going with new / fresh pull saws instead. No power, easy to clamp in the vise and get after it... Will make a cradle for dowel stock though...

[capncarl]

Wouldn't it be a heck of a note if you cut off a finger on a woodworking tool while working on a piece of plumbing material? Shame on yall!!!!! Plumbing = plumbing tools, Most all plumbing supply stores, includes Lowes sells a relatively cheap PVC ratcheting pipe cutter that does an excellent job, costs about what a good band saw blade does and you do not have to ruin your saw blades. A lot safer too.
I read a lot of work arounds here on how to use this tool for a material it was not intended to cut. Instead there should be suggestions on how to improve a tool that is woefully lacking of material hold downs and fences.
capncarl

[Pappy]

I need to replace my pull saws. The Dozuki and the flush cut are both missing teeth now. Very thin metal, somewhat enthusiastic use, bad combination... I have a trip to Lowes planned for Friday to get new pull saws, and the rest of the pieces to finish the job...

Depending on the quality you are looking for, Woodcraft has some of their Japanese saws on sale. I got it an email but deleted it already.

[MBG]

Glad you weren't hurt. Years ago a guy at work was helping a friend cut some trim for his basement. End of the day and like you had a short piece that wasn't supported well and he lost the tip of his thumb. He said it happened so quick. Additionally the guy he was helping ran up the stairs so quickly to call for help he slipped and broke his ankle.

Mike

[cwsmith]

DBHost,

This post made me wince... thankfully you stepped away from this with little more than a mental awakening, and perhaps a slight bruise to your confidence. You were very lucky indeed.

Early in my life, I witnessed my Dad loose a couple of fingers to a table saw. More the case, I think, was his working too late and tiredness, which to me is a set of conditions all too ready of disaster. Power tools, especially those with a rotating cutting blade are best approached with all of your wits about you.

Frankly, every circular saw that I own (RAS, CMS, circular saw, and table saw) is approached by me with a lot of apprehension. While certainly a necessary and worthy tool, the forces of such are highly dangerous. The only saw that I even think about getting close to is my bandsaw, and even then, and inch or so is probably too close.

Very glad that you didn't get 'bit',

CWS

[Bill in Buena Park]

Glad you weren't hurt Dave. I too cut rounds (pvc, dowel, etc.) mostly on the bandsaw with a sled/clamp. Didn't stop me from putting my fingertips into the spinning bandsaw blade when feeling under the table (without looking) for good DC airflow about 2 years ago (over the noise of the DC, didn't remember the bandsaw was running ). Have most of the feeling back in those fingertips now. Can't say enough about maintaining good situational awareness.

[Bruce Cohen]

After whacking off a piece of my pinkie, and it wasn't cutting anything cylindrical, I now use a hand saw to cut anything from dowels to 4"pvc.
I'll take safety when ever I get the chance.

Bruce