The worst way to get permission to buy a tool

**jcayer** · 06-06-2003, 02:25 PM

Hey folks,

So I had my first "accident" that past saturday. I was working on my bandsaw and cut myself. Top of my left hand, middle finger, 2 inches long from the tip of the finger to just past the first knuckle. Right through the finger nail and everything. 7 stiches.

I have no idea how it happened, I'm afraid to admit I hadn't lowered the blade guard/guide and apparently wasn't paying enough attention. Last time that will happen.

Now for the only good thing to come out of this, besides my sworn promise to myself to be more safety conscious. I've been droolling over the Grizzly 1023S table saw for along time. The saw I am currently using is an old Rockwell, no safety features at all, no blade guard, splitter, etc. So I approach the wife, as all married men must do before spending $1000. I get as far as mentioning safety and table saw and she says go ahead and buy it. This after saying no twice before.

So the moral of the story is if you want something bad enough, just cut yourself enough to make the wife feel really concerned. But seriously, always use the safety stuff and pay attention. I was fortunate in getting off with only 7 stiches and almost no pain. I just as easily could have split the finger down the middle, damaged the bone, or lost part of the finger all together.

By the way, the saw should be here in a week or so.

**MatD** · 06-06-2003, 02:57 PM

I glad you weren't more hurt. I do have to say that I get a little complacent around the bandsaw. It's so docile that I don't give it the repsect that I give my table saw (even though with the timberwolf blades it could easily cut my fingers off without any difficulty).

Hope everything heals up fast and doesnt cause you too much pain.

Mat

**Super Ry** · 06-06-2003, 03:07 PM

I have to tell ya I've come close on that machine as well. It is VERY misleading cuz its soo nice and quiet. Just a little tick of the blade weld and thats it. My close call came from the a bit higher than your unfortunate accident. If you have a band saw with a riser block, the blade cover is no longer tall enough to cover the blade at its upper most part - near the top tire. Oddly enough this is near your forehead and while concentrating on where my fingers were in relation to the teeth I almost nicked my face! CAUTION is a wonderful thing. I will definitely be on guard; not just around my hands, but gotta check the whole BOD!!

That said - Enjoy the new saw!

**MALS** · 06-06-2003, 05:13 PM

I did the same thing to my index finger last year. Not paying enough attention to such a "harmless" tool. Six stiches later and I learned that lesson.

Mals

**jcayer** · 06-11-2003, 02:27 PM

Thanks guys. Its been 11 days and the finger works fine, I'm sure the nail being cut in half is going to be a real pain growing out, but the stitches came out on Sunday.

Onto the good news, the table saw arrives tomorrow morning...Grizzly 1023S.

**rogerf** · 06-12-2003, 05:14 AM

I am glad you are healing well.
You will love the saw, Mine is great.

Good Luck :)
Roger

**jfstrmn** · 07-06-2003, 02:09 AM

I always approach my bandsaw with little regard for safety becuase it is so quiet and smooth. Then a couple days ago I needed to cut about 1/4 inch off some dowels, and I quickly turned on the bandsaw because it was fast and convenient. The cutoff 1/4" piece got lodged between the blade and the hole in the table throat plate, and instantly shot across the room like a bullet and put a dent in the wall. If it had come at me I'd have been in trouble, without goggles. Luckily without injury I learned the quiet, smooth bandsaw isn't so harmless.

Jeff

**BigDaddy** · 07-07-2003, 01:27 PM

i've done that before with my table saw ..

cut a small piece of stock from the saw and watch the kickback send it flying through the shop, nailing the wall ..

now i use a sled for my crosscuts so that won't happen anymore ..

i'm going to attach a device on my fence for kickbacks so it won't happen there either ..