Posted by Jerry in Idaho [24.49.176.137] on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 13:17:56 :
Mark's experience with the drill press reminded me of some of my own mishaps with tools. Without exception, the mishap occurred due to my carelessness or misuse of the tool. Example: trying to cut 2" off an 8' 2x6 with my 14" Hitachi compound miter saw. It was too long for the table and instead of placing a suitable support (which I have), I got in a hurry and tried to hold the board with my right hand and operate the saw with my left hand. The result was binding, kickback, and severing a tendon and a nerve, and just missing the main artery in my wrist. Tendon was repaired but nerve was not.
I could list many other examples, and I know there are countless others that you all could add. If we follow John's list of rules we usually will be safe. Basically use our heads and don't cave in to the temptation to take short cuts. We might end up with shorter digits or limbs or lives.
Now I have 2 sons, both of which are very cautious with tools and excellent craftsmen. One has scared the daylights out of me many times. He is left handed and is forced to deal with either using a right-hand favored tool incorrectly or use the hand that his brain favors less to operate the tool. In his 40 years he has spent 30 of them operating tools, but has never injured himself. I'm not accusing Mark of carelessness, I think he pretty much admitted it. Be careful everyone.
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