The Bitter Pill

**Mobyturns** · 14th June 2016, 08:45 PM

Well, we don’t have a category for butt kicking.

Managing hazards and risk from the side effects of a cardiac condition and associated medications, plus an obstinate case of recurring vertigo finally caught up with me this morning before work.

Feeling good and confident that I was “fit” to use machinery I decided to true up about twenty 12” long linear lamination blanks on the jointer. I was using push sticks etc, and I had set up my work area to minimize rotation of my body / head to prevent a possible initiation of a vertigo episode. Pick up on right, through jointer, stack completed pieces on left side – straight workflow line.

I’m not completely sure what led to me having a minor altercation with my 6” jointer, however I managed have a wobble. I placed my hand on the operational guard forcing it slightly open then feeding two fingers between the guard and fence. Fortunately my reactions were quick enough to minimize a more serious injury, but not fast enough!

The result - I managed to inflict a bit more than superficial injuries to the top of my index and next finger on my left hand, an open wound to both fingers, no bone damage and only minor damage to the corner of the index fingernail. A lot of blood on my favourite holey work shirt (blood thinning meds) then a bit of first aid, off for a visit to our family doctor for some fancy needle work so now it is on the mend. The doctor decided to remove the index finger nail to affect a satisfactory repair, so it looks more dramatic than it really is.

Painful, both to the fingers and hip pocket nerve, however more embarrassing than anything given my advocacy for hazard and risk management for wood workers.

Only a matter of ten minutes or so before I was helping our near 8 yo grand daughter with a small project but she was on her way to school when this happened so did not witness the blood.

Its now time to review and reflect on my risk tolerance and what level of risk I am prepared to accept so that I can continue to enjoy my hobby.

Time for my medicine …….

**Pagie** · 14th June 2016, 08:56 PM

Glad you are not hurt too much. It only takes an instant to do, but will take a few weeks to stop hurting. I work in operating theatres so I see a lot of injuries. It is usually the safe job the gets you. Get well soon.

**dai sensei** · 14th June 2016, 08:56 PM

Oh crap

Hope it all mends up ok

**Mobyturns** · 14th June 2016, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Pagie

Glad you are not hurt too much. It only takes an instant to do, but will take a few weeks to stop hurting. I work in operating theatres so I see a lot of injuries. It is usually the safe job the gets you. Get well soon.

Yep, fingers throb like a bar steward and are way more painful than the cut warrants. Our GP had a 5th year med student on placement so a good training exercise and a chance to show off.

The nerve ring block is not fun either.

**smiife** · 14th June 2016, 09:04 PM

Hi Moby,
Don, t be hard on yourself , we all have a lapse of concentration
now and again , i did a similar thing awhile back and lost the top
of my finger to a parting tool and toolrest , ( never put your fingers past
toolrest , ! ) rule no. 1 i think , still have no feelings in the end of it.
Just count yourself lucky thats all you did , and will be O.K.
All the best and stay safe........or safer !

**Sawdust Maker** · 14th June 2016, 09:11 PM

ouch

lucky you didn't do more damage

I'd suggest you get a big book or two and read them cover to cover. War and Peace or some such

**Pat** · 14th June 2016, 09:34 PM

Ouch!

**Mobyturns** · 14th June 2016, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

ouch

lucky you didn't do more damage

I'd suggest you get a big book or two and read them cover to cover. War and Peace or some such

Nah! already been back out to see if there was any blood on the jointers surfaces, rusts quickly so I have been told.

**justonething** · 14th June 2016, 10:27 PM

Very glad to know you can still count to 10.
Take care.

**Nubsnstubs** · 15th June 2016, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by justonething

Very glad to know you can still count to 10.
Take care.

Ouch!!! I think that quote should hurt more than the injury........ hehhe

Moby, you're right about the pain. And even when it's all healed two to six months from now, you are going to really realize how many times a day you bump your fingers. I hate it when I hear about someone being injured. ........... Jerry (in Tucson)

**ian** · 15th June 2016, 01:58 AM

Hi Moby

certainly puts a new perspective on your tag line.

all the best for a speedy recovery. The missing finger nail will probably take the longest.

perhaps it's time to install a Euro style full length guard on the jointer

**Mobyturns** · 15th June 2016, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by ian

Hi Moby

certainly puts a new perspective on your tag line.

all the best for a speedy recovery. The missing finger nail will probably take the longest.

perhaps it's time to install a Euro style full length guard on the jointer

Yeah the tag line, I learned that early on in life when I stood helplessly as a 7 yo watching a local school teacher bleed out after his Honda scooter and a Cortina had a side swipe! Nobody could have saved him in those days. That and after several amputations of digits, hands etc among extended family, friends, neighbours etc I always vowed I would never join them - came too close for comfort yesterday! Doesn't stop me enjoying life though, just like to put the odds in my favour as much as possible.

Good idea! The Carbatec 6" jointer that I have has the traditional pork chop style guard, which opened up when I placed my hand on it to stabilize myself. As soon as my hand contacted the guard my thoughts were - you idiot! The fingers went into full retract mode - but not fast enough!

**Glenn.Visca** · 15th June 2016, 09:08 AM

Ouch ouch ouch !!! Good luck with recovery !

**Fuzzie** · 15th June 2016, 09:24 AM

These threads always give me sphincter contractions. Glad to hear it wasn't worse. Get well soon!

**Kidbee** · 15th June 2016, 01:20 PM

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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