: haven't been in that much pain in a long,
: long time!) Never thought to wear eye protection when NOT using the power
: tools, but I think I may start. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Been there. Not on the kayak project but with other things you wouldn't ordinarily think of wearing eye protection for. I find myself wearing the safety glasses more and more these days, since I had to go to the hospital emergency room to get a chunk of plastic the size of a volkwagon out of my eye one time, while removing old wallpaper. No permanent damage, fortunately.
Hope your eye heals quick. Good Luck.