I love my bandsaw, I love my table saw, I don't love but am happy to have my radial arm and my circular saws. My chisels and plane irons are kept very sharp. With all that, the most important thing I do is keep my soft parts away from the sharp parts. (most of the time) I NEVER push anything through the bandsaw with my hand in line with the blade. I know of people who have neatly severed fingers like that. Only good thing to say is that they can often be re-attached because the cut is clean. Somehow that thought does not comfort me.

With the table saw, as we all know, we both use push sticks and keep our parts out of line with the possible kickback. Always push from the side if at all possible. Any time we are in line with the part being cut, we are in danger.

Radial arm saws are statistically very dangerous. Don't look and it's easy to pull that blade right through a limb without thinking. Happens more often than it should in lumber yards where people use them all day. There have been enough stories about circular saw accidents here. I won't even bother. The only time I feel safe while using tools in the shop is when I am hand sanding, and that's sort of boring.

The point I am making is that one can't feel casual about using our tools. I know we all know this, but we all get bit on occasion. Part of the deal. I have at least a little blood in most of my projects. The trick is to make the bites small. Far better to have a funny story with which to instruct others than a tragic one.

I got a chill from seeing Kudzu's pictures. Still, knowing the consequences makes me more careful, and for that I am thankful.

Now if I was only better at making things, I'd be even more thankful!

Matthew

: I have my resaw blade hanging right next to the bandsaw, that blade scares
: the heck out of me, makes me think every time I start the saw. 3/4"
: wide blade, 3 tpi, wicked looking thing

: Cuts really well though.

: Bill H.