Thumb in the table saw. Warning - pictures

[k0ua]

Even a cheap table saw can rip 3/4 thick material without breaking a sweat. The better saws can rip 2" plus material without slowing down. Your digits are no match for them.

I have ripped many a 2x4 down the thick way with my grizzley. That is 3 1/2 inches without much trouble.. so yeah your thumb ain't going to stand a chance.

 

[TomSeller]

Anyone out there have a Sawstop saw?

 

[JRobyn]

Thanks GP, for the reminder to help all of us be less complacent! Prayers for quick and complete healing.

When I was a kid, my dad had an old Delta tablesaw that was about the only real power tool we had. He inherited it from his dad, so it was well used. Between the two of them, they had lots of experience with it and passed that on to me along with a very healthy heaping portion of respect for it! I now have an old Craftsman 10" with just a 1HP motor that in many cases will stall or slip the belt instead of a violent kickback. I sure prefer that to what it would do with a 2HP or more motor.

I keep lots of push sticks around, but rarely use a shoe type. Harbor Freight sells a nice stick for cheap Push Stick

- Jay

 

[Deere Dude]

My current problem is I have a big noisy dust collector system close to the saw. I wear good earmuffs and I have at time shut the dust collector off and forget to shut the table saw off. I really need to be aware of that before I lean into the saw with something, me.

Radial arm saws scare me. I have an acquaintance who retired from his exec job and decided to dabble into woodworking. Somehow he was holding the piece across the path of the radial saw and the saw hooked and traveled ahead to the stop. Right across his forearm. I think they sewed it back on but don't know how it works now.

 

[KevT]

Saw Stop saws do work, but when they trip you have to replace the entire brake assembly and get the blade re-sharpened. The brakes are expensive (about $80 for the saw I used) and it wont work without one. So unless you keep an inventory on hand your project is delayed. Or you do something foolish to complete it. They are great for a shop with employees, but for a personal shop I will keep my uni-saw. Nothing will replace common sense!!!

I have scars on both thumbs because accidents happen, but still have all 10 digits. Keep your blade a 1/4" higher than the work, always push your work through, and if someone comes up to talk to you shut the damned thing off. That is how both of mine happened, distractions...

Anyone that doesn't use a push stick of some kind is foolish or likes pain

 

[k0ua]

My current problem is I have a big noisy dust collector system close to the saw. I wear good earmuffs and I have at time shut the dust collector off and forget to shut the table saw off. I really need to be aware of that before I lean into the saw with something, me.

Radial arm saws scare me. I have an acquaintance who retired from his exec job and decided to dabble into woodworking. Somehow he was holding the piece across the path of the radial saw and the saw hooked and traveled ahead to the stop. Right across his forearm. I think they sewed it back on but don't know how it works now.

The Radial arm is safe enough if you understand that you never put any of your "meat" in the path that the blade could take. They can grab and come towards you. I have had it happen. I still use mine quite a bit, but you just have to respect these things.

 

[TomSeller]

Saw Stop saws do work, but when they trip you have to replace the entire brake assembly and get the blade re-sharpened. The brakes are expensive (about $80 for the saw I used) and it wont work without one.

That is a lot less expensive than the consequences. I just wish the saws would come down in price. Bosch does have a competing saw now, the GTS1041A REAXX

Bosch ReaXX Table Saw

 

[GPintheMitten]

I'm sure just my co-pays will be more than $80, let alone the pain, temporary or permanent damage to my thumb, and loss of ability to do much of anything for a week or two.

But the capability costs much more than the $80 replacement cartridge and blade. The cost is in the technology itself . I see Bosch's stop technology is about $1000 upgrade over their similar saw without the stop capability for their work site saw.

Some searches seem to show it can be pre-ordered now but not available yet.

I bought my Delta at an auction about 6 or 7 years ago. I don't recall what I paid.

I guess we each have to decide what to do. Even though this happened to me, I don't think I'll pay $1500. But I'm thinking about it.

Certainly being aware of the dangers in using this and other equipment, and religiously following safe procedures is something we all can afford.

Big lesson learned, for me.

 

[rgr33]

I was in a car accident back in the seventies, as the cop was taking information, he told me" don't worry, you will never have another accident at this intersection for the rest of your life" So far so good. Thirty five years later,I am still hyper aware when approaching this intersection. I'm thinking you will be the same when using this saw in the future.

 

[mikes1165]

My current problem is I have a big noisy dust collector system close to the saw. I wear good earmuffs and I have at time shut the dust collector off and forget to shut the table saw off. I really need to be aware of that before I lean into the saw with something, me.

Radial arm saws scare me. I have an acquaintance who retired from his exec job and decided to dabble into woodworking. Somehow he was holding the piece across the path of the radial saw and the saw hooked and traveled ahead to the stop. Right across his forearm. I think they sewed it back on but don't know how it works now.

I have both my table saw and radial arm saw wired where one switch turns both the saw and dust collector on or off at the same time. also put a laser indicator on the radial arm saw blade. when you turn the saw on if you have a red line across any body parts, Don't Cut!!
Sorry about your accident. Good reminder for the rest of us. Happened to me years ago.