yet another friend got hurt at work tonight

[talkingmime]

24. I've been hit by the blades of my scroll saw AND my band saw. So far no major damage.

While I was adjusting the band saw one time to get it up on the center of the treads, the damn blade flew off right at my face. Instinctively I threw a hand out and grabbed it in the air. It was at full rotation speed. I still don't know how, but my hand only suffered minor cuts. I was actually afraid to look. I wear safety glasses and a full frontal leather apron, but most of my face is still exposed. It never got close.

The radial arm saw is a nasty thing. I trimmed off a 1/4" edge on a board and the damn thing shot across the garage like an arrow. If anyone had been standing there it would have killed them. I don't let anyone in the garage when I use that thing now.

I don't think most people grasp how dangerous such machines can be. Even the old piston pump trunk saws were dangerous. Give the guy a hug for me. Any job involving power tools is frightening - every single time you use them. And there's no shame in crying. None.