A lesson learned...maybe

[owler]

This weekend I was working on a mirror frame. I was feeling a little tired but I really wanted to finish. Big mistake!

I needed to change a bit on my plunge router. I forgot to raise the router all of the way and I did not notice that the nut for the collet was still hidden in a plastic shroud on the base. I used the wrench on the shaft nut, not the collet. The pin that holds the shaft in place broke and the cast housing for the pin shattered.

I will be dropping it off at the Porter Cable service center this week.

I can't tell you how many times I have ruined something or hurt myself when I have been woodworking or building something when I am tired. I should have learned by now but...

I am thankfull it was a tool and not myself this time. It will only hurt my checkbook.

Using power tools requires your full attention! Don't be surprised if I change my user name to Lefty someday.

[BobD]

Routers can be VERY dangerous if you are not careful. I have a friend who worked at a large building supply center that offered custom-cut window frames. They had the fill router set up on a sliding track. My friend was whipping out a frame and not watching where his hand was. He hit the tip of his index finger with the router.

The cut was the whole way to the bone. The orthopedic surgeon he went to, after assessing the damage, had to amputate the tip of his finger to prevent a bone infection....

Bob

[urband]

Amen.
The average home workshop can be a very dangerous place. I consider myself to be a pretty careful guy, and I've never done any serious damage. But I have had some very close calls and inflicted pain and blood letting on myself more than once. Now I am a very, very careful woodworker.

I have three basic rules:
1. Always wear dust, eye and ear protection.
2. If you feel uncomfortable performing some operation don't do it. It's probably dangerous.
3. If you're tired, upset or distracted for some reason get your butt out of the workshop.

It's just a hobby. Missing a Christmas or birthday deadline is a whole lot better than missing a finger or worse.

Dan

[boogatoo]

Hi Owler,

Porter cable repair centers (the real PorterCable-Delta repair center) also sell refurbished. You could be surprised that It might not cost you realy more than to repair + You don't have to wait for the tool. Check it out at www.deltamachinery.com, call thier 1-800... number to find out where there is such a center in a large city in your area.

Good luck and BE CAREFULL!

[Gill]

One of the big problems we have on this side of the pond is that the European Union has decreed that all routers must be fitted with a "deadman's switch". Take your finger off the on/off button, and it stops. As a result, woodworkers with routers mounted under tables are now devising all sorts of contraptions to keep the router permanently switched on and using the mains power point to operate the router.

It's an extremely dangerous practice, but one that's understandable. Woodworkers do seem to have less aversion to risk than is good for us, and it's always worth reminding ourselves to be as careful as possible.

Gill

[wwalker47]

al right, now we aren't going to have to call you Tim "the tool man" Taylor are we?

I'm glad you did not lose anything and didn't have to go to the Emergency room.

Be safe.

-Bill

[SharonW0111]

I have cut the end of a finger off on a table saw - I cut myself on that thing a lot -lol -- and I have ruined a piece from working when I was tired.. I am sporting a few aches and pains that will not go away from over work trying to hand sand a 26 " inch cradle that has intericate detail in it,... but will I stop when I am tired ?? Probably not.. seems when the sawdust is flying is when I am happiest,--Just be careful -concentrate on what you are doing and take breaks often..Sharon