7 Ways to LOSE YOUR HAND at the Bandsaw - WARNING Video

[@revbobuk]

Great video. I think I might add one more - learn to manage your offcuts safely. It's so tempting when you have made a cut to reach in and flick away the offcut. Especially the small pieces that might get caught in the gap around the blade.

[@joefudali2347]

Great video! Excellent tips for safe use of the bandsaw! I have a healthy respect for all power tools and walk away if tired or distracted.

[@reloadNshoot]

Kent , you covered the subject of preventing injuries very well in this video. About the only thing i can add would be to use enough saw on what you cutting, the correct blade for what you are cutting. A sharp blade, a table that is waxed/slick and having the blade/guides tuned up will go a long way in not having to force your work piece which in my opinion makes the process safer. You continue to make great videos and a brilliant souce not only turning bowls etc but more importantly doing t safely. Kudus to you my friend.😂

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point! Yes, be sure you're using the correct blade for the project and your desired finish cut. Happy Turning!

[@TinerPropertyMGT]

Thanks Kent - Ive made several of those mistakes and I am fortunate to still have all my fingers. The rolling log is particularly devistating.

[@richardkelleher1711]

Good rules to follow. Thanks!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it was helpful, Richard! Happy Turning!

[@dougbennett1275]

Thank you for a great video. Until I bought a bandsaw for preparing woodturing blanks, I never realised what a great tool they are. I have made a sled with adjustable supports for log cutting in both orientations and another one for cutting circles. My only misapp was cutting a well supported log which had a branch. So although my sled adequately stopped the normal rotation of the log, when it came to cut the branch, the leverage lifted the log out of the sled supports and I think may have stalled the machine. No injuries but a bent blade😢. Reviewing the accident, I hadn't accounted for the unsupported branch and the leverage it impacted on the log. Lesson learned I hope.

[@barrywebberley6788]

I wish I'd had these instructions when I first used my bandsaw. Some very scary moments taught me some of these lessons, I was fortunate not to get hurt! Your video was a great reinforcement and reminders of safe practices on the bandsaw, plus I always learn something extra -- I'll have to put the scrap wood braking method into practice. Recently I have had success putting a suitablely shaped piece of scrap wood under overhangs when turning bowl blanks to provide some additional downward support.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Sounds good Barry. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@joeysawdust]

Great Video Kent! In addition to distractions, I also say "don't work if you're upset about something" - it's kind of a subconscious distraction that clouds your thinking. And definitely, don't work when you're in a rush - shortcuts often end up hurting. One thing that I'm often guilty of (and I have no defense other than laziness) is that I'll often leave the fence in the high or resaw position and that can prevent me from lowering the upper arm for thin rips. It's dumb but I'm guilty.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great points Joey! Yes, our brain is working out all the angles when we're upset and the task at hand is easily overlooked. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@robertnorthrup1914]

I concur with your observations. Bandsaws can be a great tool but if you get sloppy, it will bite. When talking about the log jig/fixture, it wo7ld have been great to show yours. I made a crosscut sled to cradle the log. Works perfectly.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Robert. Happy Turning!

[@bobboyer9440]

Great advise. I have probably come close half a dozen times for doing what you said I shouldn't.

[@victorvogelsang6350]

All it takes is once. Always pay attention. It doesn't cost very much.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yikes. Be safe Bob. Happy Turning!

[@crackerjack3359]

Spot on Kent. About 4 years ago I cut my index finger down its whole length. Ouch. I had owned the band saw for just a couple of months. I was rounding off a bowl and had a friend working on the bench . The blade was the original P.O.S. supplied by the manufacturers and blunt. I was having to push hard to get the blade to cut. My friend asked a question, I looked up, and at the same time the blade hit the grain lengthwise and it shot through rapidly. In an instancet took my finger 90% off. All because I was distracted. I would like to add a couple of other dangers. Use a sharp blade it's safer. Keep the guides set properly. Don't wear gloves. Use jigs to guide the piece. I cut both large logs and very small pieces, using a half dozen jigs and clamps. When rounding stand at the end of the saw. Easy to rotate without your hands in the path of the blade. Especially when using a rounding jig. If you fall of a horse the common wisdom is to get right back on it. After a month in plaster that's exactly what I did. Fearful at first but doing fine now every day. Not complacent though, because I don't want the next cut to be my last.

[@GavinConwayWoodworkBBQ]

Great video once again Kent - good value.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks Gavin! 👍

[@markduggan3451]

Great information, as always, I wish I had had similar for the tablesaw before taking the end off my thumb. Distraction can be painful.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yikes! Sorry to hear this Mark. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@pjenslin1]

Worth mentioning. Trust your instinct. Cut my finger and had to get a few stitches. While I was cutting, I realised and my mind told me I was going to hurt myself. The cutting piece got stuck on the round edge where the blade runs through. I carried on regardless and cut myself shortly afterwards.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yikes! Maybe, "listen to you gut" is a rule too. Happy Turning, PJ!

[@contessa.adella]

Here’s a good tip for any machinery area…put up a safety poster of a horrific bloodied injury caused by that type of machine near the work location…it will refresh your caution every time you see it. At college they had a poster of a guy with long hair at a lathe…his head had a palm sized, blood covered bald patch where his hair had been ripped out….I never forgot that from 40 years ago. Shock value works.

[@victorvogelsang6350]

Thank you for your instructions. My wood shop teacher went through the same subject in 1958. Anytime I turn on anything I have a tiny bit of fear in the back of my mind. I was a Senior Chief Nucĺear Trained for twenty years. If you get careless with power tools they will bite you. I had a friend who told to never be afraid your tools. I noticed he was missing part of his thumb on his left hand. I stay alert and a tiny bit afraid. Go slow and stay safe. Thanks for your videos. Vic

[@victorvogelsang6350]

Also have plenty of push sticks and keep them on hand near where you are working.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great points Vic. I think "respect" is a key word to remember. Happy Turning!

[@kevinbooth2063]

One area that bit me yes you heard me BIT me. I stepped on my brake but let off too soon and reached under the table by the guide rollers to remove debris. I felt the blade hit my fingernail. To late damage done. Thankfully it went into the end of my pointer finger instead of loosing the tip of my finger. Thankfully it has healed and no loss of feeling or use. Lesson learned don’t be in a hurry slow down and think it through. Love your videos and one shouldn’t be afraid of your bandsaw that’s when accidents occur. You just need to have total respect for your tools.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Wow. Thank you for writing and sharing, Kevin! Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@williambuckley1185]

Safety is always worth discussing for wood workers like us, it jolts the memory into seeing your face in the mind because we actually think in pictures not in words.

[@LewisKauffman]

Thanks!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Lewis. Happy Turning!

[@larrylawhon9687]

Good Stuff

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Appreciate it Larry. Happy Turning!

[@tielkgate]

Danger Will Robinson ! Spinning Saw Blades going by Quickly! Only with Movie Magic should you reach near a running blade. Kent! Good reminders. Lowell

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Lowell. Yes, protect those fingers! Happy Turning!

[@michaelogden5958]

Good stuff!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks, Michael! Happy Turning!

[@papajoecooking4425]

I’m 68 yrs old! 1974 fresh out of high school time to join the workforce. I was hired in an industrial manufacturing plant. My first job as a helper on a huge hydronic press break. Bending steel up to 1/4 in on another press punching hole in steel up to 3/8 in thick. My Uncle gave me some strong advice since I’m 19 yrs old! Look at the man’s hands you are helping. If he has partial finger or missing fingers be aware…….he didn’t pay attention to himself he might not pay attention to yours. Protect yourself work safely don’t become a hazard to yourself that way you and others around you are safe! Never forgot that wise old man advise!

[@tesuji2000]

I almost didn't watch this because I was afraid it was something that happened to you. Glad I decided to watch the firs few minutes. ( and the rest of the video) Whew!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks for watching through to the end. Happy Turning!

[@ronfinch5532]

Common sense and a respect for the equipment are a big plus as well.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You got it Ron. Happy Turning!

[@tropifiori]

I spent a lot of time working on the dust collection on my band saw. I reached under the table to check the suction. There is no blade guard under the table.I got cut. Don’t let people come into your shop and talk with you with equipment running. Most injuries happen when you are tired and in a hurry. Be extraordinarily cautious with cutting anything round on a table saw / like a log or branch. Think of another way to do it.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yikes, that's scary. I can see where the vac duct would seem ok. Be safe and Happy Turning!

[@robohippy]

I needed to get 4 stitches once in my fingers, 2 stitches in 2 fingers.... I was using a dull blade, and remembered thinking, gee, I really should change the blade. Oh well, just finish this cut.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point Robo. Sharp blades are as important as sharp gouges. Happy Turning!

[@davidshaper5146]

I've quit using circle jigs in favor of multiple straight cuts. I think it wears the blade better.

[@OregonOldTimerWOODTURNING]

When cutting bowl blanks, I work from the side of the bandsaw, not from the front. That is, I'm looking at the flat of the blade, not at the toothed edge. My right hand rotates the blank through the cut from behind the blade. My left hand guides the rotation from beside the blade. I never let my fingers get in line with the cut. With small pieces when my hands are within your 5-inch zone, I curl the fingers of my left hand under, to further increase distance from the blade. My left hand has had encounters with tablesaw blades four times in my life, and although I still have all my fingers, missing meat and permanent nerve damage are constant reminders to pay attention to what I'm doing with sharp tools. I am determined that my bandsaw will never taste my blood.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Interesting technique. Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!

[@ggholliday23]

I do the same. A video here on KZbin recommended doing it that way. I gave it a try and found that not only were my hands out of the way, but that it seemed like I had mor control of the piece.

[@jimgeelan5949]

And if things do go tits up have a first aid kit very near 😊

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Yes, indeed, Jim. Good point.

[@julian7]

Can I double-like this video?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

If only. lol. Thank you, Julian. Noted! Happy Turning!

[@cattleNhay]

Better a bandsaw injury than table saw..

[@victorvogelsang6350]

I don't want either. Stay safe.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Perhaps, Or better neither. ;) Happy Turning!

[@turningwiththewoods]

I would add using a sharp blade and the correct sized blade make things safer.

[@NianticRiverWoodcraftingChrisN]

A dull blade is an accident waiting to happen.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point. Happy Turning!

[@dennismutz8221]

If I wanted to add a #8. It would be inexperience. Know your tools. If you've never run a bandsaw, have an experienced person help you out.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Good points Dennis. Happy Turning!

[@paulruud5804]

Be sure not to have any clothing or hair (or similar) that can get caught in the moving blade. This is, of course, a standard rule for operating any machine. But it probably belongs in this list too.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point Paul. Happy Turning!

[@loucinci3922]

For sure. Wife knows not to talk to me when table saw/bandsaw/lathe/etc is running. Wait until I shutdown.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Excellent point Lou! Happy Turning!

[@stephentakach2972]

A week too late OUCH!