Mac Mod Gone Terribly Wrong

[Phil M]

I am hesitant to post this on our forum, but this accident actually happened while I was working on a mod for my McGregor. Working on modifications is one of the things that most of us enjoy, but most of us, including me, are not professionals when it comes to working with power tools. My incorrect use of a tablesaw has cost me a lot of grief and pain.

About a month ago I managed to sever most of the nerves and tendons in my left hand by a table saw. The spinning blade grabbed the small piece of wood which I was holding with my left hand, and spun it out-of-the-way such that my hand went across the top of the spinning blade. I did not cut any bones, but most of the nerves and tendons were slashed and mangled. I spent four hours in emergency surgery, and the surgeon has attempted to reconnect the nerves and tendons. My hand is still in a cast and the wound is almost completely closed. Although my hand is still in a cast, I'm trying to rehab and start to gain some normal use of my hand, as for now I have really none. I can't even tie my own shoes. So sailing is out. My hand swells up when I even walk. I am beginning to work with an occupational therapist on a weekly basis.

My yearly sailing trip to the West Coast has sunk. I can't go sailing at all really. However, with some assistance, I do hope to use my Mac trawler, which is giving me some hope that the entire summer is not down the tubes.

I am using Dragon dictation on the iPad, so I don't have to type this with one finger.

I am also hoping for the best. Unfortunately, it's hard to fix stupid. So take care out there. Safety first.



Phil Mac

[Russ]

Wow!

I'm sure we have all come close to some form of accident like that. Good reminder of the dangers of power tools.

Get well Phil and thanks for sharing. Good reminder for those of us who need reminding of what can happen in second.

--Russ

[RGF]

Absolutely, please, Phil, get well soon! We all make mistakes and there are always accidents. We have all been there done that, but that doesn't make us stupid. Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.

[Catigale]

Best wishes and quick healing Phil....good reminder of power tools and their danger.

[mastreb]

Wow, really sorry to hear that Phil. My nephew, who has been a professional cabinet maker for over a decade, had the same accident for the same reason.

Power tools are dangerous period. I avoid them as much as possible.

Matt

[taime1]

That's a nasty accident Phil. I feel for you. Here's to hoping you do make a full recovery, in time.

If I were closer, I'd gladly offer to take you out to get some sailing in.

The offer stands if you ever come to Ottawa.

[gabid]

Thanks for sharing. It was an accident, is nothing about stupid. It will take time to recover and will power but you'll be back.

[Crikey]

Phil, I'm hurtin for you dude. Hang tough buddy!

[Don T]

OUCH!!!!!!!

[NiceAft]

Phil,

I'm wishing you a speedy recovery, and thank you for being concerned enough to bring your accident to our attention. Power tools are indeed dangerous, but that is the reason to always respecting them. As with any type of tool, there are safety procedures which should be applied. Anyone using a table saw should use a push block against the wood being cut.

Phil, you will heal, and be back putting your creativity to work.

Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Ray

[Johnacuda]

Sorry to hear about you accident. Keep your chin up. There has been some amazing work done repairing damaged nerves.

[kmclemore]

Phil, I'm sorry to hear of your accident and believe me... you are NOT alone. I'm a very good carpenter, yet I did nearly the very same thing as you - I was sawing wood on a circular table saw, late at night when I was tired and in a hurry to get the boat ready for a trip. I did the most incredibly stupid thing - I ran a small piece of wood from the back of the saw to the front (backwards!) and of course the saw grabbed the material and pulled my left hand into the blade. It severed the end of my little finger below the last joint so that it was only attached by a small bit of flesh, and it also cut half-way into the ring finger. I was surprised at how fast it happened and, frankly, how little pain there was. I rapidly grabbed a clean rag and wrapped it tightly around my bleeding hand and calmly walked into the house and quietly announced to my wife that we should probably go to the emergency room... I think she knew from the look on my face that this was not a trivial injury.

The good news is that they managed to sew everything back together and here it is about 8 years later and the fingers and hand are fully functional, and even most of the feeling has returned to the finger tips. Now, I know it wasn't as serious an injury as yours was, but I think it should give you hope that things will be MUCH better than you think they will be at this stage. Give it time - it will heal and probably better than you think it will.

My best to you on a speedy and full recovery.

[Ixneigh]

Wow. best wishes Phil. Yea, gosh how one second can change a lot. Makes me cringe. I don't even own a table saw, hate em. Do have other tools just as dangerous though. Hope you have a successful rehabilitation and with movement and strength recovered.
Ix

[Tempus]

Oh wow. Full points for sharing such a story. You never know, your sharing might very well save someone from a similar or worse circumstance.

Thank you for sharing and best wishes for your recovery.

[Catigale]

When we did our deck a couple years back I was prepared to do all the cutting with a hand held circular saw, until one of my friends got wind of this from the Admiral and she forced me to drive out and buy a chop saw.

It was the right tool from both a safety and efficiency perspective.

Next time I'm using it, I'll be thinking of you, Phil. Thanks again for sharing your pain.