Shocking End To Bandsaw Wood Preparation
by Alan Stratton on Friday, August 20th, 2021 | 24 Comments
Best video viewing is right here. But, in case of difficulty, the video is also posted on YouTube and FaceBook
I accidentally cut my finger on my bandsaw but not where most of injury is. I did not see the risk near the power shutoff. Next to the off button is the return channel for the blade. This channel is open wide enough that a finger can accidentally hit the saw blade.
I had to have three stitches on my left ring finger.
For now, I am covering the return blade channel with duct tape to prevent a future repeat occurrence.
Enjoy!
My local hardware or big box store sells thin aluminum angle. Epoxy, hot melt glue, or duct tape a couple of magnets to the angle after cutting it to length. This allows it to be removable for replacing blades.
So sorry to hear about the accident, glad it was only 3 stitches. As soon as you explained what happened I thought about my saw, it’s covered with a hinged door. Quick healing, I have enjoyed your videos for several years now and look forward to them every Saturday.
Jerry Streeter
Thanks for your best wishes and for checking your saw.
Alan
Good ideas. Magnets so it can be removed.
Alan
Wow, shame on Jet for such a DUMB design.
It just reminds us all that we work with potentially dangerous equipment and that we should take some time to really look at our machines and understand where potential safety hazards lie.
Glad your injury was relatively minor.
Yes, the work is dangerous. Guards, jigs, and common sense required.
Alan
Thanks for sharing that. I’m going to check my saw now.
Thanks for checking.
Alan
I have been a fan for many years and thank you for sharing your talent. Your injury could have been much worse. I would suggest you contact Jet immediately and request a fix for this design defect.
Thanks for your loyalty. Jet has been unresponsive.
Alan
Dear Alan,
So sorry that you had that mishap. I hope that your finger will recover quickly, so that you can put the ring back on to show that you are happily married.
I have a question: did you buy that bandsaw brand new, or used? I do not used Jet products, but your video seems to show that the bandsaw has provisions already to have some kind of safety barrier.
Anyhow, I look forward to the next Saturday.
Sincerely,
Joe
Since I have done woodworking and woodturning for many years, I have not worn a ring for nearly as long.
However, yes, I am happily married. My wife prefers that I not lose a finger rather than wear a ring.
The saw has everything provided when new since I purchased it new.
It has a Jet riser block installed.
What you have seeing is the old switch mount – not a guard mount.
Alan
Alan,
That is one awesome habit that you have: remove rings before doing any work with wood. I caught myself not doing that many times. A dear friend of mine in a freak accident lost his ring finger and the wedding band when he manually opened his garage door. He’s still happily married, though.
I look forward to see your woodturning presentations.
—Joe
I do not need a ring to remember that I am married.
And my wife understands the risk.
Alan
Oh Alan, sorry to hear about your accident.
Although my clark bandsaw has a cover all round the blade, I have managed to nick my finger as I was feeding the wood through. A momentary lapse of concentration.
Lesson learned.
Heal soon.
Steve
London England
Sorry for your nick.
Now get where the blade goes up and prevent any further injury.
Alan
Alan,
Hope you recover without incident and get back to the shop soon. I have been told that bandsaw injuries are the most common in wood shops–I would have figures it would be a table saw. I have the same band saw as you and never noticed the open channel. I’ll be careful of it! I did have an injury on the band saw which took off a small portion of my thumb but that was totally my fault. Wasn’t paying attention! Thanks for sharing this–I hope it saves someone some injury.
I am sorry for your injury.
Now to prevent another from the unexpected side of the saw.
Alan
So sorry you got injured Alan.
Love your show and work….has given me many tips.
None more important than today.. As I have the same Jet bandsaw
And have my duct tape in my hand now on the to my shop.
Take care and god bless
M lyle
I am happy you took care of it.
Alan
Oh no, I’m glad it wasn’t worse and glad you are pointing out the risk. Don’t know if you got that bandsaw used, but someone removed the safety cover, it screws into the upright. Covers both the upright and the blade slot. Whoever did it probably thought it was just a hinderance to quick blade changes. Flimsy black plastic but did the job. If I remember it took a screwdriver to take it on and off. Or jet went cheap and dangerous on your model😢
Purchased it new. Assembled per directions. No guard.
Alan
Alan,
Sorry to hear the news. Passing your info on to the members of our Cape Cod Woodturners. Heal fast!
Regards,
Don
Thanks for spreading the word.
Alan