Theres a discussion about sidewinders blade rights review in the FHB folder and that triggered something that I’ve wondered about.
Does Osha keep records that indicate which type saws report the most injuries?
Just for your information, we all use sidewinders here in Michigan. I’ve ran my own crew for about 25 years. I can remember only two saw injuries. One was a guy that was rushing….trying to impress me and while trimming some overhanging plywood on a stair well hole ran the saw into his left hand. To this day, I still don’t know how he did it. A coupla stiches and he was fine. Another guy got his thumb tangled up..not real bad. He made the unforgiveable mistake of trying to saw a tiny chunk of lumber while holding the chunk with his hands instead of a stick. He obviously wasn’t the brightest star in the sky. Come to think about it…he might have been a southpaw!
Thats my report….two minor injuries in 25 years…no lost time other than the trip for stiches. I worked another seven years before that on framing crews and don’t remember seeing any blood from saws.
I’m convinced that blade rights are significantly safer but that might just be my refgional bias. I know that this isn’t a scientific poll, but for those of you who have witnessed saw injuries, would you mind just mentioning whether they were blade right (for right handed users) or blade left?
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information…don’t listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Replies
I've had a couple saw injuries too.
Droped my PC and the plastic handle craked. Poor saw! But I think it cried more the time I got it's tail tangled up in the blade.
Seriously tho, good point for research. I bet osha does have such info someplace
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I've used mostly Makitas for 20 some years, but it only feels natural to be holding the saw with my right hand. I don't think about it, but I guess I look through the saw to see the cutline when I have to. My only injured saw happened when I cut the cord on my blade right PC the first time using it.
Lefty (and Dusty)
Most saws are blade right, but 15% of users are lefties (assuming carpetntry follows general population). I would think that the same issues you view as a concern with blade left saws would applicable to left handers using blade right saws. In all the years of your experience the lefties were going mostly injury-free as well...
Wally
Very true Sly. In fact, when I supplied the saws, I was always very leery of hiring southpaws. In those days, there werent any blade left saws that I knew of, or I would have ran out and bought them one.
After I quit supplying saws for the guys, I still was leery about lefties using a blade right saw and to this day I still don't want to work with anyone using a saw with the blade on the wrong side (right is right for righties!).
In that injusry thread, I heard and read a lot of stories about saws landing on thighs and stuff. I hope we find out if they were righties or lefties.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Hello Blue.
I have had many saws injured over the years. The last one was a dewalt worm drive off a steep shake roof onto concrete. DOA.
As far as human saw injuries, i have been in the trades 19 years and have actually seen saws draw blood twice. The first time was an 'old guy' that was my boss on my first apprentice job. He cut all the way around the base of his thumb and it scared the heck out of me. The second was ten years later and involved an apprentice electrician again cutting his thumb. Both left thumbs. On the first one everyone had their guards pinned. The second was not pinned. Both were the deadly skill 77.
RZ
Thanks for that input robzan. Are Skill 77's blade left or blade right? I'm thinking its a wormdrive with the blade left. I'm assuming that the guys injured were holding the saw with their right hands and holding the material with their left hand and ran the saw into it.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,
You are right in your assumptions. Are you saying that it is safer to have the blade on the side of the saw that you cannot see?
No robzan, I'm not saying its safer to not see your blade. Are you implying that you can't see the blade on a sidewinder?
I don't know about others, but I can always see my blade on my Makita. I simply position my body to look through from the left side, or lean a little over the saw and look at the right side. If I'm making a rough cut then, no, I don't look, but I know that none of my parts are close to the blade because theres a motor and casing and six inches of clearance between my body parts and the saw!
blue Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,
To be honest with you, I cut my teeth on a worm drive. Here on the west coast, if you show up with a baby homeowner saw with the blade on the wrong side you would be laughed off of most jobs. I truly have not had much experience with a sidewinder. I have used them on occasion but not enough to get used to them. It always seemed so awkward to look over the saw at what I was cutting. Or peer through the side. One guy I worked for had a pc sidewinder, but it was blade left. It was ok, just not as much power as I am used to. It amazed me when i went to Texas that all them macho cowboys used them little bitty saws. It all depends on what you are used to, I guess. Now i am gettin older, i might try a smaller saw. I have a ridgid 18v cordless, but that ain't really much of a saw. It is blade left too. Have a good night Blue. RZ
Also, they didn't run the blade into it, both cases were the material not being held correctly and the saw kicking back.
In 22yrs I've seen one guy cut himself with a saw. It was with a Mag 77 with the guard pinned up (not mine) and it was after lunch so I'm pretty sure he was stoned or crank up or both. Bad combo.
Dave
Blue,
What is it about gifted people (lefties) with blade right saws that you see as being unsafe? The only thing I'm aware of that I do 'wrong' with a blade right is the wider part of the shoe is sitting on the offcut piece. I hold the work with my left hand; unless the piece is extremely short, my hand is nowhere near the blade. Situation reversed exactly for right hander.
I've owned a blade left saw and have actually come to prefer blade right. A left hander has an unobstructed view of the line, whilst a right hander has to peer between blade guard and forward hand grip. I assume the modification you refer to in your Makita thread is to remove a chunk of the handle to improve sightlines. I've completely removed that handle on my own saw to reduce weight as a lefty carpenter never uses it.
WallyLignum est bonum.
Sly, now that they have blade left saws, I don't feel any need to discriminate against the gifted southpaws.
As for safety, let me ask you this. Who has more chance of getting their hands and fingers caught up in the sawing accident....they guy with the motor between his hand and the blade, or the guy with air between his hand and the blade?
Please answer that question honestly and we can then carry one the discussion of sightlines. And...no, I don't hack off my handle to improve sightlines. I don't have any problem with sightlines on the sawblade. I did have some sight line issues with my last five Makitas, but they were caused by the knob that is used for bevel adjustments.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue,
I know you won't like this, but I think the guy who has a motor between him and the blade is no safer than the guy who has a blade guard and a shoe between him and the cut. I mean, c'mon, if my thumb was on the cutline and I was so focused on the cut that I didn't notice, would I cut it off? No, the shoe of the saw would hit the thumb first anyway. And I've never even had that situation occur yet. Besides, the fingers of my right hand are generally on the shoe, keeping the blade right on the line.
I've used a saw in my right hand the odd time and it certainly felt weird for me too - maybe not as weird as for you trying it left, because you've probably never been forced to use a tool in your wrong hand, whereas most lefthanders have. Lefties learn to work around it - we've been doing it since we learnt to write. But using a saw is too fundamental, too central to the job to relegate to the off hand, so we work with it.
So what is the modification you do to the saw? Always looking for new tricks.
WallyLignum est bonum.
blue,
I've got to say that I disagree 100% with your "right is right for righties".
I'm a lefty and using a right-bladed sidewinder is one of the few perks that a lefty has in construction.
The recent introduction of left-bladed sidewinders is to placate righties, not lefties.
The unobstructed line of sight is a treat.
As to injuries, I've never had a sidewinder-related cut, nor have I ever seen anyone get nicked on the job. I do know someone who had the guard tied back and after cutting, "rested" the saw in his thigh. Shredded his jeans and cut him up a little, but not too bad.
I have to agree with Mongo. I use a HD77, DW right blade and PC left blade all on a regular basis. In my opinion the location of the blade has very little to do with safety.I feel extremely safe using a circular saw. In fact, there aren't many tools that I feel more safe with. The two things to remember are possibility of kickback (and where you would be when this happens) and where you put the saw after the cut is made (the appropriate answer is NOT on your thigh).
Jon Blakemore
Mongo, was the thigh injury a sidewinder or worm. Was the blade visible to the guy or was it on the other side of the motor?
Thats what I'm trying to determine.
As far as personal preference, I fully understand that and agree that you, as well as I, should do whats comfortable. Comfortability is safer. For instance, I'm shaky as hell on a roof with tennis shoes, but who am I to tell another that they can't wear them up there. If they're up there on a two story walkout, they need to be in whatever they feel safest with. If they want to wear a tutu and ballerina shoes, then more power to them!
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Mongo, was the thigh injury a sidewinder or worm. Was the blade visible to the guy or was it on the other side of the motor?
Sidewinder. Right-handed operator with a right-bladed saw.
He said he finished a cut and simply let the saw rest against his thigh. The guard was tied back.
The one I mentioned was a right saw held by a right handed man laying it on his right thigh
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Are you guys kidding me?
I use both right and left saws to my advantage. Plywood on a roof, right blade. (I'm right handed) . Stair stringers on horses, left sidwinder 81/4", rafters on horses, same sidewinder. ... Mind sharp, two hands when nessesary and the foresight to remind you that the saw may be coming your way, makes it enjoyable for a righty to use the "wrong" saw. I'm also lefty so I have been known on occasion to use a right blade in my left hand:)Greg
No, I'm not kidding you. I didn't say anything against either kind of saaw. I useboth left and right sidewinders, but no wormies. It doesn't matter to me which, as long as I know where the blade is going and where it could go, and apply Murphy's Law.
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Touche'
that's all I meant by the post. Keep you're hands and legs inside the ride at all times and you with be amazed at the results your tools can acomplish.
~G
I saw several "accidents" involving saws while I was in Texas. They were all due to the guys having the guard permanently tied back. Trying to convince them that that was a bad idea was like talking to a brick wall. Those guys were a great bunch of guys, not to mention really good carpenters, however that whole business of always leaving the blade exposed just still gives me the willies, and the heebie-jeebies! Those guys were all right handed I think, and they all used the same model makita sidewinder.
The only time I nicked myself was while building my own house. I was using my dewalt 18V. cordless to freehand trim part of a countertop. I was so focused on the cut that I let my finger wander into the blade. it just nicked the end and I retrackted it away from the blade right away. My buddy and my wife were holding the countertop up at the time and I didn't want to freak them out so I just finished the cut, told them to put it back into place and surreptitiously snuck off to put a bandaid on it. To be honest, I'm pretty much ambidexterous, and I don't remember which hand I was holding the saw with, or which finger I cut for that matter.
Thats good info Mark. How many "accidents" did you see with those wild and crazy cowboys?
They musta been transplanted Michiganders.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
greg, why is it an advantage to use the different saw on the stairs. I've cut a zillion stairs and never felt the need to use anything other than the sidewinder.
I take that back...on one set of cut and mitered finish stringers, I had to back in the miter on the riser. I suppose a blade left might eliminate the need for backing in the cut.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I use my 8 1/4 skil worm drive for stringers for two reasons. 1 because of the blade dia, i don't have to overcut quite as much, or have to hand saw as much. 2, I hold the saw with two hands, one on the trigger and one holding the blade guard up with the front handle. Ables me to see the exact line I spent alot of time getting right and let's me quikly run down the tread line one way and the riser line coming backlonewolf
I got it now Greg. I misinterpreted your original post.
I'm not a big fan of over cutting either. I have my own methods and they work quite well for cleaning out the undercutting. They involve the use of the saw blade acting like a planer.....
I too follow the lines closely, working from right to left, just cutting a tiny bit past the line to give me something to guage my second cut too. When I make the turn and head back, the cutouts are just barely hanging on unless I'm intentionally busting them off and tossing them into a nearby scrap bin or pile. On low rise stairs, I have to clean up the cut, but on high rises, I can usually leave the junk.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Okay...the saw injury poll will soon be closing...I'll be tallying up the injuries and reporting them on the new OSHA wormie-winder report.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I looked around with google a bit and overall, it looks like their biggest concern about saws and categories is that the most dantgerous are
Chainsaaws
any other saaw with gaurds removed or disabled
inexperienced users
in order of numbers of injuries.
No breakdowns as to brand, type, etc. that I could find
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Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
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Chainsaawsany other saaw with gaurds removed or disabledinexperienced users
And I will add. Using the wrong saw.
The blade should be on the right for right handed and on the left for left handed.
Far away from your body parts.
How hard is to draw an offset line instead the cutting line? Make your own square with the offset distance and just draw one line. What you have now is a full visible line to follow with the edge of your saw base. Not looking thru port holes in your saw. And trying to see your line under your saw base thru an opening and the saw dust is simply not the best way to cut.
Is much EZier to align your saw with the edge of your base ...before you start cutting. If you start the cut wrong and you try to correct the direction of your cut midway...you have a problem .Try once and you never go back because your cut it will be the best so far that YOU made.
Easier to see the 100% visible offset line. Safer because the whole saw and motor housing becomes a guard. EZier to align your saw BEFORE you start cutting and much more accurate Every Time.And you can use your other hand to better hold the materials.
Ok Blue.
2 times I witness circular saw mishaps. Both with left bladed saws.One guy chew up his toes the other chew up his fingers. And not from my crew.
I never allow my guys to use a left bladed saw.
YCF Dino
I've got a cute little scar on my left thumb from a handsaw believe it or not. I guess they all deserve a little caution.
Who Dares Wins.
See there! Inexperience and taking the gaurd off, tsk, tsk!;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Blue
Come to think about it...he might have been a southpaw!
Now that you have offended me I don't know if I want to answer your question.
No, never had even a close call using my LEFT hand to operate the saw. Its when I use the right hand that makes for some scarry moments.
Doug
Doug, I hope your not taking offense becasue I use the term southpaw. Thats an old baseball term for lefthanded pitchers. Its not a derogatory term in and sense of the word.
I'm simply trying to do an informal poll to determine whether the saw injuries are more common with blades that are nearer the body, or away from the body with the motor intervining as a barrier to injuries.
I'm being trutyful about the two saw injuries that I can remember, but I vaguely think there was one more that I just cant put my finger on....I'll ask the guys tomorrow if they know of any.
For me personally, I NEVER, EVER, NEVER USE MY LEFTHAND TO SAW! It just feels so awkward that all my spider sense start tingling. When that happens, since I'm 51, I pay attention! Instead of cutting with my left hand, I contort my body and use my right hand, which in some instances may seem unsafe, but since I'm the guy making the decision, and I'm the guy thats going to get cut, I follow my gut feelings.
I'm still injury free from saws...knocking on wood.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Blue
Come on man, do you think I got to be this age(old) and being left handed, that I have never heard the term "southpaw". I can talk baseball lingo too.
I don't get to offended by much, certainly not what you said. I answered in sarcasm, didn't you here it in the tone of my typing?
My reply was just me being a bit of a smart azz.
I'm a lefty, and I think the sidewinder is the only tool that has ever been made for the left handed user, even if it was by accident.
I still to this day am amazed that you righties could even use a right bladed saw. Seems so awkward.
Definitely not offended
Doug
Doug, I honestly could tell that you were kidding me.
I did try a blade left saw once. it was so awkward, I couldn't finish the cut on a scrap of 2x4. Since I don't ever need a a blade left arangement, I didn't/couldn't see any reason to force myself to learn how to use that tool. I know I'll never ue one again. If I absolutely need a cut from one of them, I'll have the guy that owns the saw make the cut. No one on our crew has one at this time.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Doug, can you clear something up for me?
First, it is true that most lefties, unless ambidextrous, hold their saw - any saw - with their left hand, correct?
Next, I am wondering how lefties cut lumber off sawhorses. Say you've got a bunch 2x12s that are sitting on a couple horse, real handy like and ready to be cut. You grab one, put it down, pull a mark and cut. Or leave it on the pile, mark it and cut. Question: What end of the 2x will the leftie mark and cut, if he's using a blade-right saw? And if he's using a blade-left saw?
Does the lefty, regardless of saw used, cut from the end that allows him to support the saw on the keeper piece, rather than having it fall to the side with the offcut?
Now, if this leftie is cutting a 2x propped up off his boot.... Same questions with the same saw options.
Thanks for your patience.
Edited 12/7/2004 12:24 am ET by Pierre1
Pierre,
Another lefty here to answer your Q. I always try to cut at the left end of the sawhorse setup. Tape in right hand, hook on right end of material, mark with left hand. Saw in left hand, right hand steadying material if it isn't clamped. Same for blade left saw - I prefer to use blade right.
Yes that means the majority of the saw shoe is on the piece of material that is going to fall. So be it, I've learnt to compensate for that. Slight inward rotation of the left wrist ensures that short side of the shoe engages firmly on the keeper side of the line. If we're talking about a fine cut with only fractions of an inch to be removed, I just put a scrap piece of the same stock under the shoe to keep it level.
Finally, I hate cutting something propped on my boot - or kneeling on the floor. So third world and hackish. But if it comes to that, would still be set up same way, saw in left hand, cut left end of stock.
WallyLignum est bonum.
Blue,
Sidewinder over eighteen years...right blade...what I learned on. Wormdrive (leftblade) what I switched to, and been using for 12 years plus. Wouldn't go back to the sidewinder for full time use for nothing. No injuries to report with either...for myself. I own both. The only adjustment I had to make, was gettin used to the torque factor. Worms are hands down easier to use and better saws IMO.
Be blade left.
Dez
Pierre
First, it is true that most lefties, unless ambidextrous, hold their saw - any saw - with their left hand, correct At least for me, that is correct.
If I'm cutting from a set of horses I'll have the lumber stacked, facing the pile, I'll be on the left. I will be cutting with the saw in my left hand.
Edit; I thought of another scenario, if I was cutting plywood off a pair of horses and I need a sheet of ply cut to 90", I would be standing at the right and with the saw still in my left hand and resting on the ply I would cut the 6" piece off.
If I was cutting off my boot I would have my right foot holding the piece of wood up. My left foot back, and the saw in my left hand making the cut.
I hope I explained that right, I'm trying to envision it right.
Does the lefty, regardless of saw used, cut from the end that allows him to support the saw on the keeper piece, rather than having it fall to the side with the offcut?
That sounds right. Unless the short piece is your keeper than its falling off to the left with the keeper.
I'm not sure that makes anything clear or not, I don't know if that is the way all lefties use the saw, I guess I have never paid much attention to the way other lefties use the saw.
I do notice how a righty uses it though. It seems so weird.
I think Sly Karma might have answered this same question, probably better than I. Especially the mention of the compensation part.
Doug
Edited 12/7/2004 6:38 am ET by Doug@es
I think it may be different for remodeling. I have both a left blade Mag 77 and a right blade POS that won't die Sears sidewinder. Which to use often depends on which fits best. For instance, cutting thru subfloor next to a wall, I may do most of the cut from left to right with the 77, until it hits the right wall. Then use the sidewinder to get as close as it can to the left wall. Only the ends get cut with the slow, sloppy recip saw.
Safety depends more on taking the time to think through what might possibly happen, and setting up to prevent anything getting out of control.
-- J.S.
I agree John. Safety is a mindset, not a governmental regulation.
You really owe it to yourself to get a quality sidewinder though. You're tainting your own opinion by using a saw that I wouldn't make one cut with.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
My Grandfather was ambidextrous and used right and left blade saws with equal skill in either hand. He had one nick on the end of his left thumb from a right blade kick back when he was holding the saw in his right hand.
I'll never forget the shock. I was standing right next to him, I had no idea the man could be injured. He just calmly wrapped it up in a rag, lined out the crew for the next couple of hours, drove to the hospital and had it stitched up (without novocaine - too expensive) and came back to finish the day. I think I was nine at the time - Grandpa was some kind of cool!
I have a mean scar on my right thigh where I had a right blade saw with a sticking guard take advantage of me on a bad habit. When I was making several repetitive cuts I used to lean the motor of the saw on my leg and point the blade out as I positioned the next piece of lumber. The guard hung open one day and I pulled the trigger and rolled the blade forward right into my leg. I opted for the novocaine myself.
I use right and left blade saws these days, and prefer the left blade for most cuts. I haven't even come close to a close call since the day of my accident. It's all about keeping the mind where it needs to be every, single, solitary time you squeeze the trigger. Nothing like one serious scar to insure you do exactly that.
Good lesson there Golden.
I agree that keeping the mental process alert is critical for preventing saw injuries.
Your story brings to mind two incidences that I know of regarding blade right sidewinders..neither serious but both had potential: #1 One of my mentors (a trimmer) had set the saw blade depth so that it only poked through the material 1/8". He mindlessly reached under after starting the cut to feel if the saw was still protruding through the material as he made his cut. The 1/8" score on his fingers verified it.
#2 After making cut, I mindlessly reached into the saw blade teeth to stop the blade so I could set the saw down (I never set a spinning saw down unless it's on its last coupla revolutions). Luckily the saw was at its end of inertia and I only scratched my finger tips....it did get the adrenaline pumping though. Now, as a result of that incident, if I find myself concentrating on external facts, I lay the tools down until my concentration level returns.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
blue... 30 years with my own crew... always me and two all the way up to 6....
one slight injury... the guy was cutting plywood resting on his foot (?????????)
still got all 10 of his toes..
i have seen a lot of gouged floors from setting saws down with a stuck guard
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I am a firm believer in guards but, as a result of my personal experience, I'm also a firm believer that saw guards are one of the most dangerous features ever added to a saw. It's way too easy to develop the habit of counting on them.
Golden, the purpose of this informal poll isn't really to debate the relative safety of guards, but I must say, I do agree with you. I remember the days when I occasionally had a guard and occasionally it would be running all over the floor like Mike said. I guess it just gets too easy to set it down while it's still running, despite the warnings to never do that!
Now, because I don't use a guard, I'm always conscious about stopping the blade one way or another. I'm also conscious about which way the blade is pointing (I always turn it out and away from me). I'm also very conscioius about anyone walking near me. Everyone gets a warning to never walk behind me when I'm working. I'm conscious about setting up my work station and keeping the walk area clear.
As far as I can remember, the guard, or lack of it, has never been a factor in any of the saw incidents that I know about.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Well, now that I've told ya my story you can't say that any more. Still, I would concede that it was my bad habit, coupled with fatigue and mental inattention, that gave that hung guard the ability to let the blade bite me.
95% of the injuries from Worm drives are misreported.
they are back injuries from lifting them and arm injuries from chucking them in the dumpster!
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore
Feel free to chuck them my way!
Jon Blakemore
Another lefty here, and trying to get in under the wire...I saw Two saw accidents since 1963. First was a left bladed worm with the guard pinned back. It was my fault cause I hired a twit. He showed up with a 77 with the guard wedged back. I pulled out the wedge, chucked it, and thought I let him know there was to be none of that. Musta had a spare wedge...another of the crew picked up the saw, cut something, swung it back into his thigh...I bought him 17 stiches, and yelled at the twit so much he quit.2nd was me. Somebody else's cheapo right bladed sidewinder, I was cutting 9'pcs out 16' 2x8s...someone decided to crawl under the drop, jeeze...I somehow stuck my left thumb in the blade trying to stop the drop...ouch...but the crawler was ok<G>I don't think right or left blade had any bearing on either accident.Now, on the southpaw thing, I, too, would much rather use a right bladed saw (Makita)...It's in my left hand and I can see exactly what's going on, even though I do get a little sawdust in my eyes LOL. I always felt like I should shut up about how they are really saws for lefties, cause I knew they'd stop making them<G>You cracked me up about backing your saw into a finished mitered outside stringer. Made me remember, that's how I learned to cut 'em too. I quit that when an 8 1/4 Saw Cat jumped out of the kerf on a particularly cupped 1x12, the guard musta hesitated, cause I could see the blade spinning about a 1/2" away from my nose! I am never comfortable working with power tools<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
BB, I guess that makes it one and one on the winders-wormy thing from you.
As I read, I've come to realize that I would never use a blade left tool without the table and guard...I think I now know why you guys freak out thinking about it....
I'm not real big on backing things up...especially on a 45 degree mitre!...but I have done it half a dozen times or so. I think the first time was in carpenter school on my first cut and mitred stringer...it was a small demo project about 4 risers and all the table saws were tied up. I am extremely conscious about trying this insane technique on cupped materials though. I really think I'd pass before doing that.
I'm f'in nuts and I wouldn't follow anything I do, if I was smart...which I'm not.
blue Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Backin' up 45s on a skirt...not for me anymore, either. I haven't run into a skirt I couldn't cut on sliding miter saw, and straight too<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Just alittle freindly jab at the left coast/blade guys.
Actually if I were younger and stonger enough to do full time framing, I would have at least 1 wormdrive.
If I were supplying a saw or saw for a crew to use they would all be wormdrives, Ya can't kill those things.
As for Injuries I would hazard to guess the most injuries from saws comes from not wearing eye protection.
I have never been cut by a saw. Had a few close calls usually when the guard has got stuck.
But when that happens I usually stop everything and fix the problem.
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore