No Finger-Pointing Here

As a beginning woodworker, I am the first to admit that I have a lot to learn--not just in terms of technique and skill but in terms of safety, too. Anyone who's been a regular reader of my blog has heard of my stupid mistakes that, fortunately, didn't cause loss of life or limb. But they could have.

I'm always eager to learn from other woodworkers/handywomen/carpenters, etc., but I never thought I'd see something like this. The site woodworking.org actually has an Accident Survey where you can search for mishaps that people have had, narrowing it right down to the specific type of tool and the person's skill level. For instance, I looked up "table saw" and "beginner" and was given a series of personal stories detailing injuries and near misses.

It's a macabre, voyeuristic experience, but you can bet you'll learn what not to do in your own workshop! I wonder if anyone mentions flying dowel pieces . . .