I see my future and it's boring.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 6:41 am

Well at 51 I finally had my first major wood shop accident. It happened Thursday morning while I was getting everything ready to set up for this weekends fall festival that my blacksmith shop would be in. While working on the router table making the seat for a stool the stock grabbed and before I knew what happened it pulled me in. I lost the nail and had some damage to me left ring and index fingers. The middle took a whoopin and I have surgery Tuesday afternoon to get it shortened and closed. I'll spare you the pics.
So now I will sit and stare at firewood that needs cut and a host of jobs that I am going to be two months behind on. Nice work, dumb adze.

No more riding this year I figure but I may get a jump on the jigsaw puzzles. I figure I'll start some threads and live here for some of it too.

I mean it's day two and I'm already bored.
Gobbler

harry · Post by **harry** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 6:56 am

Gobbler hang in there, I lost the end of my middle finger in an oil field accident in 1978. Your lucky thou, if you had lost your little finger you wouldn't be able to eat peanuts any more......... they all run out the bottom when you grab a hand full.
Get well soon
Harry

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:06 am

well..... stuff happens...you'll be back to normal in no time....

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:20 am

That will certainly limit your self expression while driving. Hope you heal quickly.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:44 am

Life happens fast don't it? I'm glad it wasn't worse.

Sure reminds us of our mortality and sharpens our gratitude for life.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:32 am

I hate table saws/routers!
If I can't do my required cutting with either a Milwaukee Jigsaw or sawzall it don't get cut.(course I am not no wood worker either?)
They do have them with the laser/guard setup (supposedly)that will stop before you lose a finger/hand etc.?(brother has em)

I just won't use any of them period.(I have blades for the jig that go to 15"(for cutting say a 6X6 etc.(it's variable with trigger and will cut as slow as doing it by hand if wanted.)
Thank God it wasn't worse.(my buddy lost 3 fingers on a table saw(same thing happened)couple years back)
So for me if I was to ever use one it would be with some type extension instead of hand or possibly the laser guard(if proven)?
Table saws just plain scare me? (don't like stuff I can't control)

Prayers up!

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:37 am

Hobie wrote:That will certainly limit your self expression while driving. Hope you heal quickly.

That's exactly what I was thinking...

Tycer wrote:Life happens fast don't it? I'm glad it wasn't worse.
Sure reminds us of our mortality and sharpens our gratitude for life.

Yep. Each day is a blessing, doubly so if you're reasonably healthy and in decent shape, infinitely so if your loved ones are as well. Cherish them all.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:47 am

Oooh that is nasty, heal well friend.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:00 am

Every time I use anything that cuts I get nervous! I've had a couple minor mishaps, but nothing like what you described! Hope you heal up quikly!

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:19 am

Bummer buddy, get well soon.

kevin in nh · Post by **kevin in nh** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 12:17 pm

Gobbler.......I feel your pain......I had to have emergency surgery on my spine and have been half crippled since July 1....and I have three cords sitting there.....I am lucky to have a friend who has been doing the heavy stuff.....anything over 10 lbs! It stinks but @ 57 I cant take the chance of hurting myself worse and asked for help with the wood. I am determined to hunt this year and even if I cant do it all day I will get out....try 3 months of not being able to do a darn thing is depressing, and a friend said its how God keeps us humble.....improvise, adapt , and overcome....winter is almost here....kevin

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:20 pm

Sorry to hear that, Gobbler. Mechanical tools can put a serious hurt on a person and in the blink of an eye it's done. I've been very lucky so far. I've had some close calls, but nothing serious. I've responded to some really serious accidents in my career as an LEO and I'm not just talking car accidents. Some walked away, some didn't. Be careful guys.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:35 pm

sorry to hear this. I hope you heal well. Look forward to your posts here. I am really sorry for the injury.

Topside · Post by **Topside** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 4:42 pm

Sorry to hear. That is rough. Thinking good thoughts of fast healing for you Gobbler.
Reed.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 4:57 pm

Sorry to hear of your injury. But, you'll heal, and if you're like most of us, you'll be back doing the same old stuff, just a bit more carefully. Hang in there, and keep us posted on the surgery. Prayers up.

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:06 pm

GF...glad you're OK...sometimes we get a little too familiar with our tools. You'll be a better man in the future I expect. Just a minor setback...maybe use the time for reflection & rest. Never trust a power tool (I've had my run-ins too) or a horse....the label on the bottle or in the good intentions of a politician. Y'all can trust the boys here though.

Take the time to rest.

LB

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 5:18 am

Borregos wrote:Oooh that is nasty, heal well friend.

+ 1

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:17 am

game keeper wrote:
Borregos wrote:Oooh that is nasty, heal well friend.
+ 1

+ another. I was just about to head out to the garage to work on a project. Ouch!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 1:03 pm

Ouch....

Be carefull, dangit

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:48 pm

I feel Your pain,I have cut and hurt My hands many times over the years and the older we get the worse it is...two years ago at 55 in a moment of carelessness I broke a knuckle in the palm of My right hand.it swelled up like a golfball and I wrapped it with ducttape everyday. I had to work with it and it took 10 months to heal. lots of Whiskey every nite.

. Best wishes on Your recovery.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:41 pm

Sorry to hear that Man!

My Uncle lost a good chunk of the fingers on his right hand while shaping a set a pistol
grips on a plainer.

I lost a nice chunk out of my left palm trying to use a radial arm saw to rip a
piece of oak when it tool off on me( danged stupid thing to do). I sat on the basement floor for at least five minutes
before I could even look at it. Hurt so bad I thought for sure it would be worse than it was.

Best of luck on your surgery!!

jason

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:26 pm

Ouch!

I use power tools like that a lot. Remind me to be more careful.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 6:20 am

Well tomorrow afternoon is the surgery and frankly I can't wait. Been walking around with this big wrap on my left hand making it useless. The pain has been manageable with meds, thank heavens. I know what it looks like and it doesn't hurt anything like I think it should.

I've been pondering asking for any big bone pieces to make bling with. Maybe a button or hat pin.

Thanks to everyone for caring.
Gobbler

rossim92 · Post by **rossim92** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:00 am

sorry to hear. hope everything goes well. My brother in law lost the tips on three of his fingers while using a table saw. You know what they say. boys and their toys!

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:03 am

Wish you the best in your recovery.

hightime · Post by **hightime** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:31 am

I hope you fully recover. Best of luck.

Owen

pwl44m · Post by **pwl44m** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:17 am

I had more trouble with the stuff I "Wanted" to do but couldn't than the stuff that needed to be done, I guess I used it as an excuse. Hope the surgery goes well and U heal proper. This too shall pass.
Perry

piller · Post by **piller** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:26 am

Too bad you had a painful reminder that power saws are not very friendly. Hope you heal quickly.

Chas. · Post by **Chas.** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:47 am

Yea, those power tools can gitcha quick. Hope it heals quick. I've had a table saw for years, and still, I'm scared of it. That's probably a good thing. Same with my chainsaws.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:36 pm

I'm done now. I had surgery at 2, home before 4:30. Not bad. Can't wait for dinner. Doc says to keep it wrapped and to be gentle for the next 8 days until the next visit. I'm glad he wasn't concerned.makes me more comfortable. I would like to get a copy of the x rays for a conversation piece. they said i couldn't have the bone parts. Too bad.

Gobbler

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:50 pm

Gobbler,

OK, two pages later and I want PICS ..............

Been sick as dog the last three days so either post 'em or email 'em to me.

Glad the surgery went well. Don't know why the docs won't let you have the bone fragment, after all they are yours.

Joe

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:34 pm

Ok. We'll wait for two days until we change the dressing to take a photo or two. No promises. I didn't get to see it today. They had me out before they unwrapped it so i'm guessing as to what to see. I'm betting there's soooooooome kind of scar.

Gobbler

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:09 pm

Glad to hear the surgery went well... at least from the Doc's standpoint... but then, mine always tells me that my aches and pains don't hurt a bit! Do what the doc sez. And I'm not sure I need pictures...

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:33 pm

and i thought you were gonna tell us about drillin' holes.

heal fast.

Birdman · Post by **Birdman** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 7:28 pm

Best of luck with the rehab. There's a fine line between pushing an injury and recovering quicker, and going over board and setting your self back. Slow and steady and make a little bit of progress each day. You'll be nearly as good as new in no time.

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:17 pm

Prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery.

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:38 pm

Very sorry to hear! God bless.

Oly

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:13 am

Here you go, jmiller.

Gobbler

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:33 am

Dang!
You got stubby fingers!

I hope you heal well.

If you're open to homeopathics, get some Arnica Montana200Ck if you can find them or 30C if the 300s aren't available. It'll help the tissue heal quickly.

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:41 am

I was going to say forget the pictures, but I see I am too late.

Heal well.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:55 am

Actually I'm very happy with how well and fast it is healing. With the fingernails gone on the ring and index fingers, I'm betting the middle will be up and healed first with only having to heal skin an whatever else was violated inside. Fingernails take a long time to heal and the flesh under them is a little sensitive. Mind you I haven't bent any fingers yet but the pain from moving them at the palm joint is almost nonexistent. I'm feeling pretty positive so far.

Gobbler

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:55 am

Gobblerforge wrote:Actually I'm very happy with how well and fast it is healing. With the fingernails gone on the ring and index fingers, I'm betting the middle will be up and healed first with only having to heal skin an whatever else was violated inside. Fingernails take a long time to heal and the flesh under them is a little sensitive. Mind you I haven't bent any fingers yet but the pain from moving them at the palm joint is almost nonexistent. I'm feeling pretty positive so far.
Gobbler

Look at it this way, you won't have to bend your fingers so far now to count to five... that 6-10 on the other hand's still gonna require more exercise!

Seriously, glad to hear that you're doin' better. Keep up the hygene regimen... you don't need no setback!

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:42 am

That had to hurt!

Hope you're not left handed!

jb

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:51 pm

Looks like you came out pretty good given what it could of been. Heal well brother.

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Sat Oct 15, 2011 7:18 am

Griff wrote:[]
Look at it this way, you won't have to bend your fingers so far now to count to five... that 6-10 on the other hand's still gonna require more exercise!

!

I figure I can only count to about 9.6 at this point.

Gobbler

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Sat Oct 15, 2011 8:08 am

Good luck GF. A good friend, also a blacksmith, ground up a good bit of a thumb on a big 3 phase grinder. Another lost 3 fingertips on a 6in planer. Yet another stuck a 1/2 in mortising chisel through his hand. Working guys get hurt - lucky that they are toughguys. You have a excellant attitude.

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 1:55 am

Hobie wrote:That will certainly limit your self expression while driving. Hope you heal quickly.

Are you referring to the international sign of discontent?

Gobblerforge · Post by **Gobblerforge** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:49 am

My wife was able to put these on the computer for me. Thought you would enjoy them. Everything is healing well and next week I get the last two stitches out. I'm done with bandages now and just wear a leather glove. It pads enough to allow me to barely use the hand. I can't hold weight but the hand is still usable.

new pig hunter · Post by **new pig hunter** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:13 pm

gobbler,

you said Everything right there: "the hand is still usable." Some downtime is what it is, but the hand is still usable.

ain't nothing boring about that, whether past, present, or future.

Cheers,

Carl