Hey folks, I'm in my first year of an apprenticeship and have been using the table saw for a couple of months now. Despite always being cautious about its dangers, everything changed four weeks ago when my instructor had a terrible accident and lost part of three fingers. The workshop was shut for a few days to investigate, and since then, I've been really scared of using the table saw. I flinch at the sound of it, sweat buckets while using it, and really don't want to be near it. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to get over this fear and regain my confidence with the tool?
4 Answers
Honestly, avoiding the saw could just heighten your anxiety. The sooner you get back and use it with proper safety measures in place, the better. Maybe start with smaller pieces and work your way up. You’ve already been trained, so trust in that, and just take your time. And if you ever feel uncomfortable, step back and take a break. It’s all about keeping your cool!
Hey, it's really important to follow safe practices, especially after witnessing something that shocking. Start slow—get back in there with easy cuts and don’t rush it. Your technique needs to be spot-on, so don’t hesitate to ask for help with bigger pieces. The key is to respect the tool and remember what led to that accident was probably a lapse in attention. Take small steps to build back your confidence, and you’ll get there!
Look, it’s understandable to feel anxious after seeing such a serious accident. You’ve got to accept that fear a little, but don’t let it consume you. Get back on that saw whenever you feel ready. The more you avoid it, the harder it will be. Consider creating a safety checklist to run through every time you use the table saw, ensuring you've covered all safety precautions. Make it a routine and practice deep breathing before starting. It’ll help calm your nerves and remind you that accidents can often be avoided with proper techniques!
First off, I totally understand where you're coming from. It’s crucial to figure out what specifically went wrong in that accident. Many injuries happen due to improper techniques—like having your hand behind the blade, which can lead to serious kickback. Using safety tools like push sticks can keep your fingers safe if that situation occurs. Just remember, if you respect the machine and follow best practices, you should be fine. Maybe check if your instructor was using proper safety setups too, like a splitter or riving knife? It could help ease your mind a bit, knowing what to look out for.