I recently had a serious accident while woodworking that resulted in me losing my pinky finger. It's been a tough week, and I'm feeling a mix of emotions. Some days, I want to jump back in and start working again, but other days I just want to sell all my tools and walk away from it all. While I know I need to take a step back for my mental and physical health, I'm curious if anyone has advice on how to move forward after something like this?
3 Answers
Everyone handles recovery differently. My dad lost part of his pinkie and after getting it stitched up, he was back to woodworking in a few weeks, but he learned to be more cautious. Using safety tools like a longer push stick and checking the saw setup beforehand became a part of his routine. Time is key—don’t rush back if you're feeling unsure; it’s okay to take a breather and pursue other hobbies in the meantime.
I had a close call with a table saw too and it really made me rethink safety. When I was ready, I started by organizing my workspace before trying any projects. It helped me get used to being back in the shop without pressure. I also upgraded my tools for better safety features, which gave me peace of mind. Take it slowly, focus on smaller tasks, and reflect on what went wrong to avoid repeating it.
It's important to take your time and really think about what caused the accident. For me, I realized that I often hurt myself when I was tired, rushed, or not fully focused. It's a good idea to take a break and focus on what your body is telling you; listening to your needs can prevent future accidents. No need to rush back in; just take care of yourself first!
Totally agree! Setting up a calm space can help ease you back into it. It's less about the tools and more about how you feel being in that environment again.