You can win $1.5 million! A bit on woodworking safety.

[GremlinWood]

Whilst I and everyone agree's you cannot possibly have a society that rewards people for being stupid, put hands into a table saw is pretty stupid. I would say one thing though, that I do not agree with you about. Wearing safety glasses should be mandatory, you have 10 digits, loose one, its ok you have 9 more, eyesight is whole different thing though, loss of one eye is catastrophic for depth perception.

[RJRizzo80]

I applaud you, could not say it better myself

[RenoScruggs]

i agree with everything he said

[cnclathe21]

+1 U R RIGHT MATE..

[startreking2007]

I have some measures I do for safety. Like always retract table saw blade when finished. Still trying to get comfortable with it by using it more. The 80's Sears router I use spits bits of wood all over the place so for that thing I do use safety glasses. Unfortunately my family has a history of hearing loss so I have little choice in using hearing protection.

[SCX427]

The man took advantage of his own stupidity. I absolutely agree with everything that you said, Steve. Thanks for making all these awesome videos. By the way, I have a Question for you. I would like to begin woodworking and Am not sure what table saw to get. I am looking for something in the novice level and I don't want to spend a lot on it. Could you please give me some suggestions? Thanks!!

[tommykinda]

@SCX427 Bought mine at harbor freight with a 30% off coupon and then built steve's table saw sled. Easy to use and not very costly.

[shaunharmer1]

Very well said my friend, couldn't agree more!

[frost0813]

Dude, you are friggin' helarious, and I feel we should work together. I agree that there are a lot of idiots out there with power tools. Perhaps an IQ test should be require for their perchase, but not saw stop technology. I don't even have the guards on ANY of my stationary tools (tablesaw, router table, bandsaw...) except the jointer, because they obstruct vissability. IMHO, vissability is the second most highly under rated safety tool, the first being brains.

[daz99uk5]

Only accident i've had in my Carpentry carrer is standing the end of my finger on a sanding machine.. While trying to sand a 20mm by 20mm bit of wood! I learned my leason the hard way - Never sand try to sand small bits.

It was for a model house btw :P

[specialks1953]

Steve, I agree 100%. Take responsibility for your own actions. The guy that won the law suit should get struck by lightning tomorrow, heck, why not today. I hope he does not get to enjoy any of his ill gotten gains. Wishful thinking.

[thewooforfun]

It is nice that ,they think of our eyes and hands, but you no, they are thing more of there pocket, other wise they would just gave the safety parts to us, yes it took them a lone time to make it, but sorry I have not got that type of money, to spend for a new saw, so I will just cut my wood and not talk, to someone in the room, tell the cut is done, keep cutting sir

[BradburyGuy]

Bravo!

[dogwoodtales]

It was not doing anything to get McD's to lower the temp on their coffee. So the original damages award from that case was not about the damages, it was about making a statement to McD's about consumer safety. In the end I don't think they've lowered the temp on the coffee still because it's what the consumers, overall, want.

[dogwoodtales]

Sometimes these awards are reduced out of court in an appeal process. Remember the McDonald's coffee lawsuit? That one was appealed and settled for a fraction of the $million+ award from the original suit. Also, the reason they original jury was convinced to award such outlandish money relative to the damages was because McD's makes $Billion$ a year on coffee alone and there had been many similar lawsuits over coffee that McD's settled out of court for $100k here n there.

[dogwoodtales]

I like Saw Stop, don't have one, but I'm glad it's out there. I don't like the lobbying efforts to mandate their technology in every saw. Unfortunately, such stuff happens all the time - especially with insurance companies over things like mandated seat belt use, air bags, cell phones etc etc. Oh, but it's for the "children" (of which I have only 6).

[dogwoodtales]

I couldn't agree with you more. However, I would not say that the guy is a nit-wit for having cut himself - face it, crap can happen even with proper safety equipment in place. But I would say he is a nit-wit for the law suit. Especially if it was a Ryobi saw. Nothing against Ryobi, but it's a bargain priced saw which means that if it had SawStop technology in it, this guy probably wouldn't have bought it. If he was willing to pay the price he would have paid for a SawStop in the first place!

[LegoMAN996633]

This was the last vid that I watched and it is the BEST. Your points are spot on CORRECT! Thank you for conveying your message in such a concise and impactful manner.

[MrWhyisit]

Chain mail gloves were invented long time ago. We should probably sue chisel-manufacturers who don't provide chain mail with their chisels. Btw. asbestos clothes should be part of the package when buying matches or lighters.

[MrWhyisit]

Chain mail gloves were invented long time ago. We should probably sue chisel-manufacturers who don't provide chain mail with their chisels. Btw. asbestos clothes should be part of the package when buying matches or lighters.

[mbwilli2]

I am all for personal responsibility, but let's not suppose that everyone who advocates for the safety of others is anti-responsibility. By teaching people how to make things from wood, you have put yourself in the role of woodworking instructor. People will and do emulate your technique as well as your designs. That being said, your shop practices have never struck me as particularly unsafe. Also, if saw stop was really concerned about saftey, they would adopt a shareware model w/ donations

[bloodynuts2]

WELL DONE MATE.them moaning bitches are all over you tube from playing marbles to building rockets.boo wooo wear you hard hat .you said it all and you said it well... cheer done.

[mr1uponu]

i blame these ambulance chasing crook shank lawyers! im sure the guy will piss it off in a few yrs, lucky bastard ! lol

[shylevari]

Tell it like it is Steve!

also, there is a TED video that is very rellevant to the subject matter (and for some reason I can't post links here) so search for " Steven Levitt: Are children's carseats necessary? " and hopefully you'll find it entertaining. i sure did :)

[scottie1769]

I like your videos and this one was another good one...Great job....

[startreking2007]

A situation that "wife approved(tm)" would be a major hurdle is when the wife is the bread winner and the wood worker husband only sells a few creations here and there.

[25800nel]

@MJL21194 hahaha u wrong

[watch4david]

I treat woodworking machines like wild animals. I keep my hands out of the way from a slipped chisel or screw driver's path and when working on band saw, table saw I use push stick whenever possible. Also I don't work on machines when I am tired.Like your vids.Thanks

[Ditre]

the only way this episode could have been better is if you had your wife shouting at the end about another tool purchase

[roman3of23]

Thank you thank you thank you! Some of that not so common... Common Sense! Good video....

[hoold90]

I was using a belt sander, lost my grip on the piece and gently touched the moving belt with my finger, peeled the skin right off in a strip. Who needs finger prints?

[MrShmev1]

I think it is his mistress. She's not wearing a ring. I sent them an e-mail to show them the blunder, but so far x-na on the fix-a.

[stevinmarin]

@MrShmev1 Haha...good observation! I didn't even notice that. What a tramp!

[budrickburton]

just make sure you call an electrition when u need to change a light bulb.

[BeeZee2]

Great stuff... Good points! May I offer a bit of cinematic critique?... I get a little queasy with all the camera movement... Maybe try a tripod? Keep up the great material!

[cwhouseknecht]

Steve, I cut my fingers on my table saw. It was my stupid mistake, I was in a hurry and tired. I shouldn't have been working with my saw under conditions like that. The only reason I lost the tip of my thumb , was because I had smashed it with a 3 lbs. mini-sledge a few days earlier, so it had to go.

[mattgriffiths2805]

spot on steve ! keep up the good work and dont let the ba****ds grind you down !

[TheMathGuy]

Very true. Nothing is ever perfectly safe. The saw stop goes a long way in preventing an injury, an injury even a very experienced woodworker could make if he lets his attention slip for just but a moment (and let's face it--none of us is perfect). And for some woodworkers the reduction of risk will be worth the extra price in the long run. No scare tactics or legal threats needed here, just an appeal to reason.

[parkerdude2]

Steve, quit your belly aching, and go cut off a finger.. And hurry up will ya? 8-)

Keep um coming Steve. Thanks

[GarageCrafter]

That's not going to happen. Since his accident, Steve's using the "CutStop" chistles - these have a handle at both ends for additional safety. BTW how do people who use StopSaw cut their sausages?

[Roodiness]

Your filming leaves a little to be desired. Holding a camera in your bare hand while walking around your workshop where there are a plethora of cords, wood scraps and not to mention sawdust is an accident waiting to happen. Get a tripod.

[TheMathGuy]

I sometimes have to wonder if what motivates the "safety zealots" isn't resentment. They resent it when they encounter a free man who takes personal responsibility for his own actions and doesn't need to ask anyone's "permission" precisely because he doesn't need someone whom he can pass the blame on to if he makes a mistake. Having never fully matured themselves, these people don't grasp personal responsibility and are not free--and they resent those of us who are.

[stevinmarin]

@TheMathGuy

Dude, judging by your comment, you must be a fan of my favorite author: Ayn Rand.

[TheMathGuy]

Indeed I am! It's always good to meet another person who believes in human freedom. I originally started watching some of your videos solely because I was interested in getting into woodworking as a hobby, and you do a good job of explaining it. But as chance would have it, we also have a similar philosophy of life.

[TheMathGuy]

I agree 100%. If we as a society continue down this path it will make the art of woodworking ridiculously expensive. The purpose of government is not to serve as a "nanny state" but to protect our basic rights and freedoms--among them the right to use our own judgement in taking risks.

[jlhaslip]

When using knives or chisels, always cut towards a friend, never your own body parts. You can always get new friends... body parts... not.

[GarageCrafter]

@MJL21194 Sure felt like an idiot at the time. I certainly can't blame the tool, or the firm that made it. Most accidents happen because we aren't focussing, because we are using tools the wrong way or because we haven't bothered maintaining them. I agree with Steve that we have to understand the risks and work within our comfort zones.

[stevinmarin]

Anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in a woodshop has experienced injuries.

The worst one I ever had was with a hand-held chisel! It was my own dumb fault...but I learned. That error will never happen again.

When using power tools, the best advice is to plan your cut and visualize where your hands will be throughout the entire procedure. I fear that StopSaw lessens thinking.

I hope I was clear on my video that safety is VERY important to me.

[trentonpass]

Amen!

[25800nel]

@MJL21194 yo stupid

[25800nel]

if saftey was first we couldn't sit on a chair it might break

[GarageCrafter]

For many years my "table saw" was an plywood box with a circular saw bolted under it. Worked fine. Recently I got a reconditioned Bosch table saw at discount with all the saftey stuff on it (except StopSaw or whatever its called). In the middle of the recent DC blizzards I nearly cut the top off my finger. I guess I was more careful when being "risky" with the old setup. Accident, my fault. Rest easy Bosch, no lawyers being sent by me

[rat1a1tat1tat]

children may watch them! pick up their tennon soars and slice there fingers off! :0

[thenutter2003]

very well said theres to much of thios h&s shit these days its just as bad here in the uk but your right its up to you and me were you feel happy when woodworking keep up the good work

[victorxlt]

Steve, you hit the nail on the head with this video.

Disclaimer:

Please use all precautions when hitting said nail........

[ursosaollo]

@MJL21194 But what if non idiotic (non self injuring) people want to get a cheap tablesaw for some on site job or simply don´t have the money to pay for that technology.

Safety has more to do with the user and not with the machine itself.

[mndi89]

which i can give 5 star but...cant.. sorry stevin..new youtube layout

[MarijnStevens]

hahah. (Quick way of making 1.5 million.. or 1.5x5 if you do it well :) )

Of course always be save but I wish people took more risk; or life a little, its the same really.

[findingusernamesux11]

Good talking man!

Right on spot!!

Lets go out with the chainsaw an make a million bux, hahaha!!!

[adamadkison]

my god so funny Steve! Right to the heart of the matter.

My uncle sliced off his fingers on a table saw years ago, he was piss drunk so go figure!

By the way congrats on the article in Wood magazine! Think they will publish your top ten list for uses of wood magazine? love it..

[ndktube]

"They feign concern, but it's not real concern..."

Brilliant. Well said.

Great rant. Go get 'em Steve!

[bummer1818]

Nice one! Well said!

[turbo1zz]

@gorillasapien my dad took one and a half fingers off with his table saw and not one person had to scald him, he kicked his own ass for being stupid.

[turbo1zz]

coon sense? lol. gotta love iPhone word swap. coon sense! I should have a sign now that says "what would a racoon do? think safe scavaging!"

[stevinmarin]

@turbo1zz Haha...I actually thought that was intentional. Some sort of down-home expression. "That boy ain't got the 'coon sense that God gave him!"

[turbo1zz]

safety has always been third in my shop. right behind common sense and awareness. though I'm certainly aware there are people out there who the whole safety first mantra is quite neccessary, coon sense runs my shop not "safety".

[Discordanian]

While I'm not sure I follow the logic of "you can't care about someone you don't know", I agree with the other 90% of your vid.

I'm pretty sure that my push mower says "not to be used to trim hedges" on it. wtf.

[JoeCubicle]

You go Steve! I've got so many things in my eyes from High School metal shop that I started wearing eye protection. That is my comfort zone. I'm a fanatic about eye safety. I share your opinion on personal responsibility.

[TeenWoodworker]

Steve on a TV show I would pay good money to watch that!

[kurthak]

great video :D

[Milehigh1215]

Great job..... Great message...5

[sparkiekosten]

Well said. scaremongering people into submission is such a personal hate of mine it isn't funny. Whatever happened to taking responsibility for your own actions? Either way this is a great video....two thumbs up!

[gorillasapien]

yeah, the subscription was totally worth it, your'e freaking great, and right. btw, my dad lost two fingers in a stupid table saw accident, and took personal responsibility, no lawsuits, no angry phone calls, not even a crybaby letter, real man...

[basbrun]

Ah ah ah ... that would be a horrible law for woodworkers! Since I'm in Canada, I should prepare to sell good old assassin table saws on the black market to you guys. Great video!

[TeacherPhilEnglish]

yeah, wives are not good for purchase decisions regarding tools, cars, and vacations/ hookers.

[takuhn01]

Steve, great video, you're right on. Personal responsibility seems to be missing in a lot of areas today.

[ramzpaul]

Nice non-woodworking video.

[stevinmarin]

I learned from the master of ranting.

[94guitar08]

@stevinmarin

for sure haha never seen you do this before and! YOUR talknig about SAFETY! hahahaa kidding

[Matthiaswandel]

Love t hat rant. I have been meaning to put a similar rant on YouTube one of these days, maybe even showing me making "unsafe" cuts.

[kevin2518505]

Steve i couldnt say it any better myself. Good job.

[queezart]

what an idiot... although he cut himself so we can't expect much...

[CodyWest88]

haha... that must have been in cali right? god whats next.