[woodcarver55555]

I am posting this as a word of warning to all. My all time hero is Spiderman. And I guess I thought I had his fast reflexes last week. A palm size V tool fell off the work table, and was headed for the floor. Spiderman ( me ) grabed at it. I got it before the floor got it, I got it stuck in the end of me left pointer finger. After much #$&*@E#?!&^!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and 20 mins I got the red flow stopped. Was not that deep,this time, just one butterfly. When and if one goes off the bench the next time, I will not try and grab it.

[Tidewalker]

Don't feel too bad ,It is hard to let them fall. we are all programed to try and catch things that are falling. It is a reflex I think everyone has so it is hard to break the habit. I did the same thing and couldn't help myself. Now i make sure that I lay the tools where I know they can't fall. behind some type of object that will hold them from rolling . It is a good bit of advice you give for us new carvers . Most of us don't think of what happens when you try to catch these razor sharp tools until it is too late.

Thanks woodcarver

[captgrant88]

i feel for you! on moday i got my new 1.5mm dockyard micro carving tools, and i was soooo excited to just make a few cuts in a scrap peice of wood to see how the tools worked. i didnt put on my glove or thumb guard. well the first 2 tools cut very very well and when i got to the v-tool it slipped off the wood and directly into my pointer finger.well after carefully pulling the tool out of my finger (didnt want to ruin the new tool) i realized how bad and deep this cut was. 10 tissues later and a new stain on the carpet as i ran though the house to get a bandaid,i realize -"hey these toold are great-really sharp"

[rick-in-seattle]

You are not supposed to catch them with your hands!

You should carve barefoot and try to protect the sharp edge with your foot.

[Tom H]

There is a rule of thumb regarding falling carving tools and catching them. It's the same rule that involves a falling piece of toast. The toast will always land butter and jelly side down. The tool will always land sharp end against skin.......if a catch is tried. Tom H

[whitecree]

Originally Posted by rick-in-seattle

You are not supposed to catch them with your hands!

You should carve barefoot and try to protect the sharp edge with your foot.

Great advice! I do just exactly that!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

this is easy, if the tool always falls point down, catch the handle of the tool! In other words, let the point go by first ha ha

[woodcarver55555]

Hi Ho I am proud of you. Five other carvers got to post before you. I always look forward to your posts in a thread, one will always be on the lighter side. HA!! I just figured it out, you used to draw " The Far Side" for the Sunday Paper, didn't you? Duncan

[carver6]

I take all my gouges that have round handles and grind one side flat. Just make sure the flat you grind on the handle doesn't make the gouge uncomfortable when using it. I try to put the flat in a position on the handle so it is on the flat when I lay it down, then it doesn't roll at all.
Garon

Originally Posted by Tidewalker

Don't feel too bad ,It is hard to let them fall. we are all programed to try and catch things that are falling. It is a reflex I think everyone has so it is hard to break the habit. I did the same thing and couldn't help myself. Now i make sure that I lay the tools where I know they can't fall. behind some type of object that will hold them from rolling . It is a good bit of advice you give for us new carvers . Most of us don't think of what happens when you try to catch these razor sharp tools until it is too late.

Thanks woodcarver

[Tony Ward]

There are three reasons why the floor of my workspace is lined with inch thick rubber matting, (1) easier on the ankles; and to protect (2) falling work pieces and (3) tools!

Tony Ward
www.tonyward.org