Concur. I'm quite comfortable using the angle grinder with a diamond cup on concrete or a grinding disc to cut metal, and there's no better tool for cleaning up rusty metal than a grinder with a wire brush, but I was always leery of power carving. After watching the vlog yesterday and this one today, I've permanently crossed power carving off my list.
I don't mind a certain degree of "roughing in" with about any tool that can "hog away" a fair bunch of obvious waste... Actually "carving" however, is about details. I'll stick to chisels and mallets... thanks. ;o)
No problem buddy, we see more grinder accidents in the ER than with any other tool! You are the first to address this issue that I know of! Thank you SO much!
I think because the tool is light and relatively small that it's deceptive in its ease of operation. Like motorcycles and guns, people don't take the time to learn and master proper operation before they buy one of their own. What you don't know can permanently end your experiential education. That, of course, includes the guys (and gals) that already know the safety rules but, because they're too cool for such stuff, don't bother with them. Taking a little time to learn safe handling and then actually practicing what you've learned will go a long way toward reducing accidents. Sometimes, though, you can do everything right and stuff still goes wrong (I read some comments here that seem to imply otherwise). In those cases, the only way to really mitigate the danger is to avoid the tool altogether. I have a grinder in my garage that was left behind by my bother in law. He was a mechanic and used it for cutting bolts and other jobs like that. More recently, though, he'd switched to a reciprocating saw (mostly for portability I think) and didn't miss the grinder at all.
A friend of mine was doing clinical rotations in the ER had a horrific case of a child and a riding lawn mower. I can't remember what the outcome was. Somehow the child, while riding with their parent, fell off and ended up getting hit by the blade.
Seems like an A9 Glove inside a Chainmail Glove would be prudent when operating such a tool. A full OSHA compliant helmet and face guard would also be recommended.
12 Minutes Ago: "I need to get a blade for my angle grinder to make pallet dismemberment easier." 12 Seconds Ago: "I need to just stick to using a handsaw."
@@ImTheWinningest Yeah, so do I. though mine is a cheap-o that hurts my hands after a few minutes, so I'll switch over to a jigsaw, then maybe a circular saw if I'm doing a lot of pallets.
I was at Harbor Freight just this weekend, and saw that very blade. I thought to myself that I don't think I would ever use it. It takes a lot of courage to admit failure, and wisdom to teach about that failure. Thanks very much for this video.
I have hundreds of hours running angle grinders. I still went to my shop a put that chainsaw disc in the scrap pile still in it’s factory wrapper. Thank you for the warning. Heal quickly.
Good thing to do, only a matter of time untill someone dies using that death trap of a tool, not to mention there are better and safer tools that will do the same job.
If one puts the chainsaw in the trash, please take apart so no one finds it and thinks great a free chainsaw, and uses it not knowing his dangerous this thing is.
I honestly thought it was photoshopped. I've used a grinder every week for 15-20 years now and have never seen a chainsaw blade for one, or thought to use it on anything but metal or stone. It was definitely user error though as he turned the blade to wheel on the cut towards him. I've done exactly that. I'd never put a chainsaw blade on a grinder though. The whole damn thing is the kickback zone with no chain brake or spur dogs. I'd ever use that death trap unless it was completely affixed to my hand and forearm. "Hail to the king baby! "
The most dangerous thing I've seen done with angle grinders (and it's quite common) is to put a 7 1/2" saw blade on a 7" grinder. Of course, it won't fit inside the guard, so they just take the guard off and then tell themselves how ingenious they are as they're carving away with a naked blade running overspeed centimeters from their fingers.
I'm surprised the chainsaw type manufacturers haven't been sued out of existence. I have one of them still in the package. I'm dumping it in the trash.
@ No, no, no, don't trash it, you might have an interesting collectors item that they will me marveling at years from now, they actually ran these things in angle grinders...
nothing with teeth should ever be put on an angle grinder. My father did that and I gave him hell for it. lol. Grinders are for grinding discs only. Thus the name of the tool. Grinding.
or cutting discs, or buffing wheels. not just grinding discs. i use cutting discs daily and never have any issues, but i would never use anything like what he was using. it just seems overly dangerous.
I've had cut off wheels bite and explode multiple times. I've learned my lesson too many times with the angle grinder. I still use cut off wheels but with caution and a guard. If they get bound up at all they can break apart and launch the grinder at you
Yes. When people are trying to do a multi hour project they are going to relax and the grinder will kickback. There are some attachments that are not as bad, they are the more expensive attachments. I paid almost 200 for a ball gouge it works, but it is always dangerous. The scar on my face from when I was 23 can attest to that.(a metal working accident with a grinder)
Especially with those Lancelot blades. I used one many times years ago making 1000s of custom joint in natural structure building with round unfinished timbers. One thing I remember is the discomfort of the chips from these blades because they are large and have some speed. If you're not being sprayed by the chips you're on the the wrong side of the grinder! He's doesn't admit it was user error but he's on the wrong side the the work piece among a couple other problems. The cutter should always be pulling away from you and in the case always pulling up out of the trough away from him. Should have been able to walk to both sides and even switch hands or handle if need be depending on the area being carved.
Stumpy, This post was a wake-up call for me. I used several versions of hand grinders on wood and metal, many of which were large and heavy and was very careful with them. Then, along came the "four inch" angle grinder that seemed to be a toy after using a seven and 1/2" for years. Today's clip reminded me to think about how this "toy" has treated me over the 58 years that we have worked together. Over the years, the injuries that I have had were due to the toy grinder were 12 and that's about 30 % of all my tool wounds. Thanks Bud.
It was so close in getting me too. It kicked back at me and went straight to my left thigh. Luckily my cellphone was in my pocket and stopped it from cutting into me. An angel was looking down on me that day for sure. 🙌
This is precisely why I wear titanium boxer shorts. Wedgies hurt like hell and going to the bathroom is a chore but you've protection where you need it.
When I first got into wood working I had a friend who taught me how to use a wood lathe, and he had one of those chainsaw disc. He told me "This thing is Dangerous!" He told me not to get one. I allways thought of him whenever I saw those and I never bought one. I'm glad your ok and pray for your full recovery!
I love your calm, clear delivery. After seeing this video, I will avoid using an angle grinder with cutting teeth. Until now, I have only used mine for grinding; never even considered it for cutting wood. I'll keep using it only for grinding. You may have saved me an injury.
I'm old enough to unfortunately be very familiar with Murphy's Law. Until they have had an accident with power tools, many people do not know the power of electrical motors. They spin at very high RPMs and can instantly cause a very bad day. I've split the end of my finger on a table saw and drilled a quarter inch bit all the way through my finger. I know what it's like driving to ER with a rag wrapped around my fingers. James is absolutely right that all the precautions can't prevent the freak accident. The best added insurance is to be focused and vigilant at your work and anticipate that whatever could go wrong, will go wrong.
Angle grinders add to the "fun" by having bigger faster motors than most of our other hand tools + a gearbox to multiply that torque and turn it 90* to the angle you're holding it in.
I always tell people getting into power tools "Familiarity breeds Contempt" and then "Pride comes before the fall".... No how sweet you are to a tool it is still there to kill you..
No matter how familiar you are with a tool or machine, complacency is your worst enemy... I have been around mechanical equipment, machinery, and tools my entire adult life . I have heard many tales about, witnessed,and even experienced what can happen when things go wrong in a split second. Several years ago this happened to me when I was performing routine maintenance on a machine I was completely familiar with and had performant the maintenance item very many times with no problems. My hand was Severely injured just like James's because I was complacent for only a moment. I was also lucky in that I did not lose any fingers but I do have nerve damage I will have to live with for the rest of my life. It is a constant reminder to what can happen when you don't pay attention and stay focused. I know I was very lucky.😰 I still have all of my fingers.👋
Exactly what I was thinking. Should use better discipline similar to handling a firearm. Doesnt matter that its not loaded, dont point it at shit if you dont need to
I'm so glad that you're doing okay and you weren't injured worse! I don't know what I'd do without your videos! Angle grinders have always scared me and I've only used one a few times, generally with my husband around. He's a Metal worker so he has like 5 angle grinders.
I know this was traumatic. I know this was scaring. I know you want to warn people about the dangers. I applaud you for speaking to these issues. I have experience too, and this is what I want to add, for you and others to even more safe. Very good words of wisdom about prevention. However, you did two things I noticed right away after seeing this video: your left hand was past your left hand side meaning that it (the left hand) was into the right side of your body, and you never took a step back with the tool, your stroke was already over extended, long before you began to move it forward, this awkward position is what led to the WAY in which you made the improper motion forward before clearing the tool from the wood in a motion to return to center. Look at the left forearm in relationship to your waist/torso and note the bent angle of your wrist, this is the reason your accident was more than simple kickback which could be controlled, or possibly avoided altogether. By keeping the tool ahead of the body, inline with the your stance, the ability to keep force on the tool is greatly increased, and though it does mean taking far shorter strokes, this also would have prevented the mistake you mentioned as the cause, moving the tool forward before lifting. The second thing I noted is the position of the wood as it is clamped. The "V" shape is clamped with the "V" facing away from you!!! AND, and, you are working the inside face of the "V"!! This position guarantees that you will be in an awkward position no matter how well you position yourself in relationship to the tool! It forces you to lean over the work piece with the tool, putting your body in the strike zone, lessoning the extension of your arms as buffer and give for anything that may occur. Additionally, the more your arms are bent past 90 degrees, the less strength you have to put onto the tool. The muscles just won't have the ability to keep pressure from that angle. Doing a push-up is easier when you don't go all the way down and "cheat", right? In this case, "cheating" is going to help. By positioning the "V" towards you (open face of the "V" clamped down on the opposite side of what you have clamped in the video) you allow yourself to be in a much better position than what you were, not leaning over the lip of the wood shape, and gain better access to the "bowl" of the "V" shape, allowing you to keep your distance. Third, this was not a "freak accident"... as you say, the entire situation was bad. Wishing it so does not make it so. Do not deceive yourself to the fact that you did not know or act on the things I mentioned that would greatly impact the chances for you to avoid something like this, or you may make another mistake very similar. Think of this as something you should think about for a year or two... from someone who cares.
Garry not Linda. Completely correct on all points. The second I saw the setup I knew that was a recipe for disaster. The direction the tool was being used is what a wood turner would call an uphill cut. In watching the video a couple of times it's my feeling that at the end of the cut the blade caught the wood on the bottom of the V and sent the blade into the vertical section. Doesn't matter either way, never cut toward you with anything but a Japanese pull saw.
Yes, I understand that my stance and grip were not optimal, as I say in the video. However, had the grinder been perpendicular to my body, my hand still would have been next to it, and it still would have been hit. There is no way you are going to overpower a kickback that hard with your grip! You're not superman, and you didn't feel it's power like I did. Holding it close to me with my wrist turned like that did not cause the kickback, but it did put me at greater risk of getting it in the stomach, so it was a BAD idea. Unfortunately, those situations arise when power-carving large objects that have contours which must be followed by extending and turning the tool. But it's an unsafe practice that you should avoid............ ONE THING I SHOULD HAVE ADDED to the video is cutting with the TOP of the blade does put you at greater risk of a kickback going toward your hand on the left. Using the right side of the disk may direct it away from you instead. That said, it bears repeating that this tool spun from my hands in a twisting motion. So it may very well have gotten me anyway.............. Overall, there's a lot to be learned. And while I called it a freak accident, tools don't turn themselves on and cut you. It's always, in truth, some kind of operator error. In this case the error was not lifting it high enough on the return stroke. It was exacerbated by my using the top of the disc, and by the overly aggressive teeth of the cutter.
Moving the tool in the manner that he was using it scared me before it even kicked back. If the tool was in front of him ie stepping back instead of using his arms to move the tool is what caused all the problem. If it did kick back it might not have go him.
@@jimborichardson3131 No, that was not "what caused the whole thing." The stance did not cause the kickback. It may or may not have been a factor in where I got hit, but it was not the cause as the video evidence shows. I'm done arguing this. I was there, you were not.
My first thought is that this video should be considered by wood-working and apprenticeship programs as part of a curriculum on Safety. At face value the presenter is providing a scenario based on personal experience. I don't see the presenter trying to make an excuse for something that could or could not have been prevented. Things like this should be shared for those who are inexperienced as it could be used as a teaching aid. As far as stance, grip and other perceived factors go, I did not see any carelessness or absence of forethought. Shit happens. I appreciate the focus on physics.
I do wish I had said more about how using the side of the disc is safer than the toe. I don't believe it would have helped in THIS case because the kickback was so violent it would have spun that grinder like a top. But it may help in a lot of other cases. But I added that to the comments above. Anyway, thanks for the kind words :)
I do see a mistake in his positioning. He was working over the top of his piece and grinding somewhat towards his body with a thick slab between him and the tool giving him a false sense of being safe. His left wrist,arm came in contact with the top of his piece and yet he kept carving. That continuation cause him to slightly loosen his grip with the left hand right before it climbed up and over. I would have carved from opposite side, with the tool perpendicular to your body and the action furthest away from you. The carve result would be exactly the same with left and right hands switched and the direction of carve and rotation would be the same. Just my experienced opinion.
@@jimkemp5174 I noticed the same thing. I have many years of experience with grinders polishing and shaping stone, cutting metal etc. I don't think that blade was meant to be used at the angle he was using it. I must admit i haven't used one yet but the whole situation looked goofy. Usually you can tell which position for a tool of any kind is going to end up being dangerous and the high side of that looked awkward as well. It seemed like he was dragging it.
@@johnsrabe I might post this more directly but the critical error was placement of the guard. It should have been rotated so the the "push/kickback" side of the cutter would not contact the work.
My comments are more congratulatory as to your stepping up to your mistake and taking the time to warn us not to avoid this tool but have respect for this tool and be careful or avoid this tool altogether. It was my thought to buy this same tool for a project I have in mind but now see no need for such a tool. I can think of thousands of reasons why I can do the same job without this tool. Kudos to you for taking the time to show us this video and allowing us to make up our own mind on this subject . Thank you and by the way I enjoy your videos !
Great evaluation, and I do agree with your conclusion. I was planning on getting one of these to shape a chair seat, but after viewing this - no way! I know using our tools do bring risks, but in most cases these risks are manageable with the use of guards, learning defensive positions and procedures, and sometimes just plain awareness. That thing is just a really bad accident waiting for a victim. It took real courage to share the cause of your injury and it is appreciated. Thanks
It’s completely retarded. The angle grinder spins at WAY more RPMS than a skill saw... Most carpenters in a pinch have had to break out the ol “polish plane” (side to side blade action) passing over tight grains,to loose grains can cause an easy dig in and powerful yet somewhat pretty controllable kick... The skill saw is far more heavy,gripped better,lower Rps,and only exposes half its blade....I’ve said it since the day those ridiculous things showed up in woodcraft. “Whoever invented the chainsaw grinder attachment should be down right friggin ashamed” A good grinder kick is completely un-fightable,it goes where it wants to go period.
I wanted one of these discs for years, and I finally got one recently. Here's the irony - I bought it because I want to do some chainsaw carving, and I figured it was safer than a chainsaw. HA! Your analysis showed the physics of the thing. A chainsaw is safer because of the mass, the grip, and the kickback brake. AND - everyone knows how dangerous a chainsaw is, not like this sneaky thing. Hope you heal well, and thanks for all the great content.
I absolutely hate chainsaws. I am more scared of them than any other tool. I use them regularly, but after each time I feel like I've just won at Russian Roulette. This gimmick on a grinder shouldn't be legal, and as soon as I saw it I knew bad things were going to happen. Grinders are my other least favorite tool to use, and that's with a friction disc on them. God damn, why would you want something capable of removing a finger in half a revolution, spinning at 9000rpm an inch from your hand with only minimal control?
Thank you for taking time to make this video. I showed it to my Carpentry Pre-Apprentice course in the Far north of Canada. Our students now have a healthy respect for the angle grinder, and how quickly an accident can happen.
Great video mate. I've used hand grinders when this tool was just new on the market. Your right. This tool is one of the most dangerous tools you can own. It really needs to be redesigned for safety in my opinion. It needs a auto brake and a guard that is spring loaded so as to have the guard go all the way around the tool blade it's self. I have such a design. I just don't really know how to bring it out to the market. Thanks for the upload mate. It is appreciated.
No matter how many times I see this encounter, I somehow sympathetically feel the pain you and others have experienced in that situation. Thanks again for reminding us of the importance of safety in the workshop Now, I most go into my workshop and put the blade guard back on my table saw.
Tough accident and I’m glad you’re ok. I do a lot of grinding and there’s one thing you may have not mentioned. It looked to me like you worked your grinder to far to the right of your body. I feel it is safer and gives you better control if you take a step in the direction you’re working rather than moving your supporting hand(left hand) to an acute angle with your body. It’s an awkward angle and the only muscle that moves your arm away from you in that position is the rear deltoid of your left shoulder. If your arm is perpendicular to your body you engage several muscles to push away from you. Also if you had stepped right with your work you may have been out of harms way. Glad you’re ok buddy! Take care and thanks for the content.
This was my thought. He was basically standing in the path of it if it did snag. Also, being that far right, it makes it hard to lift it up and make another pass. Rule I learned in HS was to never let your arms cross. While they didn't cross they did start to come close.
Very almost became your namesake. Thanks for sharing! I recently picked up this tool and started experimenting with it, with no guard. (I inherited the tool) - It the grinder pad was also loose and flew off after I finished using it. Sheeesh, after seeing this I will take all proper safety precautions.
I used chainsaws for a living. It was drilled into our heads that the top tip of the bar is deadly. That is the area where the chain is coming around a half-circle completely exposing the teeth with no racker to gauge how much wood the tooth can cut. This causes the teeth to cut more wood than they should and that is what causes kickback. The tool you are using is exactly the same situation. If you use the bottom of it you will be fine, but catch the edge and it will kick back.
1HeartwoodSurgeon That thing is basically ONLY the top tip of the bar, so you have the deadly part spinnig much faster and a lot nearer to body bits you're cherishing.
I have a very large and heavy DeWalt angle grinder and cutter tool I bought about ten years ago. The thing is a beast. When I turn it on the torque from the powerful motor causes the tool to actually jump for a second in my hands. Letting you know that it is the boss and you are just simply along for the ride. If the machine is in a good mood that day, then it just may let you live. I pretty much only use it to cut through barrel roof tiles and masonry blocks with an abrasive disc which is probably the safer of applications with this tool. But I do always say a prayer and make sure my life insurance is paid up when I take it down from the shelf. It truly is the scariest tool in my shop.
I fell for a social media ad which shows that sawchain disc in action. When I got it, I realized it was Harbor Freight brand. I paid the same price I would have at the store, but had to wait for shipping. The few times I've used it, it nearly got out of control several times. I chalked it up to my inexperience with angle grinders, but, nope! It has so much useful potential, and the concept is so novel, that it seems like it will be useful for some applications.
The angle grinder is one of those tools that I never skip steps prior to turning the power on. I always seem to check and double check my plan of attack just because I know how quickly things can go bad. Your past two videos displayed and examined just that, very well done! I'm sorry that this happened to you and hope you have a speedy recovery. On a postive note, maybe these videos will create more awareness and prevent an injury to somebody watching.
@donkey ass reviews and do's I use them properly, but still scary. I'm always fearful someone will come up behind me, startle me and I'll drop it on my foot.
Already saw yesterday's video...and made comment. I will say again, I hate that you got hurt but, this incident has likely saved my life cause I was wanting one of those things. But if YOU , of all people, can get that badly hurt with one....I have no business with one. As I have said before, I am a novice at best and nerve damage has me 100 percent disabled. Combine those two facts and that makes that thing my death were I to try it. Thanks for these videos. Literally life savers.
Its a shame you take this warning as you have. Buy a LOW powered grinder. And hang onto it like its a slippery eel. This in itself makes it alot safer. Battery powered grinders often have less torque. However i do not understand your circumstances so we make wise judgement for ourselves. Using those paticular blades or any carving type blade is always more dangerous but flap disks for instance are more forgiving. Never be lulled into a false sence of security though with any power tool.
@@hopefilledsinner3911 100% disabled due to nerve damage to my spinal cord in my neck. I wasnt expected to live or walk if I did. Wouldnt matter the power, with unreliable nerves, anything could go wrong. Here's the thing, Stumpy is a master craftsman and is a premium professional....if it could happen to him like that, a total novice with some very bad nerve damage would be suicide to try. Plain and simple. As for holding on like its a slippery eel, there are times that the harder you try to hang on, the more likely its gonna slip out of your control. Not to mention that doing that will compromise your control and keep you from letting go when you should if you can in time. Iam disabled and a novice but I am also 54 years old and seen quite a few things in this life. No, I agree with Stumpy, this tool should not be out there, there are other options that will do the job without near as much risk.
Thx for the heads up. I was on the verge of buying one of those blades - bowl carving - and I tossed the idea away after the video. I'll keep on using my gouges, it'll take more time but I'll keep all my fingers and/or other parts of my body.
In watching the video I do see one thing that might have helped. You had moved the grinder far to your right, causing your left wrist to bend in such a way that the grinder ripped out of your thumb and your hand had no where to go. Had you taken a step or two to the right and pivoted your right hip in toward the work area you would be able to maintain a more secure, natural grip. It is possible the grinder would have kicked out and away toward your left side rather than twist in as it did.
@@chrisnash2154 That looks like an 11 amp tool. No matter if he had it in a death grip once those teeth got traction in the wood the result was a given.
@@gordonhenderson1965 While I agree with what you're saying there, I also agree with David Meadow that, if he had been standing more to his right, more behind the tool, as opposed to having it wrenched around like that to his left with a mere 'flashlight grip' on the side handle, and had his hand fully on the side handle with his forearm perpendicular to the handle, then when it did dig in and go where it wanted, he wouldn't have been there, and it would have flown off to his left, into the air, not into him.
Nope, with these chainsaw teeth cutters it goes where it wants. I have one and it will go one way till it pulls the tool then the push comes. It’s a wild ride and isn’t controllable. If you think it is, you are lying to yourself.
JusBidniss Analogous to how to safely hold a chainsaw, but with these disks you are always cutting with the equivalent of the chainsaw kickback zone, which all safety courses tell you to avoid. Risky.
2 years ago i got one of these and it ate my arm up! 100% should remove these from the market. I did a cut with mine and it was fine because i had the wood propped up infront of the cut so it wont bind and i had the guard adjusted and everything. But half way through my cut the grinder was suddenly not in my hands anymore. I looked down and it was tangled in my shirt sleeve. It snagged so violently on that wood that it just shot out of my hand. I moved my sleeve and found out it ripped and 4-5 in gash in my forearm and down to my bone. It was absolutely disgusting because those jagged teeth made my forearm look like hamburger meat. I was losing so much blood and because my girlfriend is vary squeamish i had to calm down and vary calmly poke my head in the house and ask for a old shirt NOW and get me to the hospital NOW! I didn’t tell her what happened the whole way because I didn’t want her to pass out if she saw it and not be able to drive. It took alot of stiches and now i have a huge scar because it removed so much meat from my arm so my body had so fill that huge gap with all scar tissue. The cut was about an inch wide and now 2 years later the scar is 1/2 to 3/4 in wide. Do not! Do not! DO NOT EVER but this blade!!! Im a big strong guy and i had a 2 hand hold on this and i had no control over it. The dr said my long sleeve shirt could have been what saved me because the shirt got tangled in it when it hit me and stopped it but if I wasn’t wearing a long sleeve shirt she believed my flesh wouldn’t have slowed it down enough and it could have hit me in the face or neck and at that point she said I wouldn’t have ever made it to the hospital in time. I will continue to tell this story until i see people stop buying these blades. I even post this on an amazon add for this in the reviews. I got it at harbor freight and i went there weeks later and showed them the pics and what happened and they wanted to pull them off the shelf but ofcorse this never happened. Let me know if anyone wants to see the pics and I will figure a way to post them somewhere!
vanja zecevic thats what im thinking. I don’t even know what made me think it was a good idea to buy it. Now that I think about it it had bad idea written all over it lol
@@jimboneutron8399 just Google Imgur you can upload pics, it gives you a link to copy and paste. If you look at another comment somewhere here, another guy has a pic of his injury, it ran all the way up the front of his shirt and hit his neck!. Hold on and I'll reply with a link of my biggest scar which I have tried to warn people about how oven doors only take 20kg to topple am oven, it acts as a lever. When I was a kid I had boiling water topple over with the stove when I meant on the oven door. Experiments of mine later on showed it only takes 20kgs to topple a stove with a lot of water on the back burner.
so you are %100 convinced that it is inevitable that you will injure yourself if using one of those blades?... dont get me wrong, it sounds like your accident was extremely serious. However, my thought process tells me this isn't any more dangerous than a Chainsaw... (i understand that saws have a break, but a chainsaw is just as unpredictable as a that grinder in the wrong hands. I believe that with the right amount of understanding and experience, these tools they can be just as safe as any other powered cutting tool... After all, there is a whole industry that thrives on using exactly that and loggers dont seem to all be missing limbs or phalanges.
Thank you for your presentation and the use of the accident footage. Both items were easy to understand and create a powerful case for caution in the workplace. Heal well and happy woodworking.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thank you for all those useful information. I will make sure to adopt all the precautions next time I use such a grinder.
Glad you didn't get it any worse. I used one of those for a few but used such a tight grip that my hands cramped too much making it even more unsafe. They dulled too fast too. Now I use the bur type.
Thank you for sharing this, you are absolutely right, with age and experience comes clumsiness and i certainly am heading that way. Thank you for the wakeup call
There used to be a larger version of that intended for petrol trimmers, quite effective for clearing brush and smaller trees (for those not into forestry, the eternal fight is having a blade that will not dull when hitting random rocks, while being able to cut through inch thick brush without any issues) . They were on the shelves for less than a year before they got "banned" (not sure if the government here actually did something or if the stores heard about some near-misses and stopped carrying them). When I first saw the angle grinder version, I thought "oh great, they made a version intended for you to hold in your hand, when the version intended to go at the end of a 2 meter pole wasn't even safe". Glad you're not hurt too severely, hope you heal up quick!
Thank you for mentioning the dangers of grinding with a wire wheel and your clothing. I was about 17 when I was using a very old heavy grinder with a cup brush. The wire brush caught my shirt and pulled so violently on it it knocked me to my knees and I thought someone had hit me on my shoulder with a baseball bat. TUCK IN YOUR SHIRTS!!!
Dennis White Over the last few weeks I’ve noticing myself making stupid moves a couple of times. My shop is getting a ‘No loose clothing. No drawstrings. Button up!’ sign tonight.
Firstly, thanks so much for posting this and we are all happy that the incident didn't make your moniker valid! I did read your READ BEFORE COMMENTING. But I still think that there are two issues to address. You do say that you would be tossing that chainsaw disk, but then you go on to explain how to use it safer. The Lancelot is just plain dangerous (this is from someone who climbs trees with chainsaws) and I feel that the real takeaway from your video should be DON'T. I know that most of your discussion was general angle grinder safety, well said and I did learn from that, (thank you). And, from scanning the comments, many have come away from the video with that warning anyway (thank you). And it's a free country, mostly. I disagree with your description of the physics/dynamics of the incident as described in the video. The Lancelot disk is designed for kickback. Period. On a commercial chainsaw bar, maybe 1/4th of the tip radius is considered the kickback zone (not counting bow bars). The Lancelot kickback zone is 360°. All of it. I know that there are those who have used it for years without incident, but there are plenty of safer alternatives. I use an Arbortech (no financial connection; not even sure where they're made) for feet on turned bowls and hogging out bowls on some spoons. A real pleasure to use and infinitely safer. These are minor quibbles. I'm mostly an anarchist, but I wouldn't have a problem with the Lancelot being banned or sued out of existence. Please know that I appreciate this brave and important video.
Hey, I wanted to say thanks for this video, especially because it took guts to make. I don't think I ever planted on carving with an angle grinder but I'm definitely finding the safety gear that's supposed to be on mine and putting it there.
I watch these videos all the time...to keep me from getting complacent and just educate myself continually. Appreciate your candour, honesty like this is so so valuable thankyou
I like woodworking, as a hobby, and I do general handyman stuff as a side-hustle, and my angle grinder is one of my most-used power tools. That's how I know that you only use an angle grinder if another tool won't work. You never take the handle off. You never take the guard off. You only ever use one part of the blade at any time, and only in one direction. I have an uncle who likes taking the handle and blade off, and I bought my first angle grinder so I wouldn't be using his when we were working together. Those things will straight-up murder you. Also, hot take: angle grinders are for metal and stone, not wood. Those things are dangerous enough without chainsaw, or carbide, teeth on them.
James, Please, please send a copy of your video to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) . This product should not be on the market, and they are the folks that can make this happen. Your description of the ER experience is appalling. You had some real rookies on weekend duty. Can’t believe they didn’t cut your ring off before they stitched you up. I worked in an ER years ago and we had a “ring cutter”. Any stitchable finger with a ring on it either the ring came off or it was cut off before treatment. Swelling always occurs when tissue is traumatized . Thanks for sharing your experience and heal well
This is a prime example of why I hate seeing guys using angle grinders without blade guards all together. They think that they can over power the grinder if it catches or because they hold it off center that will save them from a injury. This shows that reaction time is no where near fast enough to avoid this kind of thing and freak accidents can't be anticipated.
I've used one of those for years and while they are effective in removing a large amount of material quite quickly, they are extremely aggressive. For me, the trick in using it is to never..NEVER, push forward with it.. always pull it backwards, and use light strokes.. you push that cutter blade forward and it's going to be violent every time
I have used chainsaws for half a century, was using a Husky 385XP with 32” bar yesterday. That blade is a natural for kickback. I’ll use that “circular chainsaw” style of blade on my Stihl FS250 brushcutter, but I wouldn’t want it on either of my angle grinders.
I said my piece on the other video, but I remember when a piece of wood I was positioning on the router table just brushed against the spinning bit. One second it was in my hand and next it was flying across the yard leaving me with [thankfully] just a bruise. You really don't believe in the speed and force until you experience it - and you have NO reaction time [for those who still think they can react quick enough] to do anything to avoid becoming a statistic. Guards etc should not give you a sense of security, they should just be painted red, to remind you of the inherent danger EVERY power tool conceals. Wishing you a full recovery, James esp that tendon, and thank your god it wasn't worse.
And watching the video he had an excellent reaction time. Basically as soon as it ran across his fingers he was letting go and putting distance between him and the spinning blade of death. He has good reaction time, problem is it's just too fast to react to.
I bought one several years ago for my construction business and really liked what it could do. I hit some concrete and dulled the chain and it's been sitting around ever since. Probably for the better.
Thankyou so much for the post. I purchase one of these wood carving disks and went looking for the safest way to use it. After seeing your video I have decided to throw it in the bin. Hope you made a full recovery.
This is the 3rd video of yours that I've watched, the first was about table saw kickback, the 2nd was about your accident with the angle grinder and this is the 3rd. Instant sub. You definitely make woodworking safer with your videos.
We need acceleration brakes in hand-held power tools. If the grinder moves too quickly, a brake seizes the spinner and removes power. A kickback sensor could stop a circular saw. A rotation sensor could stop a drill if the bit seizes. A kickback sensor could stop a chain saw. (That anti-kickback paddle is better than nothing, but not much.)
@@MatejFabianek There really aren't many out there though, and of the few I eventually found searching a bit ago (which I found only by looking up almost the exact models featured in a tiny, tiny handful of videos), reviews of the feature are pretty mixed with some saying it basically didn't work at all when they had kickback or worked well enough to save thin cutting wheels from shattering due to snags. The video advertising the Metabo's anti-kickback features even showed inconsistency. It kicked the first time they tested it but magically worked every subsequent trial.
This tool reminds me of the time my dad and nephew tried to give a large tom cat a bath in the kitchen sink. It made a terrible ruckus and when everyone came running in there was water and blood and soap and debri everywhere. They said it was like trying to wash a chainsaw running full speed with a bent bar and a chain that eventually partially fell off while still running.
anyone that has ever used a chain saw knows how easily this can happen, touch the tip to a log the wrong way and the saw is coming back to you very quickly. Visited my father in the ER as he was getting stitches in his hand, the brake on the saw was not working, (and yes he knew it), saw jumped and he put his hand up to protect his face. My father had used a chain saw for more than 50 years at the time this happened. I cringe when I watch people using chain saws to carve stuff for the very reason above, at least having a functioning brake mitigates injury, but with an angle grinder you are SOL there. I touched the knuckle on my index finger with a grinding disk when I was 16 years old, thankfully I got lucky and the groove it cut was only about a 16th of an inch deep, it didn't even bleed but I still have the scar.
Stumpy, I can’t thank you enough for turning this situation into a learning opportunity for all. I can only imagine how much sleep you have lost replaying this in your mind. This extremely aggressive tool, selected specifically to expedite hand carving, can instantly get ahead of the operator. As you said, the operator in this case attempted to reposition the tool for the next controlled pass and bumped the cutting edge into a ridge. I suspect the operator holds the grinder with a very firm and deliberate grip during the cutting pass, and then relaxes when then repositioning for the next pass. Clearly one can never relax with this tool in hand, including when the grinder is unplugged. Time to slow down and enjoy the action of those numerous hand planes 😊. Joel.....
I remember the first time I saw one of these my first reaction was NOPE!! Thank you for posting this, I am a ER nurse and wood worker so I've seen the cause and result of many dangerous tools. I'm saving for a sawstop right now, I just wish they would adapt that technology to routers, and bandsaws also.
Thank you for stopping me from the planned purchase of this accessory , and thanks also for making me more aware of the critical need for care when using an angle grinder.
45 years ago when I had long hair, I was leaning over something with a drill. My hair got caught at the base of the chuck and the drill walked up to the side of my face. No harm done that some shampoo wouldn't fix but it was a very memorable moment. Beware anything that spins, with teeth or not.
I had a severe kickback from my angle grinder 6 weeks ago. I was using a diamond blade to cut stitch welds to repair a mistake. Somehow, the blade bound for a split second and the grinder whipped around on the axis of the shaft even though I had 2 hands on it; the aux handle was in the vertical hole which gave me no control over the kickback. The blade hit the knuckle on the back of my right hand index finger and fortunately bounced off the bone. A single 3/4" cut, very deep, but relatively clean.. Being a diamond blade, it has no teeth to shred tissue and the damage was more to my ego and the time lost working. It is very hard to work with one hand in most trades.... The throbbing pain and extreme sensitivity went away after about 4 weeks. I learned a valuable lesson that day without losing any digits.
I am seriously considering throwing away the one I inherited from my Dad. Plus, I never used it. These two videos are extremely frightening. Not worth it in my mind.
An angle grinder can be a very safe and versatile tool. But it can resemble a firearm in that; it is the users knowledge, skill and use to maintain safety for yourself and others around you to when using it. The chain saw blade for a 4 inch angle grinder, gives me the willys to have your fingers so close to with the lack of. Control off. Would rather use a proper chainsaw with kick back feature.
stripcslashes - no... he is not dumb... he is aware that skill and awareness can overcome many hazards, and the lack of it, as well as overconfidence, can create many... I have carved many hours with one of these... and know from some scary experiences that didn’t kill me, that I must NEVER use it or apply it to the material/workpiece in a way that would allow it to change angles (and direction) in my hands... That being said, (one can use one of these skillfully and wisely enough to NOT die) this IS an incredibly dangerous tool, especially on a higher power angle grinder... MUCH more dangerous and prone to kick-out/kick-back, than the tip of a chainsaw. I applaud the example of this video and the prior one to help give potential users the hazard awareness to approach with appropriate EXTREME caution, or perhaps decide not to use one at all. I use mine at ONLY one angle of attack at a go... and never change angle or body position with the tool running. I also use it on a lower amperage “cheapie” angle grinder that does not produce the violent kickbacks that that dewalt would... Would I reccommend this tool to anyone... NO. The other type of wheels he shows with the tiny carbide teeth are a much better choice for the type of angle of attack he was using. I use mine on a “dead man” foot switch that requires my foot pressure on it to keep it running... and it is still scary every time I use it... I think it is that “butterflies In the stomach” feeling of being scared of what CAN happen that has kept me very cautious and from hurting myself with it.
The video at 5:00 ish, of the tool slipping is enough on its own to make me swear off getting one of these for life. Utter nightmare fuel if you've ever spent much time with power tools. Let alone the injury photos. You're saving fingers at least by sharing this. Thank you.
I got the link to this video from another video talking about the same disc, when I saw "Stumpy Nubs", I thought that was referring to having fingers cut off, or almost cut off if figured it was a channel with one video.
I have 0 desire to try power carving with anything larger than a dremel.
I agree
Concur. I'm quite comfortable using the angle grinder with a diamond cup on concrete or a grinding disc to cut metal, and there's no better tool for cleaning up rusty metal than a grinder with a wire brush, but I was always leery of power carving. After watching the vlog yesterday and this one today, I've permanently crossed power carving off my list.
I don't mind a certain degree of "roughing in" with about any tool that can "hog away" a fair bunch of obvious waste...
Actually "carving" however, is about details. I'll stick to chisels and mallets... thanks. ;o)
Jeffrey Clement that other type of disk he showed in his last video is WAY safer. The chainsaw blade one is deadly.
I have a chain saw attachment for my angle grinder. Never used it yet but after seeing this video from James, I plan on getting rid of it.
No problem buddy, we see more grinder accidents in the ER than with any other tool! You are the first to address this issue that I know of! Thank you SO much!
And thank _you_ for your service =)
I think because the tool is light and relatively small that it's deceptive in its ease of operation. Like motorcycles and guns, people don't take the time to learn and master proper operation before they buy one of their own. What you don't know can permanently end your experiential education. That, of course, includes the guys (and gals) that already know the safety rules but, because they're too cool for such stuff, don't bother with them.
Taking a little time to learn safe handling and then actually practicing what you've learned will go a long way toward reducing accidents. Sometimes, though, you can do everything right and stuff still goes wrong (I read some comments here that seem to imply otherwise). In those cases, the only way to really mitigate the danger is to avoid the tool altogether. I have a grinder in my garage that was left behind by my bother in law. He was a mechanic and used it for cutting bolts and other jobs like that. More recently, though, he'd switched to a reciprocating saw (mostly for portability I think) and didn't miss the grinder at all.
A friend of mine was doing clinical rotations in the ER had a horrific case of a child and a riding lawn mower. I can't remember what the outcome was. Somehow the child, while riding with their parent, fell off and ended up getting hit by the blade.
Seems like an A9 Glove inside a Chainmail Glove would be prudent when operating such a tool. A full OSHA compliant helmet and face guard would also be recommended.
I was thinking about getting a carving wheel and “fooling around” it. This just changed my mind.
Thanks for your video and glad that you are okay.
Get a small chainsaw bar and a battery saw
You can try on of this wood grinding disks. Its like a rasp and not chainsaw.
12 Minutes Ago: "I need to get a blade for my angle grinder to make pallet dismemberment easier."
12 Seconds Ago: "I need to just stick to using a handsaw."
I find the reciprocating saw to be the ideal tool for that sort of work.
@@ImTheWinningest Yeah, so do I. though mine is a cheap-o that hurts my hands after a few minutes, so I'll switch over to a jigsaw, then maybe a circular saw if I'm doing a lot of pallets.
You can buy circular saw attachments for angle grinders. No doubt it would be safer than this chai saw one!
@@chrismccaffrey8256 not much safer.
Reciprocating saw is your better bet. Much safer!
I was at Harbor Freight just this weekend, and saw that very blade. I thought to myself that I don't think I would ever use it.
It takes a lot of courage to admit failure, and wisdom to teach about that failure. Thanks very much for this video.
I have hundreds of hours running angle grinders. I still went to my shop a put that chainsaw disc in the scrap pile still in it’s factory wrapper. Thank you for the warning. Heal quickly.
Send it to me!
Good thing to do, only a matter of time untill someone dies using that death trap of a tool, not to mention there are better and safer tools that will do the same job.
@@esl1402 a chainsaw with a wood carving bar?
If one puts the chainsaw in the trash, please take apart so no one finds it and thinks great a free chainsaw, and uses it not knowing his dangerous this thing is.
Pat Neely thanks I went out cut in half with the torch. Problem solved.
As someone who has been using an angle grinder every day for over a decade, I couldn't think of a more dangerous blade.
I honestly thought it was photoshopped. I've used a grinder every week for 15-20 years now and have never seen a chainsaw blade for one, or thought to use it on anything but metal or stone. It was definitely user error though as he turned the blade to wheel on the cut towards him. I've done exactly that. I'd never put a chainsaw blade on a grinder though. The whole damn thing is the kickback zone with no chain brake or spur dogs.
I'd ever use that death trap unless it was completely affixed to my hand and forearm.
"Hail to the king baby! "
The most dangerous thing I've seen done with angle grinders (and it's quite common) is to put a 7 1/2" saw blade on a 7" grinder. Of course, it won't fit inside the guard, so they just take the guard off and then tell themselves how ingenious they are as they're carving away with a naked blade running overspeed centimeters from their fingers.
Same blade but dull. Now that is a deathtrap.
I'm surprised the chainsaw type manufacturers haven't been sued out of existence. I have one of them still in the package. I'm dumping it in the trash.
@ No, no, no, don't trash it, you might have an interesting collectors item that they will me marveling at years from now, they actually ran these things in angle grinders...
nothing with teeth should ever be put on an angle grinder. My father did that and I gave him hell for it. lol. Grinders are for grinding discs only. Thus the name of the tool. Grinding.
or cutting discs, or buffing wheels. not just grinding discs. i use cutting discs daily and never have any issues, but i would never use anything like what he was using. it just seems overly dangerous.
Thank you Mark for having the apparently only sensible comment on this video.
I've had cut off wheels bite and explode multiple times. I've learned my lesson too many times with the angle grinder. I still use cut off wheels but with caution and a guard. If they get bound up at all they can break apart and launch the grinder at you
Yes. When people are trying to do a multi hour project they are going to relax and the grinder will kickback.
There are some attachments that are not as bad, they are the more expensive attachments. I paid almost 200 for a ball gouge it works, but it is always dangerous. The scar on my face from when I was 23 can attest to that.(a metal working accident with a grinder)
Do you think a diamond turbo cup grinding wheel is safe, I used one for a masonry project earlier this year.
Simple rule for Angle Grinders: If the sparks/sawdust are not flying directly at you or at your hands, your grinder is plotting against you.
Especially with those Lancelot blades. I used one many times years ago making 1000s of custom joint in natural structure building with round unfinished timbers. One thing I remember is the discomfort of the chips from these blades because they are large and have some speed. If you're not being sprayed by the chips you're on the the wrong side of the grinder! He's doesn't admit it was user error but he's on the wrong side the the work piece among a couple other problems. The cutter should always be pulling away from you and in the case always pulling up out of the trough away from him. Should have been able to walk to both sides and even switch hands or handle if need be depending on the area being carved.
Stumpy, This post was a wake-up call for me. I used several versions of hand grinders on wood and metal, many of which were large and heavy and was very careful with them. Then, along came the "four inch" angle grinder that seemed to be a toy after using a seven and 1/2" for years. Today's clip reminded me to think about how this "toy" has treated me over the 58 years that we have worked together. Over the years, the injuries that I have had were due to the toy grinder were 12 and that's about 30 % of all my tool wounds. Thanks Bud.
Glad you're recovering. I know it took a lot of courage to edit this footage and relive such a difficult accident. Be well.
It was so close in getting me too. It kicked back at me and went straight to my left thigh. Luckily my cellphone was in my pocket and stopped it from cutting into me. An angel was looking down on me that day for sure. 🙌
Not an angle grinder but a grinder angel
This is precisely why I wear titanium boxer shorts. Wedgies hurt like hell and going to the bathroom is a chore but you've protection where you need it.
There's a big artery in that region, if properly severed you're unlikely to survive.
i Angel
... then the battery blew. ;)
When I first got into wood working I had a friend who taught me how to use a wood lathe, and he had one of those chainsaw disc. He told me "This thing is Dangerous!" He told me not to get one. I allways thought of him whenever I saw those and I never bought one. I'm glad your ok and pray for your full recovery!
This video has in no doubt SAVED fingers !!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING !
I love your calm, clear delivery. After seeing this video, I will avoid using an angle grinder with cutting teeth. Until now, I have only used mine for grinding; never even considered it for cutting wood. I'll keep using it only for grinding. You may have saved me an injury.
I'm old enough to unfortunately be very familiar with Murphy's Law. Until they have had an accident with power tools, many people do not know the power of electrical motors. They spin at very high RPMs and can instantly cause a very bad day. I've split the end of my finger on a table saw and drilled a quarter inch bit all the way through my finger. I know what it's like driving to ER with a rag wrapped around my fingers. James is absolutely right that all the precautions can't prevent the freak accident. The best added insurance is to be focused and vigilant at your work and anticipate that whatever could go wrong, will go wrong.
Angle grinders add to the "fun" by having bigger faster motors than most of our other hand tools + a gearbox to multiply that torque and turn it 90* to the angle you're holding it in.
I always tell people getting into power tools "Familiarity breeds Contempt" and then "Pride comes before the fall".... No how sweet you are to a tool it is still there to kill you..
No matter how familiar you are with a tool or machine, complacency is your worst enemy... I have been around mechanical equipment, machinery, and tools my entire adult life . I have heard many tales about, witnessed,and even experienced what can happen when things go wrong in a split second. Several years ago this happened to me when I was performing routine maintenance on a machine I was completely familiar with and had performant the maintenance item very many times with no problems. My hand was Severely injured just like James's because I was complacent for only a moment. I was also lucky in that I did not lose any fingers but I do have nerve damage I will have to live with for the rest of my life. It is a constant reminder to what can happen when you don't pay attention and stay focused. I know I was very lucky.😰 I still have all of my fingers.👋
Thanks James. I was looking to get one of these... I’ll stick with the other sort that you were using! Glad you’re on the mend.
i know the grinder is probably unplugged but i start to feel lightheaded every time he rests his right hand on the top of that blade :(
Exactly what I was thinking. Should use better discipline similar to handling a firearm. Doesnt matter that its not loaded, dont point it at shit if you dont need to
Felt the exact same way
Yep - me too. Qweezy just watching it, and hoping the cord isn’t plugged in. Bad practice.
@@fordblue2257 Every firearm is loaded. And I guess every power tool is plugged in...
@@kaasmeester5903 its about discipline, clearly something you know nothing about
I'm so glad that you're doing okay and you weren't injured worse! I don't know what I'd do without your videos! Angle grinders have always scared me and I've only used one a few times, generally with my husband around. He's a Metal worker so he has like 5 angle grinders.
What a legend, giving us the play by play of his own misfortune.
This is one of the reasons I subscribed. Your honesty and common sense talk along with good content. Thanks.
I know this was traumatic. I know this was scaring. I know you want to warn people about the dangers. I applaud you for speaking to these issues. I have experience too, and this is what I want to add, for you and others to even more safe.
Very good words of wisdom about prevention. However, you did two things I noticed right away after seeing this video: your left hand was past your left hand side meaning that it (the left hand) was into the right side of your body, and you never took a step back with the tool, your stroke was already over extended, long before you began to move it forward, this awkward position is what led to the WAY in which you made the improper motion forward before clearing the tool from the wood in a motion to return to center. Look at the left forearm in relationship to your waist/torso and note the bent angle of your wrist, this is the reason your accident was more than simple kickback which could be controlled, or possibly avoided altogether. By keeping the tool ahead of the body, inline with the your stance, the ability to keep force on the tool is greatly increased, and though it does mean taking far shorter strokes, this also would have prevented the mistake you mentioned as the cause, moving the tool forward before lifting.
The second thing I noted is the position of the wood as it is clamped. The "V" shape is clamped with the "V" facing away from you!!! AND, and, you are working the inside face of the "V"!! This position guarantees that you will be in an awkward position no matter how well you position yourself in relationship to the tool! It forces you to lean over the work piece with the tool, putting your body in the strike zone, lessoning the extension of your arms as buffer and give for anything that may occur. Additionally, the more your arms are bent past 90 degrees, the less strength you have to put onto the tool. The muscles just won't have the ability to keep pressure from that angle. Doing a push-up is easier when you don't go all the way down and "cheat", right? In this case, "cheating" is going to help. By positioning the "V" towards you (open face of the "V" clamped down on the opposite side of what you have clamped in the video) you allow yourself to be in a much better position than what you were, not leaning over the lip of the wood shape, and gain better access to the "bowl" of the "V" shape, allowing you to keep your distance.
Third, this was not a "freak accident"... as you say, the entire situation was bad. Wishing it so does not make it so. Do not deceive yourself to the fact that you did not know or act on the things I mentioned that would greatly impact the chances for you to avoid something like this, or you may make another mistake very similar. Think of this as something you should think about for a year or two... from someone who cares.
Garry not Linda. Completely correct on all points. The second I saw the setup I knew that was a recipe for disaster. The direction the tool was being used is what a wood turner would call an uphill cut. In watching the video a couple of times it's my feeling that at the end of the cut the blade caught the wood on the bottom of the V and sent the blade into the vertical section. Doesn't matter either way, never cut toward you with anything but a Japanese pull saw.
what bothers me is the way he held the handle of the grinder.
Yes, I understand that my stance and grip were not optimal, as I say in the video. However, had the grinder been perpendicular to my body, my hand still would have been next to it, and it still would have been hit. There is no way you are going to overpower a kickback that hard with your grip! You're not superman, and you didn't feel it's power like I did. Holding it close to me with my wrist turned like that did not cause the kickback, but it did put me at greater risk of getting it in the stomach, so it was a BAD idea. Unfortunately, those situations arise when power-carving large objects that have contours which must be followed by extending and turning the tool. But it's an unsafe practice that you should avoid............ ONE THING I SHOULD HAVE ADDED to the video is cutting with the TOP of the blade does put you at greater risk of a kickback going toward your hand on the left. Using the right side of the disk may direct it away from you instead. That said, it bears repeating that this tool spun from my hands in a twisting motion. So it may very well have gotten me anyway.............. Overall, there's a lot to be learned. And while I called it a freak accident, tools don't turn themselves on and cut you. It's always, in truth, some kind of operator error. In this case the error was not lifting it high enough on the return stroke. It was exacerbated by my using the top of the disc, and by the overly aggressive teeth of the cutter.
Moving the tool in the manner that he was using it scared me before it even kicked back. If the tool was in front of him ie stepping back instead of using his arms to move the tool is what caused all the problem. If it did kick back it might not have go him.
@@jimborichardson3131 No, that was not "what caused the whole thing." The stance did not cause the kickback. It may or may not have been a factor in where I got hit, but it was not the cause as the video evidence shows. I'm done arguing this. I was there, you were not.
My first thought is that this video should be considered by wood-working and apprenticeship programs as part of a curriculum on Safety. At face value the presenter is providing a scenario based on personal experience. I don't see the presenter trying to make an excuse for something that could or could not have been prevented. Things like this should be shared for those who are inexperienced as it could be used as a teaching aid. As far as stance, grip and other perceived factors go, I did not see any carelessness or absence of forethought. Shit happens. I appreciate the focus on physics.
I do wish I had said more about how using the side of the disc is safer than the toe. I don't believe it would have helped in THIS case because the kickback was so violent it would have spun that grinder like a top. But it may help in a lot of other cases. But I added that to the comments above. Anyway, thanks for the kind words :)
I do see a mistake in his positioning. He was working over the top of his piece and grinding somewhat towards his body with a thick slab between him and the tool giving him a false sense of being safe. His left wrist,arm came in contact with the top of his piece and yet he kept carving. That continuation cause him to slightly loosen his grip with the left hand right before it climbed up and over. I would have carved from opposite side, with the tool perpendicular to your body and the action furthest away from you. The carve result would be exactly the same with left and right hands switched and the direction of carve and rotation would be the same. Just my experienced opinion.
@@jimkemp5174 I noticed the same thing. I have many years of experience with grinders polishing and shaping stone, cutting metal etc. I don't think that blade was meant to be used at the angle he was using it. I must admit i haven't used one yet but the whole situation looked goofy. Usually you can tell which position for a tool of any kind is going to end up being dangerous and the high side of that looked awkward as well. It seemed like he was dragging it.
@@johnsrabe I might post this more directly but the critical error was placement of the guard. It should have been rotated so the the "push/kickback" side of the cutter would not contact the work.
"I don't see the presenter making an excuse for something that could or could not have been prevented."
7:34 Hmm.. 🤔
My comments are more congratulatory as to your stepping up to your mistake and taking the time to warn us not to avoid this tool but have respect for this tool and be careful or avoid this tool altogether. It was my thought to buy this same tool for a project I have in mind but now see no need for such a tool. I can think of thousands of reasons why I can do the same job without this tool. Kudos to you for taking the time to show us this video and allowing us to make up our own mind on this subject . Thank you and by the way I enjoy your videos !
Great evaluation, and I do agree with your conclusion. I was planning on getting one of these to shape a chair seat, but after viewing this - no way! I know using our tools do bring risks, but in most cases these risks are manageable with the use of guards, learning defensive positions and procedures, and sometimes just plain awareness. That thing is just a really bad accident waiting for a victim. It took real courage to share the cause of your injury and it is appreciated. Thanks
Using an angle grinder to carve wood seems like an accident waiting to happen.
It was done waiting.
@@christheother9088 That is just wrong. I saw the video.
It’s completely retarded. The angle grinder spins at WAY more RPMS than a skill saw...
Most carpenters in a pinch have had to break out the ol “polish plane” (side to side blade action) passing over tight grains,to loose grains can cause an easy dig in and powerful yet somewhat pretty controllable kick...
The skill saw is far more heavy,gripped better,lower Rps,and only exposes half its blade....I’ve said it since the day those ridiculous things showed up in woodcraft.
“Whoever invented the chainsaw grinder attachment should be down right friggin ashamed”
A good grinder kick is completely un-fightable,it goes where it wants to go period.
The problem is these blades just do such an amazing job at power carving, high gain high risk, I hope your fingers heal fast.
no hate her, but they guy has a million dollar wood shop and is using an angle grinder to carve wood? I don't get it.
I wanted one of these discs for years, and I finally got one recently. Here's the irony - I bought it because I want to do some chainsaw carving, and I figured it was safer than a chainsaw. HA! Your analysis showed the physics of the thing. A chainsaw is safer because of the mass, the grip, and the kickback brake. AND - everyone knows how dangerous a chainsaw is, not like this sneaky thing.
Hope you heal well, and thanks for all the great content.
This video is literally saving people.
Never liked the look of those blades anyway. Chainsaw blades belong on a chainsaw.
And chainsaws have a chain brake. Grinders don't.
...where they are still, just as dangerous...ever see a chain saw kick back that sends the chainsaw straight at your face/head? It does happen!
@@hdrjunkie ; It boils down to watching what you are doing and never getting arrogant.
I absolutely hate chainsaws. I am more scared of them than any other tool. I use them regularly, but after each time I feel like I've just won at Russian Roulette. This gimmick on a grinder shouldn't be legal, and as soon as I saw it I knew bad things were going to happen. Grinders are my other least favorite tool to use, and that's with a friction disc on them. God damn, why would you want something capable of removing a finger in half a revolution, spinning at 9000rpm an inch from your hand with only minimal control?
And only then out of absolute necessity
Thank you for taking time to make this video. I showed it to my Carpentry Pre-Apprentice course in the Far north of Canada. Our students now have a healthy respect for the angle grinder, and how quickly an accident can happen.
Great video mate. I've used hand grinders when this tool was just new on the market. Your right. This tool is one of the most dangerous tools you can own. It really needs to be redesigned for safety in my opinion. It needs a auto brake and a guard that is spring loaded so as to have the guard go all the way around the tool blade it's self. I have such a design. I just don't really know how to bring it out to the market. Thanks for the upload mate. It is appreciated.
No matter how many times I see this encounter, I somehow sympathetically feel the pain you and others have experienced in that situation.
Thanks again for reminding us of the importance of safety in the workshop
Now, I most go into my workshop and put the blade guard back on my table saw.
Thank you for being humble enough to share your experience with us. You may never know how many people you spare from injury.
Tough accident and I’m glad you’re ok. I do a lot of grinding and there’s one thing you may have not mentioned. It looked to me like you worked your grinder to far to the right of your body. I feel it is safer and gives you better control if you take a step in the direction you’re working rather than moving your supporting hand(left hand) to an acute angle with your body. It’s an awkward angle and the only muscle that moves your arm away from you in that position is the rear deltoid of your left shoulder. If your arm is perpendicular to your body you engage several muscles to push away from you. Also if you had stepped right with your work you may have been out of harms way. Glad you’re ok buddy! Take care and thanks for the content.
This was my thought. He was basically standing in the path of it if it did snag. Also, being that far right, it makes it hard to lift it up and make another pass. Rule I learned in HS was to never let your arms cross. While they didn't cross they did start to come close.
Very almost became your namesake. Thanks for sharing! I recently picked up this tool and started experimenting with it, with no guard. (I inherited the tool) - It the grinder pad was also loose and flew off after I finished using it. Sheeesh, after seeing this I will take all proper safety precautions.
The dangers of the angle grinder is real & thank you for warning others. I hope you heal very well!
Wow, thank you for this. I’m definitely gonna implement additional precautions now. Speedy recovery ✌🏼.
In Australia we call this setup a “Meat Axe”.
True mate. There's so many videos on UA-cam with people using grinders without the guard it not even funny. Those Arbotech discs are super dangerous.
@@johnellison3030 my boss uses his grinder with no guard, no handle, no safely glasses. It's a miracle he has reached 74
Daniel Budd is that an electric or an air powered grinder?
Maybe we can start calling it the Darwin Blade =)
James Anthony Nicely done.
I used chainsaws for a living. It was drilled into our heads that the top tip of the bar is deadly. That is the area where the chain is coming around a half-circle completely exposing the teeth with no racker to gauge how much wood the tooth can cut. This causes the teeth to cut more wood than they should and that is what causes kickback. The tool you are using is exactly the same situation. If you use the bottom of it you will be fine, but catch the edge and it will kick back.
1HeartwoodSurgeon That thing is basically ONLY the top tip of the bar, so you have the deadly part spinnig much faster and a lot nearer to body bits you're cherishing.
I have a very large and heavy DeWalt angle grinder and cutter tool I bought about ten years ago. The thing is a beast. When I turn it on the torque from the powerful motor causes the tool to actually jump for a second in my hands. Letting you know that it is the boss and you are just simply along for the ride. If the machine is in a good mood that day, then it just may let you live. I pretty much only use it to cut through barrel roof tiles and masonry blocks with an abrasive disc which is probably the safer of applications with this tool. But I do always say a prayer and make sure my life insurance is paid up when I take it down from the shelf. It truly is the scariest tool in my shop.
Really appreciate your safety tips. Maybe they deserve their own playlist.
I think it would be safer to use an actual chainsaw to carve than to use this tool.
It'd be safer to use a pair of rabid beavers and a mama wolverine than this tool. I'm not for regulation, but this tool should not be on the market.
Agreed. At least my Stihl has a brake that stops the chain instantly when it kicks back.
I fell for a social media ad which shows that sawchain disc in action.
When I got it, I realized it was Harbor Freight brand. I paid the same price I would have at the store, but had to wait for shipping.
The few times I've used it, it nearly got out of control several times. I chalked it up to my inexperience with angle grinders, but, nope!
It has so much useful potential, and the concept is so novel, that it seems like it will be useful for some applications.
@@drewt3210 I agree completely with you.
@@hughbrackett343 my grinder has a anti kickback brake which actually works
The angle grinder is one of those tools that I never skip steps prior to turning the power on. I always seem to check and double check my plan of attack just because I know how quickly things can go bad. Your past two videos displayed and examined just that, very well done! I'm sorry that this happened to you and hope you have a speedy recovery. On a postive note, maybe these videos will create more awareness and prevent an injury to somebody watching.
They're scary even when using them appropriately.
@donkey ass reviews and do's I use them properly, but still scary. I'm always fearful someone will come up behind me, startle me and I'll drop it on my foot.
Already saw yesterday's video...and made comment. I will say again, I hate that you got hurt but, this incident has likely saved my life cause I was wanting one of those things. But if YOU , of all people, can get that badly hurt with one....I have no business with one. As I have said before, I am a novice at best and nerve damage has me 100 percent disabled. Combine those two facts and that makes that thing my death were I to try it. Thanks for these videos. Literally life savers.
Takes balls to do this job and this proves it.
Hope all will be well and hope people look, listen and learn. Get well soon SN!
Its a shame you take this warning as you have. Buy a LOW powered grinder. And hang onto it like its a slippery eel. This in itself makes it alot safer. Battery powered grinders often have less torque. However i do not understand your circumstances so we make wise judgement for ourselves. Using those paticular blades or any carving type blade is always more dangerous but flap disks for instance are more forgiving. Never be lulled into a false sence of security though with any power tool.
I have one of those chain saw angle grinder blades. It is still in it's package and now it will always stay there. Thanks !
@@hopefilledsinner3911 100% disabled due to nerve damage to my spinal cord in my neck. I wasnt expected to live or walk if I did. Wouldnt matter the power, with unreliable nerves, anything could go wrong. Here's the thing, Stumpy is a master craftsman and is a premium professional....if it could happen to him like that, a total novice with some very bad nerve damage would be suicide to try. Plain and simple. As for holding on like its a slippery eel, there are times that the harder you try to hang on, the more likely its gonna slip out of your control. Not to mention that doing that will compromise your control and keep you from letting go when you should if you can in time. Iam disabled and a novice but I am also 54 years old and seen quite a few things in this life. No, I agree with Stumpy, this tool should not be out there, there are other options that will do the job without near as much risk.
Likewise.
Thx for the heads up. I was on the verge of buying one of those blades - bowl carving - and I tossed the idea away after the video. I'll keep on using my gouges, it'll take more time but I'll keep all my fingers and/or other parts of my body.
Excellent overview and analysis of what can go wrong. I have some cutter blades for my grinder that will never be used. Thanks.
In watching the video I do see one thing that might have helped. You had moved the grinder far to your right, causing your left wrist to bend in such a way that the grinder ripped out of your thumb and your hand had no where to go. Had you taken a step or two to the right and pivoted your right hip in toward the work area you would be able to maintain a more secure, natural grip. It is possible the grinder would have kicked out and away toward your left side rather than twist in as it did.
David Meadow I completely agree! It doesn’t look like he has the best grip on the handle when it all goes sideways.
@@chrisnash2154 That looks like an 11 amp tool. No matter if he had it in a death grip once those teeth got traction in the wood the result was a given.
@@gordonhenderson1965 While I agree with what you're saying there, I also agree with David Meadow that, if he had been standing more to his right, more behind the tool, as opposed to having it wrenched around like that to his left with a mere 'flashlight grip' on the side handle, and had his hand fully on the side handle with his forearm perpendicular to the handle, then when it did dig in and go where it wanted, he wouldn't have been there, and it would have flown off to his left, into the air, not into him.
Nope, with these chainsaw teeth cutters it goes where it wants. I have one and it will go one way till it pulls the tool then the push comes. It’s a wild ride and isn’t controllable. If you think it is, you are lying to yourself.
JusBidniss Analogous to how to safely hold a chainsaw, but with these disks you are always cutting with the equivalent of the chainsaw kickback zone, which all safety courses tell you to avoid. Risky.
2 years ago i got one of these and it ate my arm up! 100% should remove these from the market. I did a cut with mine and it was fine because i had the wood propped up infront of the cut so it wont bind and i had the guard adjusted and everything. But half way through my cut the grinder was suddenly not in my hands anymore. I looked down and it was tangled in my shirt sleeve. It snagged so violently on that wood that it just shot out of my hand. I moved my sleeve and found out it ripped and 4-5 in gash in my forearm and down to my bone. It was absolutely disgusting because those jagged teeth made my forearm look like hamburger meat. I was losing so much blood and because my girlfriend is vary squeamish i had to calm down and vary calmly poke my head in the house and ask for a old shirt NOW and get me to the hospital NOW! I didn’t tell her what happened the whole way because I didn’t want her to pass out if she saw it and not be able to drive. It took alot of stiches and now i have a huge scar because it removed so much meat from my arm so my body had so fill that huge gap with all scar tissue. The cut was about an inch wide and now 2 years later the scar is 1/2 to 3/4 in wide. Do not! Do not! DO NOT EVER but this blade!!! Im a big strong guy and i had a 2 hand hold on this and i had no control over it. The dr said my long sleeve shirt could have been what saved me because the shirt got tangled in it when it hit me and stopped it but if I wasn’t wearing a long sleeve shirt she believed my flesh wouldn’t have slowed it down enough and it could have hit me in the face or neck and at that point she said I wouldn’t have ever made it to the hospital in time. I will continue to tell this story until i see people stop buying these blades. I even post this on an amazon add for this in the reviews. I got it at harbor freight and i went there weeks later and showed them the pics and what happened and they wanted to pull them off the shelf but ofcorse this never happened. Let me know if anyone wants to see the pics and I will figure a way to post them somewhere!
vanja zecevic thats what im thinking. I don’t even know what made me think it was a good idea to buy it. Now that I think about it it had bad idea written all over it lol
I'll take a look, add Imgur link
Johnny James how do i do that
@@jimboneutron8399 just Google Imgur you can upload pics, it gives you a link to copy and paste. If you look at another comment somewhere here, another guy has a pic of his injury, it ran all the way up the front of his shirt and hit his neck!. Hold on and I'll reply with a link of my biggest scar which I have tried to warn people about how oven doors only take 20kg to topple am oven, it acts as a lever. When I was a kid I had boiling water topple over with the stove when I meant on the oven door. Experiments of mine later on showed it only takes 20kgs to topple a stove with a lot of water on the back burner.
so you are %100 convinced that it is inevitable that you will injure yourself if using one of those blades?...
dont get me wrong, it sounds like your accident was extremely serious.
However, my thought process tells me this isn't any more dangerous than a Chainsaw... (i understand that saws have a break, but a chainsaw is just as unpredictable as a that grinder in the wrong hands.
I believe that with the right amount of understanding and experience, these tools they can be just as safe as any other powered cutting tool... After all, there is a whole industry that thrives on using exactly that and loggers dont seem to all be missing limbs or phalanges.
Thank you for your presentation and the use of the accident footage. Both items were easy to understand and create a powerful case for caution in the workplace. Heal well and happy woodworking.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thank you for all those useful information. I will make sure to adopt all the precautions next time I use such a grinder.
And just like that I lost any interest I might have had in doing power carving with an angle grinder. Great video James, thanks.
My cousin did this and nearly took off two fingers, and he still has numbness in those.
Thank you for being so honest!! I hope you heal soon!! Cheers PS I’m glad you didn’t become your channel name!!! 😂😂
Glad you didn't get it any worse. I used one of those for a few but used such a tight grip that my hands cramped too much making it even more unsafe. They dulled too fast too. Now I use the bur type.
Thank you for sharing this, you are absolutely right, with age and experience comes clumsiness and i certainly am heading that way. Thank you for the wakeup call
There used to be a larger version of that intended for petrol trimmers, quite effective for clearing brush and smaller trees (for those not into forestry, the eternal fight is having a blade that will not dull when hitting random rocks, while being able to cut through inch thick brush without any issues) . They were on the shelves for less than a year before they got "banned" (not sure if the government here actually did something or if the stores heard about some near-misses and stopped carrying them). When I first saw the angle grinder version, I thought "oh great, they made a version intended for you to hold in your hand, when the version intended to go at the end of a 2 meter pole wasn't even safe". Glad you're not hurt too severely, hope you heal up quick!
Thank you for mentioning the dangers of grinding with a wire wheel and your clothing. I was about 17 when I was using a very old heavy grinder with a cup brush. The wire brush caught my shirt and pulled so violently on it it knocked me to my knees and I thought someone had hit me on my shoulder with a baseball bat. TUCK IN YOUR SHIRTS!!!
Dennis White Over the last few weeks I’ve noticing myself making stupid moves a couple of times. My shop is getting a ‘No loose clothing. No drawstrings. Button up!’ sign tonight.
@@davidhawley1132 That's a wise move David. The hard part is on really hot days. I'm 66 now but that day stuck in my head.
Firstly, thanks so much for posting this and we are all happy that the incident didn't make your moniker valid!
I did read your READ BEFORE COMMENTING. But I still think that there are two issues to address.
You do say that you would be tossing that chainsaw disk, but then you go on to explain how to use it safer. The Lancelot is just plain dangerous (this is from someone who climbs trees with chainsaws) and I feel that the real takeaway from your video should be DON'T. I know that most of your discussion was general angle grinder safety, well said and I did learn from that, (thank you). And, from scanning the comments, many have come away from the video with that warning anyway (thank you). And it's a free country, mostly.
I disagree with your description of the physics/dynamics of the incident as described in the video. The Lancelot disk is designed for kickback. Period. On a commercial chainsaw bar, maybe 1/4th of the tip radius is considered the kickback zone (not counting bow bars). The Lancelot kickback zone is 360°. All of it. I know that there are those who have used it for years without incident, but there are plenty of safer alternatives. I use an Arbortech (no financial connection; not even sure where they're made) for feet on turned bowls and hogging out bowls on some spoons. A real pleasure to use and infinitely safer.
These are minor quibbles. I'm mostly an anarchist, but I wouldn't have a problem with the Lancelot being banned or sued out of existence. Please know that I appreciate this brave and important video.
Ignore the trolls. You definitely saved many viewers from injury or possibly death. Thank you
Hey, I wanted to say thanks for this video, especially because it took guts to make. I don't think I ever planted on carving with an angle grinder but I'm definitely finding the safety gear that's supposed to be on mine and putting it there.
When I was a wee lad me dad says to me don’t ever lose the fear or respect of it (what ever it’ is) that’s when it will get you
I watch these videos all the time...to keep me from getting complacent and just educate myself continually. Appreciate your candour, honesty like this is so so valuable thankyou
Way too scary looking anyway. Yesterday’s video was brutal
Many thanks for your humility and honesty. Huge respect!
I like woodworking, as a hobby, and I do general handyman stuff as a side-hustle, and my angle grinder is one of my most-used power tools. That's how I know that you only use an angle grinder if another tool won't work. You never take the handle off. You never take the guard off. You only ever use one part of the blade at any time, and only in one direction. I have an uncle who likes taking the handle and blade off, and I bought my first angle grinder so I wouldn't be using his when we were working together. Those things will straight-up murder you. Also, hot take: angle grinders are for metal and stone, not wood. Those things are dangerous enough without chainsaw, or carbide, teeth on them.
James,
Please, please send a copy of your video to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) . This product should not be on the market, and they are the folks that can make this happen. Your description of the ER experience is appalling. You had some real rookies on weekend duty. Can’t believe they didn’t cut your ring off before they stitched you up. I worked in an ER years ago and we had a “ring cutter”. Any stitchable finger with a ring on it either the ring came off or it was cut off before treatment. Swelling always occurs when tissue is traumatized . Thanks for sharing your experience and heal well
This is a prime example of why I hate seeing guys using angle grinders without blade guards all together. They think that they can over power the grinder if it catches or because they hold it off center that will save them from a injury. This shows that reaction time is no where near fast enough to avoid this kind of thing and freak accidents can't be anticipated.
I've used one of those for years and while they are effective in removing a large amount of material quite quickly, they are extremely aggressive. For me, the trick in using it is to never..NEVER, push forward with it.. always pull it backwards, and use light strokes.. you push that cutter blade forward and it's going to be violent every time
i agree, light pull strokes the way he was positioned. still good infotmation.
@@juanporter4137 there are no teeth on that side of the tool. so what is the point
Thanks for uploading this video. A 30 grit flap wheel will do the same job as that cutter.
I have used chainsaws for half a century, was using a Husky 385XP with 32” bar yesterday. That blade is a natural for kickback. I’ll use that “circular chainsaw” style of blade on my Stihl FS250 brushcutter, but I wouldn’t want it on either of my angle grinders.
So glad "Stumpy Nubs" did not become a reality. Hope you heal quickly.
I said my piece on the other video, but I remember when a piece of wood I was positioning on the router table just brushed against the spinning bit. One second it was in my hand and next it was flying across the yard leaving me with [thankfully] just a bruise. You really don't believe in the speed and force until you experience it - and you have NO reaction time [for those who still think they can react quick enough] to do anything to avoid becoming a statistic. Guards etc should not give you a sense of security, they should just be painted red, to remind you of the inherent danger EVERY power tool conceals. Wishing you a full recovery, James esp that tendon, and thank your god it wasn't worse.
And watching the video he had an excellent reaction time. Basically as soon as it ran across his fingers he was letting go and putting distance between him and the spinning blade of death. He has good reaction time, problem is it's just too fast to react to.
I bought one several years ago for my construction business and really liked what it could do. I hit some concrete and dulled the chain and it's been sitting around ever since. Probably for the better.
Thanks for the warning! I was thinking about getting one of these - not any more!!!
Thankyou so much for the post. I purchase one of these wood carving disks and went looking for the safest way to use it. After seeing your video I have decided to throw it in the bin. Hope you made a full recovery.
James: "if you want to see blood and gore, watch the other video."
James: ...continues to show blood and gore in this video...
Heal quickly James!
I showed already stitched wounds. I don't think that's gore.
@@StumpyNubs it wasnt gory some people are just wusses 😂
@@mark675 .....
@@StumpyNubs those stiches are going to be seared into my mind every time I need to use my angle grinder....
This is the 3rd video of yours that I've watched, the first was about table saw kickback, the 2nd was about your accident with the angle grinder and this is the 3rd. Instant sub. You definitely make woodworking safer with your videos.
And almost killing himself in the process with every video... guy should be more attentive.
We need acceleration brakes in hand-held power tools.
If the grinder moves too quickly, a brake seizes the spinner and removes power.
A kickback sensor could stop a circular saw.
A rotation sensor could stop a drill if the bit seizes.
A kickback sensor could stop a chain saw. (That anti-kickback paddle is better than nothing, but not much.)
A market opportunity waiting to be filled.
A few new grinders have all of that. Motor brake, kickback sensor and sensor that is detecting if the grinder is falling down.
@@MatejFabianek There really aren't many out there though, and of the few I eventually found searching a bit ago (which I found only by looking up almost the exact models featured in a tiny, tiny handful of videos), reviews of the feature are pretty mixed with some saying it basically didn't work at all when they had kickback or worked well enough to save thin cutting wheels from shattering due to snags. The video advertising the Metabo's anti-kickback features even showed inconsistency. It kicked the first time they tested it but magically worked every subsequent trial.
Bob D I think that good recent chainsaws have inertial brakes as well as the paddle.
really appreciate you sharing this. Really like the technical aspect of how tools work which can help keep people safe
thank you sir. good info. hope your hand heals soon.
This tool reminds me of the time my dad and nephew tried to give a large tom cat a bath in the kitchen sink. It made a terrible ruckus and when everyone came running in there was water and blood and soap and debri everywhere. They said it was like trying to wash a chainsaw running full speed with a bent bar and a chain that eventually partially fell off while still running.
my ex wife took her cat to the vet for a shampoo for mites. She asked the people if it hurt and they said, "Well, not the cat!"
Bo L Hahahahahahahaha!
anyone that has ever used a chain saw knows how easily this can happen, touch the tip to a log the wrong way and the saw is coming back to you very quickly. Visited my father in the ER as he was getting stitches in his hand, the brake on the saw was not working, (and yes he knew it), saw jumped and he put his hand up to protect his face. My father had used a chain saw for more than 50 years at the time this happened.
I cringe when I watch people using chain saws to carve stuff for the very reason above, at least having a functioning brake mitigates injury, but with an angle grinder you are SOL there.
I touched the knuckle on my index finger with a grinding disk when I was 16 years old, thankfully I got lucky and the groove it cut was only about a 16th of an inch deep, it didn't even bleed but I still have the scar.
Stumpy, I can’t thank you enough for turning this situation into a learning opportunity for all. I can only imagine how much sleep you have lost replaying this in your mind. This extremely aggressive tool, selected specifically to expedite hand carving, can instantly get ahead of the operator. As you said, the operator in this case attempted to reposition the tool for the next controlled pass and bumped the cutting edge into a ridge. I suspect the operator holds the grinder with a very firm and deliberate grip during the cutting pass, and then relaxes when then repositioning for the next pass. Clearly one can never relax with this tool in hand, including when the grinder is unplugged. Time to slow down and enjoy the action of those numerous hand planes 😊. Joel.....
Man that's terrible hope you feel better soon and heal quick this video will definitely be in my mind the next time I take out that grinder
I remember the first time I saw one of these my first reaction was NOPE!! Thank you for posting this, I am a ER nurse and wood worker so I've seen the cause and result of many dangerous tools. I'm saving for a sawstop right now, I just wish they would adapt that technology to routers, and bandsaws also.
Thank you for stopping me from the planned purchase of this accessory , and thanks also for making me more aware of the critical need for care when using an angle grinder.
Seen these, decided they look too dangerous so never bought, didn't know why, now I do. Thanks for posting!
A big mistake people make is putting grinder down on the disc side while slowing down,it can travel .
Wow, so sorry for your injury. Thanks so, so much for the education and warning.
Nice and very informative safety video. I changed my mind to buy a grinder. Thanks
Operator error. ALWAYS shoot material towards yourself.
Would add that is not the only error there. imo
Maybe sawstop could get in grinder business.
45 years ago when I had long hair, I was leaning over something with a drill. My hair got caught at the base of the chuck and the drill walked up to the side of my face. No harm done that some shampoo wouldn't fix but it was a very memorable moment. Beware anything that spins, with teeth or not.
R Brown i have long hair and on the last year I have been spending more time in my workshop. I’m starting to consider cutting it short.
Wow, that clip is absolutely terrifying. I will never be using one of these. Hope you healed well.
I had a severe kickback from my angle grinder 6 weeks ago. I was using a diamond blade to cut stitch welds to repair a mistake. Somehow, the blade bound for a split second and the grinder whipped around on the axis of the shaft even though I had 2 hands on it; the aux handle was in the vertical hole which gave me no control over the kickback. The blade hit the knuckle on the back of my right hand index finger and fortunately bounced off the bone. A single 3/4" cut, very deep, but relatively clean.. Being a diamond blade, it has no teeth to shred tissue and the damage was more to my ego and the time lost working. It is very hard to work with one hand in most trades.... The throbbing pain and extreme sensitivity went away after about 4 weeks. I learned a valuable lesson that day without losing any digits.
"Whirling spinning tools of metal death"
Awesome band love the song "cutting fingers "
@@fixitfelix718 Haven't heard much from them since they released the single "End This Man's Whole Career", recorded live in Berlin.
I am seriously considering throwing away the one I inherited from my Dad. Plus, I never used it. These two videos are extremely frightening. Not worth it in my mind.
An angle grinder can be a very safe and versatile tool. But it can resemble a firearm in that; it is the users knowledge, skill and use to maintain safety for yourself and others around you to when using it.
The chain saw blade for a 4 inch angle grinder, gives me the willys to have your fingers so close to with the lack of. Control off. Would rather use a proper chainsaw with kick back feature.
stripcslashes - no... he is not dumb... he is aware that skill and awareness can overcome many hazards, and the lack of it, as well as overconfidence, can create many...
I have carved many hours with one of these... and know from some scary experiences that didn’t kill me, that I must NEVER use it or apply it to the material/workpiece in a way that would allow it to change angles (and direction) in my hands...
That being said, (one can use one of these skillfully and wisely enough to NOT die) this IS an incredibly dangerous tool, especially on a higher power angle grinder... MUCH more dangerous and prone to kick-out/kick-back, than the tip of a chainsaw.
I applaud the example of this video and the prior one to help give potential users the hazard awareness to approach with appropriate EXTREME caution, or perhaps decide not to use one at all.
I use mine at ONLY one angle of attack at a go... and never change angle or body position with the tool running. I also use it on a lower amperage “cheapie” angle grinder that does not produce the violent kickbacks that that dewalt would...
Would I reccommend this tool to anyone... NO.
The other type of wheels he shows with the tiny carbide teeth are a much better choice for the type of angle of attack he was using.
I use mine on a “dead man” foot switch that requires my foot pressure on it to keep it running... and it is still scary every time I use it...
I think it is that “butterflies In the stomach” feeling of being scared of what CAN happen that has kept me very cautious and from hurting myself with it.
I bought one of those wheels and I never used it.. After watching your video, I never will. Thanks for this video..
The video at 5:00 ish, of the tool slipping is enough on its own to make me swear off getting one of these for life. Utter nightmare fuel if you've ever spent much time with power tools. Let alone the injury photos.
You're saving fingers at least by sharing this. Thank you.
I got the link to this video from another video talking about the same disc, when I saw "Stumpy Nubs", I thought that was referring to having fingers cut off, or almost cut off if figured it was a channel with one video.