Quick Video Update

10 Responses to “Quick Video Update”

1. Eric on May 11th, 2008 11:21 pm

   There. NOW we have closure.

   Look forward to seeing what you have in store next! The charity thing sounds like a great idea.

2. Kurt Wenzelburger on May 12th, 2008 12:34 am

   I don’t know if this is embarrassing or ironic, but after 38+ years of woodworking, and watching all the safety videos this week, and nodding my head in agreement with Marc when he made a point, I had my first semi-serious accident this afternoon. So I’ll get over the embarrassment,

   []‘] pass on my little experience and hope someone will learn from it. My error was something that Marc only briefly alluded to a couple times in his videos. Focus. I lost focus on what I was doing and nearly mangled the tip of my thumb in the process. I was ripping a whole bunch of scraps into thin pieces that I was going to make into decorative splines for strengthening miter joints in some projects I am working on, and got to thinking about the next few steps in the project instead of what I was doing. As a result, I had my thumb in-line with the blade as it came out the end of the board I was ripping. I was about as lucky as I could get by contacting the blade and not sustaining any serious or permanent damage. I managed to slice off about a quarter of my thumbnail and nicked the quick underneath just enough to draw a tiny bit of blood. Another 1/8″ to the right and I’d have an 1/8″ kerf about 1/4″ deep through the width of my thumb, and won a round trip ticket to the emergency room. So after washing up and wrapping a bandage around my thumb, I gave myself several dope slaps for being a dope. I’ve always had the little voice in my head telling me to pay extra attention when doing repetitive cuts, because it’s so easy to lose focus and/or get in a hurry and have something go wrong. The little voice failed me today. Hopefully that will be the last time. I had the foresight to take a picture of my thumb before I cleaned it up and I’ve printed that picture and have it hanging in my shop as a reminder to the little voice to pay more attention. So basically, my point is to pay attention to what you’re doing at all times. It only takes a split second for something to happen, and that something could be a heck of a lot worse than a shaved thumbnail.

3. tooladdict on May 12th, 2008 12:59 am

   I know I’ve said it before, but you guys rock! I think it’s awesome that you and Nicole are always looking at the bigger picture.
   What a great idea to unite the everyone towards a positive cause like Charity.

   Only one idea-
   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints provides humanitarian relief through out the world including Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta. Recognizing the bigger picture is not just money and supplies being collected for areas like Myanmar, the church has posted several patterns for small wooden toys that can be downloaded, or printed off their website (link below) and assembled out of basic scraps that we all have laying around our workshops. These toys will be shipped around the world to children less fortunate. If anyone is interested in donating of their time, talents and scraps, the church’s contact information is on the web page, I can also be emailed directly and I can help put you in contact with church representatives in your area who will take you donation.

   http://www.lds.org/ldsfoundati.....00,00.html

4. Patrick on May 12th, 2008 8:56 am

   For any who thought safety week was a waste of time. Having recently updated my first aid cards, and having spent a couple of recent ER visits to gather more stitches for ‘”dumb mistakes”. I can’t thank you enough for more hints to lessen what the doctors and hospital can get from me. Safety reminders and a time to review my own practices and special equipment are a good idea. Thank you for that. And for some very talented doctors, as I still try not to be like an accident looking for a place to happen.

5. Victor on May 12th, 2008 9:15 am

   Great week Marc,
   The focus on safety was remarkable and mind and body awakening on many levels. And a week of reinforcement kept the safety theme well in mind, so thanks. The charity idea is GRAND! I am father to a high functioning, differently abled young man, 22 years old with Down Syndrome, who is learning woodworking right beside me. We have created a few modest pieces including jewelry boxes and cutting boards and a vanity for his mom, my lovely wife. I have experience with community group homes which house differently abled (Special needs) people. They live rather Spartan lives with little to occupy themselves other than art and a select few with means have part time jobs. Many are very capable people who would benefit from some woodworkers thoughtful teaching and or taking under wing as shop assistants. Or helping some group home with carpentry type maintenance issues or building them a piece of furniture, toys, whatever… Some consideration is necessary, with regard to liability, however I believe it’s possible, and perhaps thoughtful movement along this line of charity would be grand indeed for some woodworker.
   Myanmar’s is very important in terms of charity, but I submit we have much needed work to do right here in HomeLand USA! Let’s start with helping our differently abled neighbors they will in turn help others too.
   Way to go Marc and Nichole and thanks again for sharing all your wood working lessons, information and experience with us fledglings.

6. George Barry on May 12th, 2008 9:38 am

   A big “Thank You” to you Marc and all of the people and organizations that participated in Safety Week. All of us
   need a reminder now and then to make sure we are working in
   a safe manner. I appreciated the message and look forward
   to next year.
   Thanks again.
   George Barry

7. Sharon on May 12th, 2008 11:14 am

   what do you mean “safety week is over” ? 8-\

   IT’S SAFETY WEEK - EVERY WEEK!

   Thanks Marc, and Nicole, for stepping up to this challenge, and carrying everyone around you along the experience together.

8. Carl Storz on May 12th, 2008 3:40 pm

   Safety Week was great! I learned most of what you demonstrated by trial and error. This is a better way. The fact that we had some new videos to see was even better. This accomplished two things. Speaking of safety, I am on dialysis and get quite a bit of heparin several times a week. Looking back at your former life, what can I do to be safe from heparin? Drug safety week next! It’s a matter of life and death to me and manny others. Thanx

9. Vic on May 12th, 2008 3:53 pm

   It will be interesting to see who/what charity you two come up with.
   As you can see from Tool and Victor, everyone has their own charities in mind. Sylvia and I support a battered women’s shelter, a non-profit psychiatric facility and, of course, different animal shelters. Who/whatever charity you choose will be lucky to have the force of the Spagnuolos behind them!

10. Gary on May 14th, 2008 10:21 am

    I’m new to woodworking but not to life, having been a motorcycle officer for 20 years, paramedic for 10, and now a safety director for a construction company. We preach to these guys on a daily basis to look at your surroundings and think about what you are doing before you do it. You know what, they still get hurt by silly little dumb mistakes.

    When I started WW about a year ago I’ll never forget the 1st time I cut something on the TS. I look at everything, my hands, my feet, ny body position, and the board I was cutting and actually started sweating a cold sweat. Still do. I’m so scared of these power tools that I think it heightens my awareness every time in the shop so I think it is a good thing!.

    Great videos, etc. Thanks!

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