Look what Kickback can do......

[L. Wakefield]

   Glasses plus safety goggles are a definite good combo. I learned about that from steel work. A high-speed grinder will flip bits of slag into your eye quite well with regular glasses on. After they took the bits out of the eye, I made a habit of wearing the goggles.  lw

[whitepe]

Last summer (sept 2001) I went out along my driveway to
trim off a couple of limbs from a dead osage orange
tree.  Limbs were about head high and I reached up with
a small limbing saw. One limb was about 5 feet long
and weighed about 50-60 pounds. When it was fully cut off
the limb brushed the main trunk on it's way down and the
limb flipped into my arms. Couldn't hold it and saw so
the saw came down across the front of my left ankle
sawing through my 6 inch high leather boots.
went to hospital and got 10 stitches.  A month later
the ankle got badly infected and I spent 6 days 5 nights
in the hospital.  $7000 hospital bill.
On my way home from the hospital
I stopped by my local chainsaw shop and picked
up my kevlar boots and pants. I won't saw without them now.
However, what kinds of protective equipment would protect
against a kickback that caused the neck injury?

[Kevin]

To prevent kickback use a sharp chain, high rpm and don`t cut with the tip.
Keep both hands on the saw and keep your forward arm rigid, fingers and thumb wrapped around the handle bar and never use a chainsaw above your shoulders.
Wear an approved hardhat with face shield and safety glasses.
Look beyond where you`re cutting and always be aware of potential hazards.
Safety chains with bumper links or drivers that help prevent kickback are also available.

[Ron Scott]

Had surgery for carpal tunnel done in the left wrist Tuesday in VA Hospital, Saginaw, MI. Couldn't wait any longer, but 18 years after the right wrist.

Sure was sore Tuesday night, couldn't even push a computer key, but feeling better now. The arm is waking up. Stitches to come out next Thursday.

It will be a little hard timber marking for awhile though.

[Kevin]

Ron, I would have done that for you for half the price.  
Hope it heals up quick, take it easy.

[CHARLIE]

I mentioned these before, but noticed that Woodcraft (www.woodcraft.com) now has these Electronic Hearing Protectors on sale. I think they are a Dang good idea for those people that need to hear others talk while still wearing Hearing Protectors.

Over & Out Electronic Hearing Protectors
($59.99, $5 dollars off the regular price)
Sale ends August 31, 2002
Sound is received by a microphone and sent to speakers in each ear cup via a control circuit. Normal hearing is allowed until 85 decibels, at which point the smart circuitry instantly defaults to an NRR 28 rating. When noise goes below 85 Db., normal hearing is restored. With the Over & Out muffs, you can leave your ear protection on and still have normal conversations when noise levels are safe. The off/volume control allows you to actually turn up the volume for enhanced hearing. No more accidental scares or having to yell or lift your ear protection for conversation. Requires two AA batteries, not included.  Woodcraft product # 143062. Regular price is $64.99.
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And no.....I don't work for or own stock in the Woodcraft company or the company that makes this hearing protector. I just figured some one might be interested. It seems like a great idea.

[rebocardo]

Well, that picture convinced me of two things. Not to switch to pro chain until I have used low kick back for more than a year and to get those chaps!