The Day I Nearly Lost My Thumb

The Day I Nearly Lost My Thumb (and Why You Need a SawStop)

I learned the hard way just how critical a SawStop can be.

Back before I was married, I decided to surprise my then-girlfriend (now wife) with a custom-built entertainment center. Picture this: I’m up early, buzzing with excitement, alone in the shop, saw humming as I dive into the project. Then, in a split second, disaster. The blade caught my thumb mid-cut, slicing halfway through it.

I froze, staring at the mess, blood pooling as I fumbled for anything to wrap it with. Shock doesn’t even begin to describe it. Thankfully, my brother was nearby and rushed me to urgent care. A handful of stitches later, I walked out with a mangled thumb—a badge of honor I never wanted but one that marked me as a “true woodworker,” whether I liked it or not.

That incident was a wake-up call. After some debate, we finally invested in a SawStop—a decision I wish we’d made sooner. It’s not just me; before we got it, three of my employees suffered similar injuries. Each time, I kicked myself for not acting earlier. If you can swing the cost, trust me: get a SawStop. It’s worth every penny for the peace of mind alone.

But if that’s not in the cards for you yet, here’s my hard-earned advice—my top four woodshop safety tips to keep you in one piece:

1. Don’t  

2. Be  

3. An  

4. Idiot 

Simple, right? Sometimes it’s the basics that save you. Stay sharp out there—figuratively, not literally.