I was busy splitting some chucks yesterday. In a moment of adjusting one that didn't want to split my left thumb got between the push plate and the chunk. In a split second I had the last section of my thumb barely attached. 2 hospitals and 9 hours later it's stitched back on and waiting to see if it will survive. Sure looks nasty!
Be Careful Out There
- Thread starter sundance
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Ouch! That's no good. Wishing you all the best for a good recovery. 
Best wishes. It's amazing how many splitter incidents happen. My nephew, not paying attention, got his thumb caught in the splitter. Not as bad as yours though. I use my thigh to adjust the round as the ram is coming. My loose jeans got caught, pulling my skin into the log. Still have a bruise after several years.
Only an "ouch" but yesterday I had my fingers wrapped around the split I thought was done, retracted the cylinder and the split closed up.
Saw the hand specialist today. Looks probably I'll lose at least some of the end of the thumb. Another look in a week and then probably a surgery decision on how much comes off. I like the doctor, he wants to save the maximum length possible.
That's what she said !!
Dang. Sorry to hear that. Never had any issues myself, knock on wood. Smashed a toe really good (nothing broken) and a tablesaw kickback damaged a thumb badly though. Took nearly a year before the final effects of the damage wore off.
But really, we’re going to need a pic or two- not too gruesome!
But really, we’re going to need a pic or two- not too gruesome!
Any pics so far would be pretty gruesome!Dang. Sorry to hear that. Never had any issues myself, knock on wood. Smashed a toe really good (nothing broken) and a tablesaw kickback damaged a thumb badly though. Took nearly a year before the final effects of the damage wore off.
But really, we’re going to need a pic or two- not too gruesome!
Ouch! That must have hurt. Thanks for the reminder and I hope you heal up ok.
Surprisingly little pain. I'm not sure that's a good thing.
spydahead
ArboristSite Member
I did the same thing about a year and a half ago, I had a lot of wood to split and not much time to do it, I was moving way too fast and got my thumb between the base plate and an oak log… Long nasty story short they had to end up amputating about an inch off my thumb on my left hand. I guess hard lessons are the best lessons, and I think about my thumb every time I Splitwood and I split my wood at a much slower pace. It took about six months to completely get back to normal and I don’t. Even notice it anymore. Give it time to heal. You will be fine.
Can't even say I was hurrying. Brain just focused on splitting a goofy little piece instead of hand placement. Hopefully I find out how bad it will end up tomorrow. Can't wait for the bills to roll in!
Good to hear the end result shouldn't be too bad. Six months.....damn.
cumminstinkerer
addicted to making my boiler run clean
Not wood related but working on an old B JD for a neighbor, rolling engine with flywheel by hand checking valve timing, darn thing flipped over compression stroke super fast and somehow ran my left index finger in between the ring gear and the starter drive! ouch to say the least, 4 surgeries, staff infection, 6 weeks with a picc line, a permanent pin, and year later I still have most of m finger, I am missing the outer knuckle and 2.3mm of the outer end, I still have my fingernail, although its a bit funky. That was 15 years ago, I have most of the use back but cold still bothers it pretty bad. If they pin yours keep that sucker clean, you DO NOT want staff, that sucked, 3 times a day for six weeks shooting refrigerator cold antibiotics into a line going right into your heart is not cool, pun intended! good luck man, I know one of the very best hand surgeons in the country!
Camper
ArboristSite Lurker
I’m sorry for your bad luck. I did about the same thing a few years ago only it was my pinky finger between the round and stop plate. It flattened the the end of my finger from the last joint out needless to say it busted it and broke the bone. Lots of stitches no surgery my finger is twisted and kind of lopsided but I can still use it. I kinda felt sorry for the er nurse when I unwrapped it blood shot up in the air and she had to turn her head away the Dr thought she was going to pass out.
I’ve said a prayer for you praying yours turned out as well as mind did.
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During my 36" stroke splitter build I changed my mind on cycle time. I decided instead to make everything as handy as possible for rounds placement and did things that keep my hands away from the wedge. I also have my push plate stop just over an inch from the wedge. I also don't sharpen my wedge as often any more, I got more cuts from bumping the wedge than anything. I have angle irons welded on that help to hold the round in position so I don't have to hold them as often. I installed auto cycle valve and use it every single time so I'm used to its actions. If I worked straight thru it only takes me a few days to split all the wood I need for my OWB so even if I halved my splitter speed it would only save me a couple days per year. Just not worth the danger to me. My grandson is also getting to the age of being able to help me so a little slower cycle time is fine. I have enough close calls in the bush to keep my Doctor busy.
Saw the hand doctor today. He said everything seems to be regenerating well. Has hopes no surgery required and that other than looking strange it will heal itself. Since I've had it over 70 years I like that. We'll look again in three weeks and see how its progressing.
That is promising news. Continued best wishes on speedy recovery.
I‘ve had that happen, but never bad enough to cause an injury. I’ll push the splitter back down to open it back up.
