Lesson learned

[Kevin Arceneaux]

I was using a large diameter hole drill bit and did not clamp the wood down. BIG MISTAKE. The bit grabbed the wood and spun it - at groin level. It hurt and is still annoying me. OF course on the back of the packaging, it stated to clamp the wood down.

Another question about safety - when using a dado blade, I noticed when using it on plywood, some large peices at the back of the board would fly off - it stung. Use a backer board?

[Brian Hale]

You're a lucky man Kevin. It could have been much much worse. I've seen a guy get wrapped up in a spindle when the workpiece broke loose, caught his shirt sleeve and pulled his arm into the spinning piece. :eek:
You already stated what you should have done, clamp it first. Listen to that little voice in your head.

As for the dado blade, make shallow passes and leave the stock big for later clean up. Chip out is common on construction grade plywood but less so on quality cabinet grade ply.

Glad you weren't injured!
Brian :)

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Kevin,

Glad to hear that you are okay!!

The dado blade issue could be solved by smaller passes and a backer board.