Thomas brookes -
Love the horse gas mask! But does it help against kickback?
I'd guess that many of our members have other interests than photography, including dangerous machinery.
A "funny" story, courtesy of my father (1914-1987), a PhD chemical engineer. He spoke of a friend who bought one of the early power circular hand saws, commonly known then and now as "skilsaws" from one of the earlier makers. He essayed a cross cut, there was a kickback. Looking down he saw a cut through his pant leg, BUT, mirabule dictu, NOT into his leg!. He pulled the plug, set the saw aside forever.
Perhaps that saw didn't have the current spring loaded blade guard. I'm sure they help but don't trust them!
Another personal story, more contemporary. Several years ago I arrived at the house of my then lady-friend, a well-educated and most capable woman of about 53. She was in the garage about to cut with a "skilsaw" a 2 x 6 or whatever supported by a director's chair. The cut would have been BETWEEN the arms of the chair, almost guaranteeing a kickback.
I said nothing but immediately pulled the plug on the saw. She said, "What the H*** are you doing?" When I explained the risk she was mollified. This lovely, sexy, desireable woman might have been horribly maimed. (BTW our relationship expired, but at least not because of this!) Like many of us she'd relied on print media or the internet or whatever (having little access to real world experience or users) for DIY info.
My point is this: Most of us do many other things beyond photography. We are, I hope, are aware of the very real risks of some of our "soups" - any mercury compounds? Eh? Just a bit of Metol for you? - but when the opportunity arises we should pass on our knowledge of perils not easily known, save by experience.
Any one else have a car almost fall off a shoddy jackstand? Best have a friend nearby!
