I have been busily working away lately and I try to always keep my tools in good shape. I like to make sure they are sharp and working correctly. (After my son had to get stitches in his leg, I am very aware of the damage a dull drill bit and a power tool can do in a matter of seconds...) But, sometimes, no matter how new or sharp of a tool, they can still break.
I bought this drill bit not too long ago and was in the middle of making some candles and a few jewelry boxes when all of the sudden the drill bit lost its grip and spun off the log. It just missed my leg by about an inch. It happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what had happened until I examined the drill bit. The center point was gone, missing. Where was it? I quickly did a check - was it embedded in my leg and I just wasn't aware of it yet? I checked again and luckily it wasn't.
I searched for a few minutes, but never did find that missing drill bit tip. I realize that there wasn't anything I could have done to prevent this, but sometimes that is just what happens. Such is how it is working with power tools.
Anyway, when working with power tools, please be as safe as you can. Accidents can and will happen and it only takes a split second. I don't think you should stop doing something you love because it is dangerous or because of what "might happen". If you find something you love to do, just do it as safely as possible so you can continue to do it for a long time to come.
To this day, I never, ever use my skilsaw with the 12" blade without first doing a thumb and finger check. I also always think of the wise words from the man who sold it to us. Those words were, "Be careful. This thing will take off a finger before you even know it was cut off!" I like to keep those words in my head to keep my fingers safe. :)
Take care.
