Sad News From Memphis

[Tarhead]

Joan Kelly died last week. She was a very talented, experienced Turner but was struck in the face and forehead by pieces of a large bowl blank she was turning. Be careful and wear a good faceshield. BTW... good does not equal a $5 HF special! I wouldn't want to loose any friends prematurely.
http://www.woodturnersamerica.com/i...=142:joan-kelly&catid=43:on-the-cover-current

http://www.coopersafety.com/product/uvex-bionic-faceshield-1189.aspx

 

[Kyle]

Heard about that at the Charlotte Woodturners meeting. Very talented person.

 

[ashley_phil]

That's terrible. Hate to hear that.

 

[cskipper]

What a tragedy. Lathes can be very scary. I was taught a dangerous method for drilling pen blanks on the lathe. When drilling a blank the chuck flew off the lathe, fortunately away from me. I knew what I had been shown seemed unsafe, but didn't ask anyone but the class instructor, until that happened. That instructor never teaches classes alone anymore.

Common sense was undoubtedly not her problem, but lack of it was mine. Be sure you understand the risks, signs of impending trouble, and the importance of listening to that inner voice. Plus - buy the safety gear. It might not stop something this traumatic, but will prevent many other things.

 

[woodArtz]

That's why I call the area directly in front of the turning, "the arc of death". Very sad news. Be careful out there.