I split a few logs down into thinner sections to get the fire going with my hydraulic log splitter last night. All went well until one got stuck on the static blade. Now the splitter itself is pretty safe. It needs two hands to press the button and hold the lever down so you'd need to be inventive to get your hand in the way.
Sometimes a log splits with a bang and jumps off the machine, so you learn to keep your feet out of the way.
Anyway, grabbed the stuck log off the blade and pulled it clear, thinking to just finish the split by pulling it apart. It came off the blade easily enough and then the wood snapped shut on me, trapping a finger. Think grabbing a finger in some pliers and squeezing.
Couldn't get the blessed thing to open enough to get my finger out so grabbed a crowbar - pretty tricky operating it one handed and no joy. Ran into the house and Val and I pulling couldn't get it open but eventually she managed to lever it a bit with crowbar and I was free.
It throbbed for the evening and looked angry but Ibuprofen gel and some bruise cream soothed things. Amazingly it looks normal this morning - I thought it would be very bruised.
Won't make that mistake again. Don't underestimate the power of wood.
