BANNED: Woodworking's most dangerous tool? 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ --Link to document outlining the UK restrictions: www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-safety-alert-issued-for-angle-grinder-chainsaw-disc-attachment -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs -Facebook: facebook.com/Stumpy-Nubs-Woodworking-Journal-305639859477973/ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Sjobergs Workbenches: affinitytool.com/brands/sjobergs *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

I was a 14 year old attempting a massive woodcarving project. at that time, there were not very many power tools for the job. So, when I have seen this chainsaw disk in my local shop, I was super excited to get it. The guy did not sell it to me. And I had to finish the project with a tiny chisel. Thank you wise man, I am now a grown man still with full set of testicles!

"Imagine a chainsaw that is nothing but tip." The perfect description of these kickback devils.

I've used chainsaws for over 50 years, even professionally in my youthful logging days. The first time I saw one of those chainsaw angle grinder discs, I muttered, "WTF" and felt queasy just looking at it. Years later I watched your videos about your misadventures with the damn thing. Queasy all over again. Thanks for this reasonable and persuasive warning.

When I started woodworking, I was sure the table saw was by far my most dangerous tool and I was super cautious, took a safety class that covered table saws, band saws, circular saws, jointers, and planers. And then I had a cutting disc fly off my tiny little Dremel tool, whizz by my head and embed in the wall because I failed to attach it correctly. I put the Dremel down and went in the house and Googled safety on every single power tool I had, no matter how small. Scared the crap out of me. So thanks for this.

The kickback of a wire wheel catching an edge is terrifying enough, the idea of chainsaw teeth on an angle grinder is terrifying.

I believe you offer the most safety instructions of anyone I have seen on RU-vid. Thanks for being a responsible and conscientious teacher.

Even when an angle grinder is unplugged, I can't help but feel instant anxiety seeing people rest their hands on the disc or blade lol

I've been a welder for 7 years and I use a 4 inch grinder daily. That disc looks so cool but I would definitely never recommend someone ever using this without mastery of both the flapper disc and the cutoff wheel. Out of all the big blades, saws and high current equipment I use, the small 4 inch grinder is one of the scariest I use because it can mess you up if you get complacent with it.

A crucial difference between metal and wood is that wood can split and catch your tool. Add a tool that is designed to take large chips, and you have a recipe for desaster. I have years of experience with angle grinders and I wouldn't touch this. My spine tingles just from the thought of using it. When you use an aggressive tool, think of this: you are the softest object in the shop!

Yeah, had more stitches (internal and external) than I thought possible and lost a 7 inch chunk of my thigh to that POS. Guard and handle made no difference when it caught, nearly broke my wrist as it easily powered it's way past to my leg. Never felt kickback like that. Used multiple times without incident but it only took once. Still no idea what caused it in my situation. Just no problem, no problem, no problem, bam - ambulance and extreme blood loss. I'm not a weekend warrior, contracting was my life. There's no amount of time saved worth the risk that thing poses.

Your comment that a person does not know what they do not know is so true. Thanks for telling us what you know. I hope you do achieve a full recovery.

Finally someone who recognizes that "personal responsibility" isn't just a magic spell to rationalize away the responsibility of everyone else.

As a long term professional metal worker (30+ years) that has used all manner of power tools and angle grinders of all sizes from 3.5" to 9" hundreds if not thousands of times and as a competent DIY woodworker of some 15+ years using hand and power tools, including chainsaws and table saws, I can honestly say that this tool is one to avoid, and I thought exactly that the first time I saw one. I'm no "super safety" nay sayer freak, but there's just no way I'd ever buy or use one. The kickback produced by a sanding disk can be a eye widening and ring tightening experience at the best of times, even for the highly practiced, but those are paper backed which tear and give somewhat, making it not such a major issue if you're using the grinder in the correct manner. With a hard, rigid metal disk such as that, spinning at 11500rpm and with the uneven and sharpened nature to the edge of it, there is no way you will hold onto it when it bites and it WILL bite some day, most likely when you're least expecting it. I was horrified that such a tool could be passed through even the most slack of safety regulations and be allowed onto the market in the first place. If you have ever bought or been given one of these meat shredders, I suggest you do yourself and the rest of your fellow workers a huge favour and destroy it, irreparably. Stick it in a vice and bend it in half with a hammer or something. The most ridiculously dangerous and stupid tool idea I've ever seen. And being marketed mostly at the casual home enthusiast is just mind boggling to me.

I've been doing woodwork for close to 50 years. That has got to be the most dangerous things I've ever seen marketed to the common homeowner/DIY person. Great video, all of yours are!

I lost a finger just watching this.

It's because of people like you that I still have all my fingers complete after starting woodworking as a hobby. Thank you, dear Stumpy Nubs!

The way you explain things so clearly is truly wonderful. You speak in such a respectful informative manner. Even when it’s not a tool I plan to use, I end up watching the entire video and learning something I had no idea about. Thank you so much! Your channel is amazing.

The kickback from a chainsaw is terrifying enough where you have a pretty large fulcrum to offset the force and deal with it safely. Having that short of a grip on a blade like that is just asking for trouble.

I will never use my chainsaw carving disc again. Scary stuff. Great vid.

This gave me chills. I am a retired Plastic surgeon and over the years have had to deal with many DIY disasters. I now do a lot of woodworking and have used this type of disc for carving wood. I always use industrial gloves and grip and dip when carving. What struck me about this video was the analogy of tripping whilst walking. I do that too! I have been lucky and that is what gives me the chills. Just thinking of what could have happened. This is an excellent video. Now I have to look up what you mean by quadrants. Never heard of that before. Again, thank you for an excellent video.

I wanted to use this cutter today for a small job, but went with multi tool saw. Way safer. And now I saw your video and after considering that I had this way of thinking several times now, to go with different tool, I will stand up after writing this comment, go to my workshop and throw the saw into bin for scrap metal.

First of your videos I've seen. You'd make a fantastic class instructor. Your delivery is impeccable and you hold attention like a magnet. Keep it up!

I first saw these blades a few years ago, and my first thought was "aw hell no". I've managed to hurt myself twice with a grinder, once with a metal cutting disc (that did a top job of slicing through a work glove and the back of my finger when it kicked back), and once with a wood cutting disc (basically a circular saw blade that did its very best to take the end of my finger off because I put the guard in the wrong place). Thankfully neither was life changing (were trouser changing though) but its proof that no matter how much you think you've got it all under control, sometimes, you don't.

I appreciate that you show that the tool is unplugged during your talk by having the end of the cord sticking out of the table. I'm sorry to hear about your injury and glad to have forewarning on this type of blade in particular.

As a DIYer who often reaches to the edge of his abilities, I thank you for this video. A new Sub just for this one.

I've been eyeing this blade in the box of grinder discs I inherited from my father in law, really tempted to bolt it on and play with some sculpting. Something told me it just wasn't a good idea. Thank you so much for posting this. Instead of just throwing it away, maybe I'll use the steel for a little welding practice.

I used to do a lot wood sculpting and thought this tool was the answers to most of my problems like scorching, and clogging. Yes it removes a lot of wood very quickly. To start with it looks dangerous and I had reservations about buying it. When I put it on my grinder the centrifugal torque inertia it produced because of the extra revolving weight alone should have told me there was a problem. It cost me 11 weeks of work ( unpaid ) and the loss of 2 fingers ( it went in side ways, not straight across ) .... You can still buy them, the blades, not the fingers .... and I believe there is a 9 inch version as well....

I was a log carpenter for many years. We called that handy little device the "Wheel of Death". Nobody got hurt with one, but we were used to doing copes with chain saws while standing on icy logs.

My first thought upon seeing one of those blades years ago was "what kind of madman dreamed that up?"

Thank you. I talked my accident prone, uncareful Dad out of buying this type of product by showing him your original accident video at the time. This updated vid is great.

A friend bought one for me to do some work for him. After 30 seconds it was shut off and filed in the circular file. Dangerous is not the word for this tool, DEADLY is more accurate. I hate this tool with a passion. ( not the side grinder but the chain blade)

Man, I've had normal grinder discs fail and explode, I can't even imagine having a damn chainsaw disc fail catastrophically at 13,000 RPM. It's sketchy enough when it happens on a chainsaw and the chain wrap itself around a tree or shreds some chaps, that little death machine just seems straight dangerous. Cool concept though.

I can picture the meeting " I KNOW - let's take the most dangerous part of a chain saw, double the RPM and bring it two feet closer to the operator - we'll make millions!!

I bought one of these things a couple of years ago and have yet to put it on my angle grinder (a combination of a lack of inspiration and what turns out to be a very healthy dose of paranoia). Given the number of near misses I've had with a standard angle grinder, I think I'll be throwing mine away. Thanks for sharing.

I love your speaking voice. You are so measured, deliberate, informative and calming. You really could expand into audiobooks or similar. So relaxing! Also, cool woodworking stuff.

Thank you, James. Just seeing this, four days before the end of the year...and I can say without reservation that this is the most important YT video I've seen this year. I'm sorry to learn about your injury, and of many of my fellow commenters injuries. I bought one of these tools this past summer to assist in my new chansaw carving hobby. Seemed like a great tool, but there were a few times where it snarled at me. Luckily, the one kickback was moderate and didn't get that close to my body. Well, maybe not luckily; if I hadn't seen this video, I could still have conviced myself, "I got this." At the time, just thought I needed to gain some more experience. Well, the only additional experience I will have with this tool is to bury it or throw it off a bridge, so than neither I nor anyone else can use it again. I'll take the extra time to remove the wood, in ways that I have maximum control. Great channel. Be well.

I’d like to just simply say that you are so incredibly educational, well spoken and a truly great teacher. You remind me of the teacher in high school that everyone liked and respected because they/you are just that good. We are getting into woodworking and you are my favorite……bourbon moth is the only other person I watch. You’re both different and amazing. Thank you for being YOU and doing it so well. I think we will not own one of these grinder blades 😬

just want to let you know that I bought one of these shortly before your injury to carve out the old moulding of an arched top front door James. I would have been working with it above my head. You may have saved me from a potential injury and I still think in horror about what could have happened.

I'm NOT a work worker; I'm an part time artist who thought these would be super badass for sculpting. I have two grinders...so naturally I bought two "sizes" of these blades and went to work with them in a most haphazard way. According to you, I was doing virtually everything I possibly could to chop off my fingers. I KNEW they were sketchy...I'm not blind. It's a freaking CHAINSAW on your GRINDER for Chrissakes! I'm so glad and grateful for this video. I'll be tossing those blades from my shop immediately. Thank you!

I got some good advice from my grandpa before my first wilderness trip into northern Minnesota. He said “think hard about how you are going to swing your axe. Especially when you are a 4 day paddle out of trouble”.

I find angle grinders to be one of the scariest tools when using them with their intended cut off disks. The first time I saw the chainsaw wheel, I almost had a heart attack, even before seeing your (or anyone else's) injury from one. I had cold sweats from the mental imagery of the damage these things could potentially do. I mean the angle grinder and the chainsaw have got to be among of the most dangerous tools one could use (I own both). Combining them is a nightmare from hell. Thank you again for being humble enough to share your experience James. I'm sure you've saved countless people from injury.

Quote of the day: "overly aggressive, irresponsibly marketed finger shredder." From someone who knows, not an imaginary, comment board "expert".

The first time I saw this disk at a store, I said "damn, that's the finger remover 5000" to a buddy I was with. He ended up buying the damn thing another day, used it the same day and got rewarded with 2 fingers mangled so badly that nothing could be done. He definitely knows how to properly use a grinder, it's not like it was his first time using one. The tool is really just too aggressive, and you don't have nearly as much control over a grinder as you'd like to think that you do. Like you said, just one very unexpected jerk in am unexpected direction is all it takes.

It has chainsaw teeth, therefore must be treated like a chainsaw. They have a different set of rules and without the proper equipment and guards it can't be handled safely. Angle grinders do not have the same set of safety features that chainsaws have such as kick brakes or hand guards. Inappropriate warnings and lack of accessories enabling it's safe use is reason enough to ban it. The manufacturer is responsible for understanding their products compatibility.

Thought about getting one of these recently. I won’t be now! Thank you for this video!

Right after your injury I dug mine out of a drawer, put it in a vice, and whacked it with a hammer. I only used it a few times. I never liked using it. Now, I don't have the option.

I ordered one of these from Amazon. When it arrived, I took a good look at it, and it's never come out of it's packaging. This thing is something out of a horror movie.

I thought that was a beginner lesson. But my father was a steel fabricator and welder and caprtener. So i grew up using those types of tools, and have taught my own son how to safely use them safely as well. Have i injured myself with one ? Yes. Did i learn from it? Also yes. And that was mostly because i was tired and not paying attention. Which in my opinion is one of the foremost causes of spinning tool injuries. I (thankfully have gotten away from major injuries, and only had minor ones because of my quick reaction due to experience) still not a tool to mess with if you're inexperienced.

I never used mine again after your accident video, James. Some things just can't be controlled when they get away and that tool is one of them. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

As a machinist and metal fabricator for over twenty five years I've worked a lot with 4-1/2" and 7" angle grinders with grinding and cut-off blades but this chainsaw cutter just scars me, I seen one a while back and thought it might come in handy in certain situations but imagining what damage it could do stopped me from getting one and now after seeing this video I see that was a wise decision on my part not that I always make the most wise decisions.

Those chainsaw teeth are meant to be used flat. When they are on a disc like that, the depth gauges can't do their job and the teeth dig in. Redesigning the depth gauges to avoid kick back would reduce the danger significantly.

In my experience, the most dangerous "tool" is frustration. Perhaps haste or laziness? Call it a three-way tie. That said, that tool looks insane. A very rapidly spinning disc with an aggressive-toothed chain wrapped around it? What moron thought that was a good idea? - The omni-directional kicking is something I learned about first with a floor buffer, risking only dents in walls.

I am so happy to hear you actually tout a personal responsibility story that actually also involves negligence on the part of manufacturers and poor marketing. Yes you are responsible for you... but manufacturers are responsible for properly warning you. People look at the lady that got burned by hot coffee and sued Mc Donalds as a joke.. but Mc Donalds had over 200 complaints of severe burns due to the exact same problem.. the woman that sued had to have skin grafted back onto her burned areas. The difference with this is that angle-grinders are inherently dangerous so manufacturers can get away with just blaming inexperience or improper use.

Anyone with a few hours of chainsaw experience and an oz of sense would realize this is just 360* of pure kickback potential, as you stated. Remember folks just because you can doesn't mean you should (this product case in point).

The first time I saw one of these I thought Hell No! Those things are an accident waiting to happen. And I consider myself fairly experienced at using an angle grinder.

I saw your video, when you got hurt. Immediately spread the word, not even once, to use this device. At almost the same time, I took care as an anesthesiologist to a experienced carpenter here in Mexico. He also was using the same dangerous tool ! The chain broke, and got him in the face and part of the neck ! Thank you for recalling this issue. To everyone; KEEP OFF THIS TOOL !! Hope your hand gets better

Great video! I operated chainsaws of all sizes and varieties for many years working in the timber industry, and really, one of the biggest issues is tooth sharpness. Anything less than sharp, and an inexperienced (and experienced) user can find themselves facing kickback, binding, broken chains, over heated bars, and many other issues. A kickback often involves serious injuries on any part of ones body. And fatigue is right their in the danger zone too. Bump the top of the bar or bar-tip while throttled up, and find your leg or some other body part shredded into hamburger in a blink of the eye. The point is very specific: it takes experience, lots of it, to be safe and efficient operating a chain saw. The tool you are demonstrating (I was following you when you had your accident) is exactly the same issue, with the exception that it is a spinning disk rather than a traveling chain on a slotted bar, which I think actually makes it uniquely dangerous and must be respected at a higher level of awareness! Very, very important point you make on understanding quadrants of the disk relative to the disk angle to the work piece. In my opinion, for what its worth, you are exactly correct in regards to marketing these types of cutting disks irresponsibly. Ignoring the need for training and experience, and then selling directly to unskilled or even somewhat skilled hobbyists without some word of advice minimally is an evasion of responsibility. But in our society, having big, dangerous tools seems to be so attractive, and indeed somehow a right of the brave, that it overcomes ones sensibilities. Thank you James for a rational and important safety topic!

The designer(s) took the most dangerous part of a chainsaw and made their entire tool from it. It has 360 degrees of bar tip so it can kill you in 4 directions instead of one. That takes grapefruit nuts.

I’ve been using power tools, including chain saws, all of my now lengthy adult life. Having used chain saws in some of my employment, my first reactions to seeing this device, particularly on a tool without automated safety shut off, were a shudder and thoughts of dismay. I’m glad a process of regulation of it has begun. I’m glad that someone knowledgeable and respected in the field has so eloquently spoken out on its dangers, and thank you for that.

Stumpy, thanks for sharing. My friend lost his thumb using this dangerous chain grinder! Sadly it happened in another country and he had no recourse but to live with the pain. Stay well my friend!

after having used anglegrinders on metal parts at work i have to say, that if you use a cutting disc and start misaligning the disc during your cut, it can catch on the workpiece either yeeting the workpiece or even breaking the disc and shooting disc parts everywhere. The half circular guard more or less prevents deadly shards flying into your chest but even rebounds can cut you open like nothing.

I have used grinders for over 40 years. I learned my trade in a steel works, so was taught how to use tools properly, whatever they were, when I was an apprentice. When I saw one of these discs here in the Uk for sale a few years ago, I thought then that they were far to dangerous to use in this manner, i.e. on a grinder. I don't like using a chainsaw, even though I am super careful when I do, but knowing how a grinder of ANY size can bite you, these discs are just plain stupid as an idea, to even just think of using one gives me the wobbles. I have had the odd kick back over the years (who hasn't) but none of them would have ended in my loosing a hand or possibly my death and I consider myself an expert with a grinder. If I don't think these discs are safe to use, how does a diy'er think they can handle one? Be as careful as you like, consider yourself as talented as you like, but when these discs kick off on you, GOOD LUCK IN HOSPITAL. It'll only need to bite you the one time. Don't use one of these discs people, it's not worth the risk or the long term damage, IF you live.

I've used angle grinders regularly for the past 12 years and I have the scars to prove it. I'd say its up there with the most dangerous tools on the market even when using the correct discs. The problem with experience is along comes complacency. As useful as this blade may be I wouldn't ever consider using one, there's always other options.

I've been a carpenter for 42 years already. I've run just about any electric tool you can think of, sometimes in precarious situations. But these are where I draw the line. They can get ahead of you way too fast, and there is no turning back at that point. There are other tools to accomplish whatever these do, and the little bit of extra time is well spent when you consider the possible alternatives.

couldn't agree more-an angle grinder is dangerous enough on its own. There have been two local deaths from angle grinder accidents in the last 20 yrs one of which sadly i was involved with(divided mandible and internal carotid artery) This blade will result in lots of work for local A&E departments and i'd support it being banned in Australia also . I am a retired surgeon

Thanks for posting this and sharing your story. You've probably helped save thousands from a similar or worse fate.

Thanks for this. I have two of these blades, bought for grinding down tree stumps. They will be disassembled and thrown away first thing in the morning after watching your video. I live in the UK, but had not seen the warnings in your link. Thanks again and keep the videos coming.

I saw the other video you did on these cutters and because of that vid you likely saved my father from an injury. He was carving an old tree stump into a bird house and had one of these in his cart. Luckily I saw your video and remembered how dangerous they looked and told him not to use it. He ended up with a new multitool and did the job that way. Just wanted to say thanks.

James, That was a very informative and thoughtful warning video! My father-in-law had a similar experience with his. The handle snapped off causing the tool to flip over mostly severing this middle finger at the knuckle. He got to a good physician almost immediately and his hand was restored to usefulness but it was still not the same.

I woodwork for a living and I must confess that I haven’t seen this disk before. Thanks for enlightening! It seems remarkably unforgiving! I’ve been able to carve pretty effectively with a flap disk so I think I will stick to that!

This thing makes the chainsaws I use for log carving look like a precision instrument. Thanks for the heads up Stumpy, and glad you were able to keep all of your digits!

As a retired timber cutter, the first time I saw that tool I expected multiple serious injuries. Anyone with a knowledge of chainsaws would openly see the disastrous potential with that hamburger shredder. I'm glad you're speaking on this issue.

I own one of these blades. It’s a sketchy one to use. With that being said, when I purchased it, I could not find another tool that would do the same job as quickly and efficiently. I did have it kick back a couple/few times. I give this thing 100% concentration and respect. I don’t want anyone telling me what tools I can or cannot purchase and or use. When I occasionally hurt myself doing anything I realize 99.9% of the time it’s my fault.

I cannot for one second ever see a valid use for this blade where it isn't beaten out by something safer and more controllable. Its just horrifying, not least because the depth of cut limiters on the chain are bent out of the way by wrapping it around a disc. It's going to be even scarier once it's been blunted slightly...

I just found your videos recently but you seem like an outstanding person, sir. I hope more people find your channel, stay informed and especially hope you keep improving in your therapy!

I saw one of these blades in the store while buying new steel-cutting disks, the pure glance of it made me feel uncomfortable and started to make me imagine what damage these things could deal. I'm glad to see this video as it fulfills my expectations that these are dangerous tools, I don't want to imagine how that accident must have felt like and I'm glad to hear that you've recovered well and use your time and range to warn potential users. Stay safe!

I've been watching your videos since well before your accident. I watched your video of the accident, and I sure don't want to see that again. I know about how one can often never heal up 100%. I have lost both range of motion and strength due to accidents. Glad you have healed back enough to keep up the good work.

I'm sorry you got injured using this tool. It's great to see you, an accomplished craftsman, bringing awareness of the dangers involved with this tool. Thank goodness you were wearing protective gear, it could have been much worse.

I saw one of these on youtube last year and, being someone who has always used chainsaws a lot at work, thought this was just asking for an injury. The way a chainsaw chain works is by having a low enough tension on the bar/chain to allow the bevel on the blade to flex into the timber when it hits a point of resistance, then flick back when the following guide hits the point of resistance. This way at any given time the blade it only pulling a small chip out of the timber on a circular grinding disk you wouldn't be able to have enough slack to allow a chain to operate in the proper way, which means the bevel will dig a larger chunk out of the timber and, being an angle grinder, it will jam and kick. Knowing how a chainsaw blade works tells us that the person who designed this tool didn't know how one worked and any subsequent companies producing this product have not done the proper research to make sure they are making a safe tool. To me, this is not a case of personal responsibility, but rather it is a faulty tool that is designed to be unsafe. If a tool is brought to the market with an electrical short you do not know about and you get electrocuted from it, that is the manufacturers fault, this is the same concept. I'm glad you didn't get injured to badly and you can let people know to stay away from it.

this is possibly the most clearly articulated video on youtube, the lessons on risk could be applied to any field.

I've been in the landscape/tree care line of work my entire life. One of the most important phrases my old boss drilled into me was " A dull chainsaw is much more dangerous than a sharp saw". Pretty sure those words saved my life a few times.

I've had one of these hanging on the wall for 30 years and never found a need big enough to try it. I believe really smart people learn from others mistakes, and NOT playing with one of these seems like a really good idea.

Personally I think moving the handle would change the grip to something the average person isn't used to and create other problems

Hey thanks for this thoughtful and reasonable video. You got your point across without taking some kind of extreme position in the subject. I’ve had one of these wheels for several years and have used it hesitantly every time because it makes me feel so uncomfortable. I always use every layer of protective gear I can find but it still feels like a matter of time until something bad happens. I’ve done woodworking and logging for decades but your video finally convicted me to get rid of the dang thing. Thanks for saving me a future trip to the ER!

Was thinking about getting one of these, I’ve now had a change of thought. Thank you for this message.

Very well presented thoughts. I’m by no means uptight or overly cautious in my shop but given my lifelong experience with chainsaws and angle grinders these blades always struck my instincts as something to stay away from. I truly respect the way you presented yourself here and I hope you continue to heal and get better

I work in a tool shop at times. Today I had a customer ask about one of these horrors. I told him about your injury and laughed when he said that sort of thing happens with inexperience. 20 years ago I had a very close call with a toothed disk in my grinder and since then have no interest in using one again.

Why I wish most angle grinder manufacturers would make their angle grinders variable power. Just like just about every tool in the shop

Thank you for this video. I recently considered getting one of these because I wanted to grind a very small stump and I bought into the easy DIY sales pitch. Ultimately I didn't purchase it because my son thought it looked too dangerous. Your video convinced me he was right.

So very well said James! Your first video on this was all I needed to see to become a believer, and I scrolled past the portions of this one about that one cuz it made me cringe so. Thanks for this hugely important safety reminder!

I shuddered at the sight of this blade before I even watched the video. Having worked in steel ship yards during my career, a 4 inch angle grinder to a steel worker is like a hammer to a carpenter. Even when it's used in it's original purpose, to grind metal with a stone wheel, it is a dangerous tool. I treat it with respect even if it's not plugged in. I can't count the number of coveralls ruined and skin "raspberries" I've had over the years just with a stone wheel. If I had been using this blade, I would be missing several body parts at the very least. The uninitiated don't realize that the 4 inch grinder, with some capable of 10,000 to 11,000 RPM, is the fastest spinning tool in the arsenal of hand tools. Just turning it on can generate hand wrenching torque. [EDIT] not to mention that as the blade wares out, high RPM tends to make things fly apart at the seams. Put a worn out wire brush on a 4" grinder and after a few needle sized darts in the thigh, you get an idea of the flying shrapnel this blade could create, worse than a hand grenade.

I use grinders almost every day , I do stone and cabinetry , I will not use that blade . But that's just me thanks for sharing 😎

I use angle grinders every day professionally, 4-1/2" up to 7". I have had my workpiece shift and pinch a cutting disk when making a overhead cut in a confined area, the result was a grinder to the faceshield and a pretty bruised upper lip (wear your faceshields kids, it might save your rugged good looks). I used to consider wire wheels and cup brushes the most hazardous implements for a grinder, until I saw these. Never bought one and don't plan on it, saw chains are for chainsaws, not grinders.

This is an absolutely fantastic video! Thank you! I’m a total novice and have been thinking about getting an angle grinder and watching videos and this by far is the most informative and best explanation of use , dangers and safety I have come across. I think you’re truly sparing people serious injury. 🙏💥

I have a buddy that got into wood carving. He has over 40 years experience with power tools and construction, he's not just a home diy'er. Well, he was actually really good at it, so to help himself out a little more, he bought one of these blades. He was doing the samething as you were and it nearly cut his hand off. This happened years ago, he still doesn't have full function of his hand. He also didn't sue but I think more people should.

Yeah, that is a weapon of self destruction right there. As a veteran of 2 circular saw mishaps, that is a bridge too far. My fingers are having flashbacks right now. Great vid by the way.

I frequently warn people against these. There are safer carving discs available that people could be using. The more aggressive it can cut wood, the more aggressive it will cut you.

You have a brilliant way with words. Calm, concise, and professional. I'd have loved to have you as a woodshop teacher.

this is exactly why chainsaws have an emergency lock system, that halts the chain in case of kickback. the angle grinder has no such feature for what I think the disc was rightfully banned. It's just an accident about to happen.