Shopsmith Forums

I recently posted about being busy creating Christmas Gifts for loved ones. For several days after that post I attempted turning both pens and bowls. The first couple of days I destroyed two bowls. Then finished three beautiful pens which had been turned a few weeks ago. Then spent several days trying to figure out what was wrong. No it wasn't dull tools, nor was the issue incorrect set up. I did discover a dull drill bit had ruined a couple of pen blanks. The days after I finally had a clear diagnosis of my destroyed rotator cuff and shoulder/arm joint it finally hit me. The problem was my arm and shoulder. On occasion no matter how careful I tried to be those shooting pains were creating destructive involuntary movements. No shop work this winter for me. I will be cleaning equipment and the shop prior to surgery. The pain level has convinced me safety demands no new projects for now. So pictures requested will not happen. Not his winter anyhow. My blessings to all and wishes for a Merry Christmas. Jim

Merry Christmas to you and yours Jim! I certainly hope that we can continue to enjoy your posts on here during your unfortunate down time.

I wish you well on a full and speedy recovery!

Take care,
Geo

eagleta2 wrote:Merry Christmas to you and yours Jim! I certainly hope that we can continue to enjoy your posts on here during your unfortunate down time.

I wish you well on a full and speedy recovery!

Take care,
Geo

I hope the 'destructive involuntary movements' caused damage only to the workpiece and that this is solely a safety issue rather than a self preservation one.

Good luck with the impending surgery!

JPG40504 wrote:I hope the 'destructive involuntary movements' caused damage only to the workpiece and that this is solely a safety issue rather than a self preservation one.

Good luck with the impending surgery!

I suspect it would be considered both. The damage was only to some perceived priceless Maple. I discovered this afternoon I will need to re-sharpen a lathe chisel (not sure what happened there). My own belief that I don't do anything potentially dangerous has been shaken. It took a couple of days to realize what was going on. My therapist was working on my shoulder on Thursday and pointed out she had placed my arm into the shoulder socket five times in a matter of minutes. At that moment I more fully realized what was happening and made a decision to refrain from additional dangerous activity. The shoulder damage is not new. The degree of deterioration has been growing for some 30 years. As I watch the news yesterday and today I am so thankful that my condition is so unimportant as compared to the school violence in Connecticut. My prayers are with all that effects. I wish I could figure out how to bring about changes in our society that could enable those suffering from potentially dangerous emotional conditions can be identified and positively helped. Jim