I know why, but can't understand why they can't make a variable speed grinder. They say they can't because the motor would burn up. Sometimes I think our technology is going backwards. I have looked and looked for one and can't find one (other than pneumatic). You hear of so many stories of grinder discs breaking and lodging themselves into someone's belly, chest or face. In Chuck's case the entire grinder got away from him. I don't think 9000 or 10000 RPM is needed for some of the things we do on our Jeeps. I'm glad you are ok man. You are lucky for sure. I have a friend that lost one of his best friends when his mustang fell on him. Safety first, guys and gals, when working on our vehicles. I'm one that definitely needs to work harder on that, I'm going to start right now after seeing this thread. Thanks for sharing guys.

 

I agree with you that a variable speed grinder would be awesome. Thank you for your kindness.

I would also like to add, a lot of people have made the statement (in real life, facebook, and other social media outlets) should I use a grinder again, I should always use the guard.
A few things I've thought/mentioned about that:
For the most part, I do use a guard as it makes it much more comfortable to not be showered with sparks. Some times, especially when working a vehicle, there's just no way to maneuver a grinder with the shield on, so it has to come off.
Let's also not kid ourselves, anyone who's ever used a grinder has probably done this- even if it's not exactly "suggested".
This second, and final thing, I've concluded is that: I'm actually grateful I didn't have the guard on. Had I been using the guard, I firmly believe I may not be here today. I believe if it were on, the guard would have "sucked" my shorts into itself causing the grinder to be stuck grinding itself through my leg, with no chance of escaping.
Anyway, a bit of an update for anyone who gives a shit:
Despite what the Dr. And Physical Therapist thought I could do (they thought I would need physical therapy due to the "loss" of muscle and nerves). I've been walking since the afternoon of the following day after the incident. The incident happened on a Wednesday evening and by Saturday I was at my local wheeling spot from 12am til 12pm and returned Sunday for another full day of off-roading. I've lost a fair amount of feeling my leg, but I'm hoping it will return. I still have a bit of swelling and poor circulation, but I'm continuing to walk and maintain a normal schedule.
Thanks everyone who prayed or hoped for a fast healing process.

 

Reading this thread makes me wonder WHO makes a good medical kit for scenarios like this. Your standard first aid kit is not suited to handle trauma. Any suggestions?

 

Adventure Medical, hands down. Add some quick clot to the kit if it's not included. No one ever wants to have to use quick clot, but in a case like chuck's it can be a life saver. I carry anot Adventure Medical kit fitted for 7-8 people in the jeep, it's velcro strapped to the rear left roll bar post.

I have another in the garage, one in my Cherokee and one at our cabin. While Chuck is hard to kill, I want to make sure that if I'm around him during his antics, I can help him live be a hooligan another day no matter what!

Home - AdventureŽ Medical Kits - First Aid Kits and Survival Gear

 

Overland Journal had a great article on first-aid kits a couple years ago, comparing a variety of brands. It's a good read before spending any money on a kit. And bear in mind that your money will go a LOT farther if you build your own kit.

Also, I strongly recommend attending a two day wilderness first-aid course. These are not your normal first-aid courses, which are built around the idea of trained medical help arriving within ten minutes. These assume you may not have help for a day or two. If all you do is play in local off-road parks, that level of training is overkill. But, if you get out there in truly remote places, a top-notch medical kit (IIRC the most expensive one reviewed cost $500) won't do you a bit of good if you don't know how to use it.

 

Hmm.. If there were a group of people in my area that all wanted to learn medical/ first aid rescue-type skills, as well as what medical items to pack in an aid bag, how each item works and such I would have no problem doing a little class.. I've taught Basic Life Support more times than I care to remember while in the army so it wouldn't be a big deal. I could even throw in some IV lessons. I'm not exactly sure if Iv supplies are available to the public or anything, but I feel that would be a great skill to learn.