Jamie, thank you for showing a generation what it looks like to take ownership for your own mistake, and that it also does not define you. You are a real man!!

Perkins brothers are a testimony to honesty. God bless guys.

Two huge accomplishments: looking to get back to work and cutting the painkillers.

4 years later I’m still watching the show hats off to you for staying positive and pushing forward

I don’t think you did something “Stupid “ I think I would call it “Careless” but you’re definitely not stupid. Accidents do happen despite our best efforts to avoid them. I feel terrible for you but I know you will get through it, you have family support, a positive attitude, and the support of your viewers. Take care and I hope to see you building again soon.

My son was born with one hand. He is 22 now. He does everything just like you will do in its time. God bless you

This raw, genuine talk of how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking is important for our public conversation about pain, trauma, healing, support. Thank you for being vulnerable.

When I lost part of a finger, the ER nurse told me "Don't worry, your in good hands." I looked at her and deadpanned, "Is that some kind of sick joke?"

You made me cry. I'm a 57 year old man. I just had my great toe and 4th and 5th toes amputated due to diabetes, and am struggling to walk again. I can only see that I will again one day. Also, I started watching you guys' because I want to build my own house. Thanks for sharing.

This still brings tears. I’ve watched it several times over the years. And having to be alone in the hospital during that time?! He’s much more forgiving about that than I would be. That’s absolute nonsense. I’m glad you had a supportive family that could help with the recovery and those boys are just so sweet. They will no doubt grow up to be fine gentlemen. They have the best dad ever.

It was a momentary loss of situational awareness. It happens to everyone. 99% of the time it doesn’t make a difference. But if you aren’t lucky... my brother made a you turn without looking on a highway. Dumb. But most of the time you get away with it. He didn’t. Turn off the ass kicking machine. It won’t help you. Going back to work and seeing the guys and taking some abuse is a good plan. If you sit around you will just think about your hand. When it comes time to use the porta potty on the job site go up to one of the guys and look at him seriously and say “can’t do this by myself, gonna need some help” and get someone to video their reaction.

A friend of my lost his fingers in a woodworking accident also and he learned to play his guitar left handed. You can do it too man! Hang in. Stay strong. Keep your faith. You are well on your way to a full recovery. Life may look a little different and you may have to come at things differently but it’s obvious that you have the fighters spirit to get through it. And you have a great family. Maybe eventually you’ll come up with a stubby finger joke you like. You never know. Stay strong.

My father told my twin brother there is no such word as can’t! The word is CAN DO. He was right and you my man is living proof.I am 72 and I agree with your work ethic,pride in accomplishing a task is so rewarding. Never give up and never give in.

Tony Iommi, guitar player for black Sabbath and regarded as one of the best guitar players ever lost fingers in an accident. He also tried playing left handed, failed and restrung his guitar with banjo strings. Also Jerry Garcia, Dr John and Django great guitar players with missing digits. You got this man.

I feel you pain, literally. My left hand was crushed in a freight elevator 15 years ago. And still to this day, it is very difficult to work with my disability. I question the good lord everyday why he just didn't take my fingers instead of leaving them on my hand crushed! Do yourself a favor get off those pain killers as fast as you can. They kept me on them all this time, and now I cannot function or operate without them. Narcotic pain killers have destroyed my life, way more then the actual injury did. Keep your head up, it's gonna be a long road to recovery. But as you move along, you will learn how to accommodate your new found disability. It will take time, but you got it.

I've discovered you guys in the last year. As a stroke survivor I can speak to your situation, plus some. Thank you got the vid. I can with emphasize with you big time.

This guy is such a boost of positive energy. He's definitely "the good vibes guy".

“If your going through Hell, keep going.” -Winston Churchill Hang in there brother you will come out the other side.

Yesterday is gone.. keep moving forward

Man I couldn’t imagine what you’re going through. The second you said you played guitar I almost cried. I hope you figure it out how to play the other way around. I’m rooting for you!

Making me cry watching this during my lunch at the jobsite. Thank you, I needed that I think. Car accidents happen even in the highest levels of driving, we are all imperfect creatures taking chances to thrive. Bless you and yours, Jaime!

Looking back on this after 4 years, Jamie you have continued to show what amazing strength and courage you have to regroup and move forward with your personal growth. You didn't sit back and say, well I can't play anymore, you thought about a solution on how to be able to continue to do something that you enjoy (taught yourself left handed). It wasn't a stupid accident, you were careless and made an error, which for you had a terrible outcome, but I'm sure you have learnt, replace safety guards. What beautiful boys you have.

My dad was a carpenter his whole life. While putting down subfloor in the basement at the farm, he put the skill saw down like he normally would. But the guard didn't come down, and the blade still had some spin happening - took off right across the floor and cut right through his one day old cowboy boot! The doctors managed to clean out all the bone fragments, and salvaged his toes - except most of them turned black. A simple procedure he'd done a million times - sometimes things just happen, can't beat yourself up over it. My youngest son got his hand caught in a conveyor belt 5 years ago - a split second slip that he's still dealing with and likely will forever. Thankfully, he still has his hand. I just found your channel, watched the build on the mountain top - love the camaraderie and skills portrayed. Now I have to go binge the rest of your videos!

Jaime, once your hand heals you will be able to do allllll kinds of things that you think you will not be able to do. They make some really great work boots that zip up the side. You look very good. Keep moving forward. Still praying for you buddy.

I’m a 41 year old trim carpenter. I’ve been doing woodworking my whole life. The last 6 months is been completely overwhelmed with work and I find myself working 12+ hours a day 6 days a week, the fatigue has been very real lately. I find myself, on a daily basis, with my hands in very dangerous positions. All it takes is that one split second lapse in judgement.

My dad lost half of his hand about 7 years ago and trust me when I say you will be back and better than ever in a bit. It didn’t slow my dad down in the long run! Love the channel and god bless.

brother, my tears go to your positivity. i had an accident 3 weeks ago, (non dominant hand, index finger) and i just cant believe how strong you are. it is brave to say what you say and admit the reality. you are a dying breed. they dont make them like you anymore. all the love to you and your mentality. and i am going to switch hands like you for guitar...

Accidents just happen... car wrecks, pregnancy, slips, falls, putting your hand in a jointer... moving forward afterwards takes work, time and persistence! You got this!!!

When I cut my hand and lost my index finger I used to joke around with people and tell them my finger was growing back when they asked me about it, you should've seen the look on their faces. This was a life altering accident. You will face new challenges everyday. I lost my index finger and the use of my ring finger on my right hand 16 years ago and of course I'm right handed. I love doing carpentry enough to find different ways to overcome my situation and you will too. You are in my prayers buddy. Keep your head up.

I feel like you can easily have a career as a motivational speaker. Your optimism is truly inspiring and I'm going to watch all of your videos. And buy a t-shirt. Thank you!

My stepfather lost the fingers on his right hand at the age of 18 in a printing press accident. Thankfully he did not lose his thumb and and has a stub for a pointer finger. He switched to using left hand and, instead of playing football, he became a phenomenal golfer. The injury never slowed him down. He's told me on numerous occasions that he thanks God for not having lost his thumb. My point to this is that he adapted and overcame his injury just like you will do. You have faith, family, and friends who will help see you through this bump in the timeline of your life.

Good work sir. A good attitude makes for a great life. Misery loves company, but it cant stay where the light is. The best part is your still alive and it wasn't any worse than it is.

I lost a finger on a jointer in 2015 myself. I’ve been working around/with equipment and heavy machinery since I was 10-11 years old. The day of my accident I was building a bed for my grandson. I’ve replayed that event thousands of times in my head and I still don’t know for sure how it happened. I had to have surgery and then mine got infected with MRSA. That was a huge set back in healing but it finally did. Mine was also a Powermatic and it took me 2 years before I would even look at that machine again. I’m fine with it now but the initial time I used it, it was hard to push that piece of wood through that thing. You’ve got a great attitude so you’ll work through it too. Just takes time to make the adjustments. For me those adjustments were more mental than physical. All the best on your healing and getting back to the things you love.

4+ years later it's amazing to revisit this video seeing how much you've overcome after this accident. It sucks to have to even go through this in the first place but man I think I've heard in videos you play guitar left handed still and you seem to not skip a beat working on any other projects. You're not only a great warning story for workshop safety but a great example of keeping at it despite the mistakes that debilitate you. I wish I was as strong as you. It's hard to make a mistake as severe as you had and end up admitting to maybe screwing up yourself then adapting so well that you are an ambassador for others who might suffer the similar amputee situations.

I just started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago, you anyour brother are great builders! You'll be allright!

Keep on keeping on, can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through. Love what you guys do! Stay strong 💪🏼

My old boss lost 2 1/2 fingers in a table saw accident after 30 years in the trade. It took him about a year before he felt somewhat normal. Remain positive and patient. If you are a man of faith then trust in the Lord and His goodness to bring you through this. God bless. I'll keep praying for you all the way up in Canada.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Things are always hardest in the beginning but as we adjust we adapt and overcome. God bless you brother

Been watching Perkins videos for the last year and didn’t know how you got injured. Lost the use of my entire left side due to a stroke for awhile but got the majority back… I have about 15% of the use of my left hand and zero % feeling from the wrist to my fingers. Like you I was a guitarist and I loved diy everything. Loved your attitude and positive spirit after your accident….. I was the same! Things change but life goes on! Good for you!

Hello Jaime, I work also at the building, when ever I get a bad cut or injury I walk it off every evening after work until the pain is long gone, maybe 10 12 mile. Walking circulates the blood and helps free the mind. Best wishes from Ireland, you are very positive young man.

Watching this 3 years later, it is amazing just how far you have come through this. Watching you doing everything that you did before, and being so mentally strong with everything that happened, and everything that you have over come. Well done Jaime, you have achieved so much.

Great to see you recovering so quick! Keep doing stuff and motivate us to do so! Thanks for that.

When my right lower leg was blown off, and I lost two toes on my left foot at the same time, my overwhelming thought was how to I sort this out and get back to my best. Seven operations, titanium and pain over two years and mentally, painkiller free now all I see is moving forward without a disability and it doesn't slow me down one bit. My life's been tough and so is life itself. I have no time for the weak and self pity in others. That's how you get over it.

Thank you for sharing this. Very inspirational.

Praying for you every day, Jamie! Thanks for the updates.

Stay strong brotha. I recently severed my ulnar nerve and have lost the feeling in half my hand. I know it doesn’t compare to your injury and I couldn’t imagine. Take it day by day buddy, you are in our thoughts.

Be easy on yourself, mentally and physically. Accidents are accidents because we don’t plan them. You’re not dumb, you’re not weak, you’re not stupid. You take responsibility, you are making huge strides, and you’re moving forward. Give yourself grace and be gentle with yourself.

Thank you for this video

Thanks for sharing your story.

So happy you are doing well! Thanks for the video!

Jamie, Thank you for the updates and I love your attitude. That is awesome progress for 2 weeks out. Praying for a continued speedy recovery.

I a quick note to let you know that you are not alone. At 13 years old I set off a blasting cap in my hands. I lost most of the fingers on my left hand. Spared the index finger half the thumb and most of the other three. Lost the tip of my right thumb. Spent 2 years having surgeries. I went on to be a heavy equipment mechanic. I also played guitar and had a realization that playing left handed is just like starting over. But I have worked as a construction operator, a truck driver. Some carpentry, and finally worked a career as a mechanic, fabricator. I am 65 and retired last year. Hang in there. What you can do, is up to you.

Thank you for sharing. Keeping you in prayer. In just a moment life can be so tragic yet in a moment life can be so precious. As you realize your hand find your peace in your children's smiles. Have an awesome day and looking forward to updates as you recover!

I just watched again. I continue to be amazed and inspired by your resilience, adaptability, attitude, & perseverance. I'm a big Jamie fan!

You're a legend, and by sharing your journey you're helping others with theirs.

You are the Man. You’re helping me to face my fears and keep going. Thanks

I had a similar event, be aware of PTSD, share your thoughts and emotions with your loved ones.You have a ways to go ( we can see the pain on your face) to be on the other side of this. Take it from me, with a loving family its all good.

Excellent, Jamie. Thank you!

Jaime, You are absolutely amazing and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story.

Just wanted to say you do amazing, one day at a time and you accomplishing it. Well done. We all happy and glad to see you back up and running

Just saw this vid.Great attitude,know where you're coming from.Seeing your latest vids and witnessing your great recovery is heartwarming.All the best to you and family.

Wow, this is so powerful. Thanks Jamie for your honesty and integrity. Keep well sir

Thank you for sharing your journey and the learnings about what lead to your accident. I have been following the channel for quite some time now, but just recently stumbled into the videos about your story

Hey man, the courage you have demonstrated with these videos has been incredible. Thank you for being open and honest about a very raw & difficult thing. Hang in there and keep taking this thing one day at a time. Those small victories each day really do add up.

You're an inspiration my dude. Best wishes!

Love and healing to you brother ❤

Thank you for sharing your story Jamie you are an inspiration, so hearty brotha what a soldier. Best wishes to you and you’re future !

Wishing you a speedy recovery man, all the best to you and your family.

Thank you so much for these updates, you're an incredibly strong person and you're strength and attitude are exactly what is needed for others who have to deal with life changes like this. I also work in the trades and have seen first hand and through the grapevine that these things happen to those you would least expect. Stay strong, I'm sending my love, whatever it's worth.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. With the attitude you have, there is no doubt in my mind that you will be back. Keep working, you'll make it.

I love your positivity and drive to find ways to do what you love. Keep your head up brother wishing you the best with your recovery!

I once learned in some countries they say 'my arm broke' instead of 'I broke arm'. I think that would have huge impact on people's thinking in situations like this. It's an accident. It's not intentional. People should really stop blaming themselves sooo much for body injuries (instead of saying ''breaking themselves''). Using a different wording might be very helpful for the mentality shift. I'm watching this in 2023. So glad you stayed strong and went back to work. Never let difficulties defeat us. We are strong humans. Onward!

dude youre very strong, so proud of you. really gives me hope. thanks so much.

I am the safety supervisor at the lumber company I work for. I have also worked for the railroad in the past. As to your question of why you would do something like this, it probably comes down to comfort and complacency. When we work around something dangerous we acclimate and it becomes part of our daily life. The danger has not decreased, only our awareness of the danger. I have had coworkers and employees ask why we go over the same stuff all the time. The quick answer is that it reminds us of the danger. At very least it hopefully gets us thinking about it again. The majority of incidents on the railroad were not new guys. It was the vets who had been working there for many years. They were so used to being around the danger that they quit worrying. I try and keep a healthy fear of the equipment I work with. We can’t let the fear control us, but we also should not forget why we have it.

We love you brother! Thanks for sharing.

You asked yourself the same question I asked myself one hundred times over the years. "WHY? Why did I do that? Why, Lord, after going the whole day long without incident and now this happens! WHY?" I don't ask to challenge Him, I ask to have Him reveal to me an answer. Now, EVERYTIME I'm in my shop at my machines, I think of you. I'm sorry you experienced this tragedy, but it was to my benefit. God bless you and your awesome family and your friends. "The Lord bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee, the Lord lift His countenance upon thee and give thee peace."

You are doing so well from what we see on the current videos. May God bless you!

you're a rock star , bud. keep up the good work!! you're sharing your pain is helping lots of people dealing with random accidents

Thank you for sharing!!! I appreciate your attitude and motivation.

You are such a resourceful person, I think you'll be an inspiration to many!

I’ve had no use at all of my right hand now for seven years and I still struggle with basic tasks. Although I will say if you think building things gives you satisfaction, I can’t even begin to tell you the satisfaction I’ve felt from building things and doing tasks with only one hand that my family considers impossible is unbelievably awesome. I think you’re doing great Jaime, way beyond where I was at that point.

Love the update’s thanks and good luck

YOu got the stuff Jaime. You're going to come out on top. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experiences and strong character.

That nurse! HAHAHA. Jaime, thank you for your authenticity. You will go far in this world with that!

Such sweet boys! It’s amazing all you can do - more than people with all their digits! Thanks for being an inspiration. 😊

Hang in there young guy. So sorry about your accident time always helps.

Hey Jamie! One day at a time. 6 weeks after my chainsaw accident I had to have my first reconstructive surgery. I kept thinking I was the most absolute idiot, especially since I knew how dangerous chainsaws can be. My lowest point was seeing the gaping hole in my leg after the doc removed dead tissue and left the wound open to heal slowly. I cried. Mostly because I was in shock and felt I was worse off than the original accident. Now 17 months later my leg has healed and I’m able to walk, hike, bike, and run a little. I’ve even used a chainsaw again on two occasions. I think it freaked my family out more than it freaked me out. But I got through it. So will you. Keeping you in my prayers. Glad you are alive!!! Looking forward to seeing the left handed guitar jam video, no matter how long it takes you. Keep going ... one day at a time.

As difficult as this video is to record, it’s admirable that you chose to explain what your experience felt like and your recovery. As a old guy (74) who used to play guitar, but can no longer due to arthritis. I feel for you. Thank you for your courage.

Jamie, the way you manage your injury and your mental state is encouraging for many people who have such sever injuries. I have seen in following videos your recovery and the way you work as if you don't have any limitation (despite the fact that you have) - this is is an amazing inspiration for other people. The way you always use your sense of humor even in the worst moments. You don't give up, and you look positively forward into the future. I'm happy to realize that now things are better. You are a strong man, physically and mentally.

Thanks for your courage. love your videos

Glad to see you in good spirits!! Hope you continue your recovery to be an even better carpenter!! Love the channel!! Sometimes things hapoen for a reason! You may not know that reason just yet!! Your plan is in Gods hands!!

Thanks for sharing Jamie - Heart goes out to you buddy

This is my first time seeing and hearing about your accident. I haven't been on your channel in awhile and when I saw what happened to you I was in total shock. Stay strong! The road ahead will be bumpy but you are one tough guy. Wishing you the best possible recovery!

Jaime, Thanks for sharing your story, you have a great mind set and you will do fine! You're already setting goals to reach and that's half the battle just getting starting with your recover. Stay strong and keep moving forward.

God bless you man. I can’t imagine on what might go through your head. But you got this And things will be better don’t give up.

Good to hear how your doing. It will get better with time! Wishing you the best!

Jimmy you and your brother are both made of steel!I can't wait to see you back working again!With all that knowledge,you will still do some great projects!I am very happy to see you!!!

God bless you Jaime. Carpenter for 35 years. Had some close calls myself. Your strong willed. Prayers for you

I can’t tell you how much respect I have for you Being able to face the camera and talk about what you’re going through My hat is off to you sir

Jaime, you are doing so well right now. Your spirit is shining through! 🙏