Workshop Safety

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Workshop Safety

Workshop Safety Notes

Safety Guidelines General Procedures For all Power tools

1. Eye protection meeting current ANSI safety standards must be worn at all times while anyone is working in the lab.

2. Never make any adjustments to a machine while it is running.

3. Never walk away while a machine is still in motion. For example, when you turn the band saw off, the blade continues to move.

4. Disconnect electrical power when changing blades, bits, etc. or anytime an injury could occur if the machine is accidentally turned on. Generally this requires that the machine be unplugged or the circuit breaker turned to the off position.

Band Saw General Information

The band saw is a general purpose saw that is useful for cutting curved or irregular shapes as well as straight cuts. The saw name comes from the long steel blade that is welded at the ends to form one continuous band. The size of a band saw is usually determined by the size of the wheels that rotate the blade. The distance between the blade and arm is another important dimension. This is often called the throat.

Fences, miter-gauges, and various other jigs and fixtures make the band saw one of the most universal power tools. Band saws can be outfitted with blades for various uses and materials. Although the band saw is often used for general work, narrow blades with fine teeth can be used for delicate work. Generally, the thickness of a blade is related to the number of teeth per inch.

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Band Saw Safety Fundamentals:

1. Set the upper blade guide so that it is approximately 1/8" above the stock to be cut.
2. Never place your hand or fingers directly in line with the blade.
3. Do not place your fingers closer than two inches from the blade.

Band Saw Safety Quiz Questions

1. What determines the size of the band saw?
2. What distance, from the blade, should you always keep your fingers?
3. What is the distance between the blade and the arm called?
5. What is the proper distance between your work and the upper blade guide?

Select any of the following tools for more safety information: