Safety Rules for Band Saws:
Wheel guard doors must be closed, and the blade properly adjusted, before turning on the machine.
Adjust the upper guide assembly so it is ¼ in. above the work.
Allow the saw to reach full speed before feeding the work.
The stock must be held flat on the table.
Feed the saw only as fast as the teeth can easily remove the wood.
Maintain a 2 in. margin of safety.
Plan saw cuts to avoid backing out of curves whenever possible.
Make turns carefully and do not cut radii so small that the blade is twisted.
Stop the machine before backing out of a long, curved cut.
Round stock should not be cut unless mounted securely in a jig or hand screw.
If you hear a clicking noise, turn off the machine at once. This indicates a crack in the blade.
If the blade breaks, shut off the power and move away from the machine until both wheels stop.
Turn off the machine as soon as you have finished your work. If the machine has a brake, apply it smoothly.
Do not leave the machine until it has stopped running.
Safety Rules for Drill Presses:
Check the speed setting to see that it is correct for your work.
Holes over ½ in. should be bored at the lowest speed.
Use only an approved type of bit for a specific material.
Mount the bit securely to the full depth of the chuck and in the center.
Remove the key immediately.
Position the table and adjust the feed stroke so there is no chance of the bit hitting the table.
The work should be placed on a wood pad when the holes are drilled all the way through.
Small or irregular shaped pieces must be clamped to the table or held in some special fixture.
Feed the bit smoothly into the work, let it cut without bearing down on it.
When the hold is deep, withdraw it frequently to clear the shavings and cool the bit.
Safety Rules for Finishing:
Wear safety glasses when applying finishing materials.
Wear rubber gloves, goggles, and rubber apron when applying bleaches and acids.
Thinners and reducers such as naphtha, benzene, lacquer thinner, and enamel reducer should be applied outdoors; fumes are toxic.
Store all chemicals and soiled rags in proper safe containers. Many chemicals and rags are highly flammable.
Spraying should only be performed outside and on a covered surface.
Wash you hands well after applying a finish in order to remove any toxic materials that you have handled.
Know where the sink, shower, or eye wash station is located in the event that you get something in your eye or on your skin.
Safety Rules for Circular Saws:
Stock must be supported in such a way that the cut will not close and bind the blade during the cut or at the end of the cut.
Thin materials should be supported on benches.
Small pieces should be clamped onto a bench top or sawhorse. Be careful not to cut into the bench, sawhorse, or other supporting devices.
Adjust the depth of cut to the thickness of the stock, and add about 1/8 in.
Always check the base and angle adjustment to be sure they are tight.
Plug in the cord to a grounded outlet and be sure it will not become fouled in the work.
Always place the saw base on the stock, with the blade clear, before engaging the trigger.
During the cut you should stand to one side of the cutting line.
Keep two hands on the saw whenever possible.
Always unplug the machine to change blades or make major adjustments.
Always use a sharp blade.
Safety Rules for Portable Electric Drills:
Select the correct drill or bit. Mount it securely to the full depth of the chuck. Either clamp a scrap piece under work to prevent splintering the underside, or drill from both sides. Stock to be drilled must be held in a stationary position so it cannot be moved during the operation.
Turn on the switch for a moment to see if the bit is properly centered and running true.
With the switch off, place the point of the bit in the punched layout hole.
Hold the drill firmly in one or both hands and at the correct drilling angle.
Engage the trigger and slowly feed the drill into the work. The pressure required will vary with the size of the drill and the kind of wood.
During the operation, keep the drill aligned with the direction of the hole.
When drilling deep holes, especially with a twist drill, withdraw the drill several times to clear the shavings.
Safety Rules for Router:
Always check with the instructor first before using the router.
Disconnect the power before changing router bits.
Clamp router bits securely in the chuck. At least 1/2 inch (12 mm) of the shank should be inserted.
Make sure the router switch is in the off position before connecting the power.
Do not make any router cuts unless the stock is securely clamped.
The router can throw loose stock with great force. Before you start cutting, make sure the router blade is clear of the wood.
Hold the router tightly when starting the motor. Always feed the router against the rotation of the bit.
After finishing a cut, wait for the router to completely stop. Then lay the router down. The bit should point away from you.
Safety Rules for Saber Saws:
Select the correct blade for your work and be sure it is properly mounted.
Disconnect power to change blades or make adjustments.
Place the base of the saw firmly on the stock before starting the cut.
Turn on the motor before the blade contacts the work.
Do not attempt to cut curves so sharp that the blade will be twisted.
Follow procedures described for band saw operation.
Make certain the work is well supported. Do not cut into sawhorses or other supports.
Safety Rules for Sanding Machines:
Be certain the belt or disc is correctly mounted.
The belt must track in the center of the drums and plate.
Do not operate the disc sander if the abrasive paper is loose.
Check the guards and table adjustments to see that they are in the correct position and locked securely in place.
Use the table, fence, and other guides to control the position of the work, whenever possible.
Small or irregular-shaped pieces should be held in a hand clamp, or a special jig or fixture.
When sanding the end grain of narrow pieces on the belt sander, always support the work against the table.
Sand only on the side of the disc sander that is moving toward the table.
Move work along this surface so it will not burn.
Always use a pad or push block when sanding thin pieces on the belt sander.
Do not use power sanders to form and shape parts when the operations could be better performed on other machines.
Sand only clean new wood. Do not sand work that has excess glue or finish on the surface. These materials will load and foul the abrasive.