GENERAL SAFETY RULES GOVERNING
THE USE OF ALL WOODWORKING MACHINES
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
1. To become a qualified machine operator, a student must:
A.---Study the operation instructions and the safety rules for each machine.
B.---Pass the safety test with an acceptable score.
C.---Obtain a signed permit from his parents.
D.---Be approved by the instructor.
2. No student may operate power machinery until he has met these conditions.
3. Qualified machine operators may use the shop machines provided that they:
A.---Have each machine setup checked by the instructor before turning on the power.
B.---Get the instructor’s permission to go ahead.
4. Machines must not be operated when the instructor is out of the room.
5. Students will be expected to observe the following rules while working with shop machinery.
6. Have each intended operation on the machines checked by the instructor and get his permission before turning on the power. This is especially important for “special machine setups.”
7. Use hand tools and processes rather than machines for unimportant operation and for cutting small pieces of stock.
8. Wear safety glasses whenever there is danger from flying particles or other eye hazards.
9. Wear aprons that will “tear away” if they get caught in machinery.
10. Secure or remove loose clothing before operating a machine.
11. remove rings, wristwatches, and bracelets before operating a machine.
12. Refrain from talking while operating a machine.
13. Never allow visitors to congregate around a machine that is in use.
14. Avoid making unusual noises that may startle the operator of a machine.
15. Stay outside the safety zone while another student is operating a machine.
16. Refrain from scuffling and playing pranks. These are absolutely forbidden in the shop.
17. Never “Start” or “Stop” a machine for another student.
18. Keep your fingers and hands away from the moving parts of a machine.
19. Avoid getting into awkward positions when operating a machine. Stand erect, and keep both feet on the floor, and use proper hand positions on the machine and the stock.
20. Never stand in line with a revolving tool or flywheel.
21. Clear the floor of scraps before you start to work, and stand on the areas that are treated with non-skid materials.
22. Turn on the light if there is one on the machine.
23. Keep all safety guards in proper position while the machine is in operation.
24. Fasten all adjustments securely before the power is turned on.
25. Remove all tools, wrenches, and extra materials from the machine before the power is turned on.
26. Shut off the power immediately if any unusual noise develops.
27. Shut off the power and notify the instructor at once if the machine is not working properly.
28. Never use a cutting blade that is dull.
29. Inspect wood carefully for nails, screws, paint, or loose knots before machining.
30. Never feed a machine until it has reached full speed.
31. Do not help an operator of a machine unless asked to by the instructor.
32. Never force stock into a machine faster than it will normally cut.
33. NEVER HURRY when you are working at a machine.
34. Never attempt to stop a machine after the power has been turned off by catching moving parts, or by applying friction with the hand.
35. Allow the machine to come to a dead stop before oiling, cleaning, or adjusting it.
36. Clean cutting from the machine by using a brush or push stick.
37. Never leave a machine until it has come to a dead stop.
38. Place the machine in normal position and condition when you have finished.
A.---Remove any special setups
B.---Put waste stock in the scrap
SAFETY RULE FOR
SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW
1. Always wear eye protection.
2. Make sure the saw is securely bolted to a workbench or a stand designed especially to hold it.
3. Always unplug the machine before inspecting it or servicing it.
4. Carefully inspect the blade for cracks, missing teeth, or other damage before plugging the tool into an outlet. Replace any damaged part you find.
5. On many machines, there is a slight, but distinct movement of the saw head when the power is switched on. Hold onto the handle tightly.
6. Keep all guards in place.
7. Use care and common sense when operating a power saw.
8. When using this saw, one hand is used to press the power switch. Keep your other hand at least 6 inches away from the blade.
9. Never hold onto any workpiece by hand. It must be tightly secured by the hold-down clamps provided.
10. Make sure the blade is not in contact with the workpiece before pressing the power switch.
11. Always make sure the blade rotates freely before doing any work.
12. Wait until the blade attains its full speed before lowering it into the material.
13. When the saw is turned off, the blade will coast (continue to turn) for a time. Keep your hands away from it.
14. Wait until the blade has completely stopped turning before raising the saw head and removing the work piece.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
RADIAL ARM SAW
1. Make certain that all adjustments have been made and that all locking devices are secure before starting the radial arm saw.
2. Set the guard to clear the work by about ⅛” on the in feed side.
3. Use a shape saw blade that is designed for the job at hand. It is dangerous to use a dull saw.
4. Use care when changing saw blades. Arbor parts should be clean and free from particles, which might cause the saw to wobble. The saw blade turns in a clockwise direction.
5. Set and use the anti-kickback device for all the ripping operations. When using this device, your fingers should extend slightly below the top surface of the stock to be cut.
6. Always feed stock to the “in feed” end of the saw when ripping.
7. Always cut on the forward stroke of the machine.
8. Hold stock securely against the guide strip.
9. Use a push stick for feeding stock in close proximity to the saw blade.
10. Use care to not make unnecessary cuts in the tabletop. The saw needs only to scratch the wooded table to cut off the stock completely.
11. Keep the saw table clear of scraps, but never remove scraps until the saw has been returned to position behind the guide strip and stopped.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
JOINTER
1. Keep the guard closed over the knives at all times while the jointer is being operated. Do not pull the guard open with your fingers! Use the knob.
2. Check the stock carefully to make sure that it has no large cracks, loose knots, nails, screws, sand, or paint on any of the working surface.
3. Adjust for the depth of the cut before the power is turned on.
4. Never change the adjustment of the out-feed table unless the instructor has asked that it be done.
5. Have special setups inspected and approved by the instructor before the power is turned on.
6. Never run the end grain of a piece of stock over the jointer. Note: Special instructions will be given for jointing end grain of wide stock.
7. Never cut deeper than ⅛” without first getting special permission from the instructor.
8. Never joint stock that is less than ½” thick, 1” wide, or less than 12” long on the jointer.
9. Make light cuts when facing.
10. Use a push stick when jointing narrow or flat pieces of stock.
11. Never lean stock against the jointer or pile stock on the bed.
12. Change the positions of the hands so that they do not pass directly over the cutters when feeding, and never drag the thumb of fingers behind the stock.
13. Hold the stock firmly on the table or against the fence as it is run over the jointer.
14. Turn the power off and allow the cutter to coast to a dead stop before leaving the jointer or use the brake if available.
15. Do not attempt to run odd shaped pieces over the jointer. Stock must lie flat on the table, and it must have a straight edge that follows the fence.
16. Do not stand directly behind the jointer when using the machine.
17. Cover the cutter head with a back guard if the fence is moved across the bed.
18. Keep your eyes and your mind on your job.
2. Check the stock carefully to make sure that it has no large cracks, loose knots, nails, screws, sand, or paint on any of the working surface.
3. Adjust for the depth of the cut before the power is turned on.
4. Never change the adjustment of the out-feed table unless the instructor has asked that it be done.
5. Have special setups inspected and approved by the instructor before the power is turned on.
6. Never run the end grain of a piece of stock over the jointer. Note: Special instructions will be given for jointing end grain of wide stock.
7. Never cut deeper than ⅛” without first getting special permission from the instructor.
8. Never joint stock that is less than ½” thick, 1” wide, or less than 12” long on the jointer.
9. Make light cuts when facing.
10. Use a push stick when jointing narrow or flat pieces of stock.
11. Never lean stock against the jointer or pile stock on the bed.
12. Change the positions of the hands so that they do not pass directly over the cutters when feeding, and never drag the thumb of fingers behind the stock.
13. Hold the stock firmly on the table or against the fence as it is run over the jointer.
14. Turn the power off and allow the cutter to coast to a dead stop before leaving the jointer or use the brake if available.
15. Do not attempt to run odd shaped pieces over the jointer. Stock must lie flat on the table, and it must have a straight edge that follows the fence.
16. Do not stand directly behind the jointer when using the machine.
17. Cover the cutter head with a back guard if the fence is moved across the bed.
18. Keep your eyes and your mind on your job.
SAFETY RULES FOR
tABLE SAW
1. Obtain permission from the instructor for each intended table saw operation, and have each machine set-up checked by the instructor, before turning on the power.
2. Always keep the guard down over the saw blade while the machine is in operation.
3. Use a saw blade that is designed for the work
4. Never allow the saw blade to project more than 1/4" above the stock to be cut.
5. Do not use a saw blade that is dull.
6. Do not stand directly behind or in-line with the saw blade.
7. Do not use the ripping fence for a stop when crosscutting unless a clearance block is attached to the fence.
8. Stop the saw for all adjustments.
9. Be sure all Adjustments are tight and that the ripping fence or the crosscutting guide is fastened securely before the power in turned on.
10. Keep the fingers clear of the track of the saw and never allow the hands to cross the line of the saw while the machine is in operation.
11. Be sure you know specifically what you are going to do before turning on the power.
12. See that fence or set-up is in the line of the saw before turning on the power.
13. Be sure that the tilting arbor saw, when tilted, will clear the table, the fence, and crosscut guide and other special set-ups before turning on the power.
14. Do not reach over the saw.
15. Never attempt to clear scraps away from the blade while it is running. Stop the machine if this is necessary and use the puch stick to remove scraps.
16. Arch the finger while feeding instead of laying the hands flat.
17. Do not allow the left hand to pass the front edge of the saw.
18. Always us the guard when ripping.
19. Use a push stick when ripping stock that is less than 4" wide.
20. Rip no stock unless one edge is true. Place that edge against the ripping fence.
21. Do not cut cylindrical stock unless a v-block is used.
22. Never attempt resawing without first getting special permission.
23. Never attempt to lower stock over the saw. This operation requires special set-up and the instructors supervision.
24. Never make freehand cuts on the table saw.
25. Do not saw warped stock on the table saw.
26. Use care in sawing through knots. Never saw loose knots.
27. Remember, when helping to "tail off", the only purpose is to support the stock while the operator pushes it through the saw.
28. Do not leave the table saw until it comes to a dead stop.
29. Lower the saw below the table level before leaving the table saw.
30. Never attempt to rip stock that is wider than it is long.
2. Always keep the guard down over the saw blade while the machine is in operation.
3. Use a saw blade that is designed for the work
4. Never allow the saw blade to project more than 1/4" above the stock to be cut.
5. Do not use a saw blade that is dull.
6. Do not stand directly behind or in-line with the saw blade.
7. Do not use the ripping fence for a stop when crosscutting unless a clearance block is attached to the fence.
8. Stop the saw for all adjustments.
9. Be sure all Adjustments are tight and that the ripping fence or the crosscutting guide is fastened securely before the power in turned on.
10. Keep the fingers clear of the track of the saw and never allow the hands to cross the line of the saw while the machine is in operation.
11. Be sure you know specifically what you are going to do before turning on the power.
12. See that fence or set-up is in the line of the saw before turning on the power.
13. Be sure that the tilting arbor saw, when tilted, will clear the table, the fence, and crosscut guide and other special set-ups before turning on the power.
14. Do not reach over the saw.
15. Never attempt to clear scraps away from the blade while it is running. Stop the machine if this is necessary and use the puch stick to remove scraps.
16. Arch the finger while feeding instead of laying the hands flat.
17. Do not allow the left hand to pass the front edge of the saw.
18. Always us the guard when ripping.
19. Use a push stick when ripping stock that is less than 4" wide.
20. Rip no stock unless one edge is true. Place that edge against the ripping fence.
21. Do not cut cylindrical stock unless a v-block is used.
22. Never attempt resawing without first getting special permission.
23. Never attempt to lower stock over the saw. This operation requires special set-up and the instructors supervision.
24. Never make freehand cuts on the table saw.
25. Do not saw warped stock on the table saw.
26. Use care in sawing through knots. Never saw loose knots.
27. Remember, when helping to "tail off", the only purpose is to support the stock while the operator pushes it through the saw.
28. Do not leave the table saw until it comes to a dead stop.
29. Lower the saw below the table level before leaving the table saw.
30. Never attempt to rip stock that is wider than it is long.
SAFETY RULES FOR
BAND SAW
1. Make all adjustments before the power is turned on.
2. Set the saw guide and guide within ¼” of the stock being cut.
3. Be sure that the radius of cutting on curves is not too small for the blade. Make radial relief cuts when necessary.
4. Place stock on the saw table so that it lies flat and firm.
5. Plan the sawing procedure so that there will be maximum forward feed and a minimum of backing out. Number the order of cuts and make necessary relief cuts.
6. Do not back out of stock unless the blade is at a dead stop.
7. Do not use your fingers to remove scrap.
8. Keep your fingers at least 2” from the moving blade.
9. Do not place the hands across the line of the saw.
10. Do not stand at the right of the saw when the blade is in motion. If the blade should break, it has a tendency to be thrown out on the right side of the machine.
11. Never cut cylindrical stock on the band saw. Cutting cylindrical stock requires the use of special holding jigs.
12. Do three things if the blade breaks:
A.---Keep clear
B.---Turn off the power
C.---Notify the teacher
13. Do not try to stop the saw with any kind of force.
14. Stay with the machine until it comes to a dead stop.
15. Never turn the band saw on with the band wheel covers off.
SAFETY RULES FOR
DRILL PRESS
1. Check to make certain that the bit is properly sharpened and securely fastened in the drill check before starting the machine.
2. Adjust the belt into the proper pulley combinations for the required speed. Belt guard must be in place before operation of machine.
3. Hold stock securely on the table.
A.---Clamp it on the table if it cannot be held by hand.
B.---Place small pieces in a vise or jig to hold them in position for drilling.
4. Place the hole in the center of the table directly under the drill to prevent it striking the table.
5. Set the depth stop to the required depth if the hole is not being drilled through the stock.
6. Withdraw the bit frequently when drilling deep holes to prevent “BURNING” and “FREEZING” of the bit in the stock.
7. Make all adjustments while the machine is stopped.
8. Check to make certain that the key and wrenches are all removed before starting the machine.
9. Follow the safety suggestions for the particular machine you are adapting the drill press to replace when using the drill press for routing, shaping, mortising, sanding, planning, or other special jobs.
10. Locate centers for holes in metal by punching.
11. Never attempt to use a wood bit for drilling in metals or plastics.
12. Do not allow the drill press to exceed 3,000 R.P.M. when boring holes up to ¾” in diameter.
13. Reduce the speed when boring in deep holes to keep the bit from heating.
14. Reduce the speed when boring in hardwood to keep the bit from heating.
15. Bore large diameter holes at the slowest drill press speed.
2. Adjust the belt into the proper pulley combinations for the required speed. Belt guard must be in place before operation of machine.
3. Hold stock securely on the table.
A.---Clamp it on the table if it cannot be held by hand.
B.---Place small pieces in a vise or jig to hold them in position for drilling.
4. Place the hole in the center of the table directly under the drill to prevent it striking the table.
5. Set the depth stop to the required depth if the hole is not being drilled through the stock.
6. Withdraw the bit frequently when drilling deep holes to prevent “BURNING” and “FREEZING” of the bit in the stock.
7. Make all adjustments while the machine is stopped.
8. Check to make certain that the key and wrenches are all removed before starting the machine.
9. Follow the safety suggestions for the particular machine you are adapting the drill press to replace when using the drill press for routing, shaping, mortising, sanding, planning, or other special jobs.
10. Locate centers for holes in metal by punching.
11. Never attempt to use a wood bit for drilling in metals or plastics.
12. Do not allow the drill press to exceed 3,000 R.P.M. when boring holes up to ¾” in diameter.
13. Reduce the speed when boring in deep holes to keep the bit from heating.
14. Reduce the speed when boring in hardwood to keep the bit from heating.
15. Bore large diameter holes at the slowest drill press speed.
SAFETY RULES FOR
PLANER
1. Make certain that the stock has no large cracks, loose knots, nails, screws, dirt, or paint on any of the surfaces.
2. Turn the shaving exhaust on before starting the machine.
3. Limit the depth of cut to ⅛” for narrow stock and 1/16” for stock of full planer width.
4. Do not plane stock that is less than ¼” thick unless it is planed on a thick board for support.
5. So not allow the hands to come near the feed rolls, and keep “hands off” boards that are gripped by the feed rolls.
6. Never attempt to shift a board after the feed rolls have gripped it.
7. Do not change the depth of cut while a board is going through.
8. Never plane two boards side by side. One board may be thinner than the other and a serious kickback may result.
9. Do not plane the edge of a board in the planer.
10. Never attempt to lock into the planer while it is in operation. Splinters are often kicked back.
11. Never allow the planer to run unattended.
12. Do not stand directly in line with the rotation of the planer head or directly behind the board that is being fed.
2. Turn the shaving exhaust on before starting the machine.
3. Limit the depth of cut to ⅛” for narrow stock and 1/16” for stock of full planer width.
4. Do not plane stock that is less than ¼” thick unless it is planed on a thick board for support.
5. So not allow the hands to come near the feed rolls, and keep “hands off” boards that are gripped by the feed rolls.
6. Never attempt to shift a board after the feed rolls have gripped it.
7. Do not change the depth of cut while a board is going through.
8. Never plane two boards side by side. One board may be thinner than the other and a serious kickback may result.
9. Do not plane the edge of a board in the planer.
10. Never attempt to lock into the planer while it is in operation. Splinters are often kicked back.
11. Never allow the planer to run unattended.
12. Do not stand directly in line with the rotation of the planer head or directly behind the board that is being fed.
SAFETY RULES FOR
SHAPER
1.Be sure the knives are fastened securely on the arbor.
2. Make a check of the setup before turning on the power.
3. Be sure both sides of the fence are in line when cutting straight stock.
4. Use stop blocks when making a cut within the limits of the pieces of stock.
5. Select a collar size, which will conform as nearly as possible to the smallest curve in the form to be shaped. “Irregular shaping”
6. Use the pin in the table when “riding the collar.”
7. Select a cutter that is designed to cut on the underside of the stock.
8. Always use the guard and hold down devices.
9. Hold the stock firmly against the fence or collar.
10. Keep your hands away from the vicinity of the cutter when starting the cut.
11. Cut with the grain whenever possible. Advance the stock very slowly when cutting against the grain, and never cut against the grain unless it is impossible to work with the grain.
12. Never push up. Stock must always be advanced against the rotation of the cutters.
13. Be sure that the knives are kept sharp.
14. Pull the master switch before changing knives.
15. Be sure you know the correct direction of spindle rotation and feed before you start.
2. Make a check of the setup before turning on the power.
3. Be sure both sides of the fence are in line when cutting straight stock.
4. Use stop blocks when making a cut within the limits of the pieces of stock.
5. Select a collar size, which will conform as nearly as possible to the smallest curve in the form to be shaped. “Irregular shaping”
6. Use the pin in the table when “riding the collar.”
7. Select a cutter that is designed to cut on the underside of the stock.
8. Always use the guard and hold down devices.
9. Hold the stock firmly against the fence or collar.
10. Keep your hands away from the vicinity of the cutter when starting the cut.
11. Cut with the grain whenever possible. Advance the stock very slowly when cutting against the grain, and never cut against the grain unless it is impossible to work with the grain.
12. Never push up. Stock must always be advanced against the rotation of the cutters.
13. Be sure that the knives are kept sharp.
14. Pull the master switch before changing knives.
15. Be sure you know the correct direction of spindle rotation and feed before you start.
SAFETY RULES FOR
DISC SANDER
1. Keep your fingers at least 2” from the moving abrasive disc.
2. Place the work on the “downstroke” side of the sanding disc.
3. Never hold small pieces in hand. There is too much danger that these small pieces will shift and pull the fingers against the moving disc. Designing a holding jig for this type of work is sufficient to warrant machine sanding.
4. Set the clearance between the sanding disc and the table so that it does not exceed 1/16”.
5. Keep the tabletop about level with the center of the disc.
6. Hold the work securely in both hands.
7. Use a light pressure against the disc. The sander should be used for surfacing and not for cutting down stock.
8. Stop sander before making any adjustments.
9. Use the fence and the table whenever possible.
10. Check the abrasive disc and make certain that it is fastened securely.
11. Wear clean safety goggles.
2. Place the work on the “downstroke” side of the sanding disc.
3. Never hold small pieces in hand. There is too much danger that these small pieces will shift and pull the fingers against the moving disc. Designing a holding jig for this type of work is sufficient to warrant machine sanding.
4. Set the clearance between the sanding disc and the table so that it does not exceed 1/16”.
5. Keep the tabletop about level with the center of the disc.
6. Hold the work securely in both hands.
7. Use a light pressure against the disc. The sander should be used for surfacing and not for cutting down stock.
8. Stop sander before making any adjustments.
9. Use the fence and the table whenever possible.
10. Check the abrasive disc and make certain that it is fastened securely.
11. Wear clean safety goggles.
SAFETY RULES FOR
lATHE
1. Never wear neckties and loose clothing when turning.
2. Wear goggles for eye protection from dust and chips.
3. Use sharp tools. Dull tools are dangerous.
4. Examine all wood for checks, knots, or other defects before it is mounted in the lathe.
5. Allow adequate drying time for glued turning stock.
6. Make all adjustments and measurements when the lathe is not running.
7. Remove the live center from the head stock and drive it into the center of one end of the stock with a mallet.
8. Lock all adjustments on the tail stock fastening the stock securely between centers.
9. Adjust and keep the tool rest as close to the stock as possible without touching the stock, and lock all adjustments.
10. Set the tool rest so that its top edge is about 1/16” above the center of the stock being
turned.
11. Remove the stock by hand making certain that it does not touch any part of the lathe before turning on the power.
12. Regulate lathe speed as follows:
A.---Stock is turned at slow speed until it is cylindrical in shape.
B.---Stock over 6” in diameter should be turned at speeds below 1,000 R.P.M.
C.--- Stock below 3” in diameter may be turned safely at speeds ranging from 3,600 R.P.M. down.
D.--- In most cases, the slower speeds are the safest.
E.---When turning “off center” work, the slower speeds must be used.
13. Split turning and segmented work must be checked by the instructor before being placed in the lathe.
2. Wear goggles for eye protection from dust and chips.
3. Use sharp tools. Dull tools are dangerous.
4. Examine all wood for checks, knots, or other defects before it is mounted in the lathe.
5. Allow adequate drying time for glued turning stock.
6. Make all adjustments and measurements when the lathe is not running.
7. Remove the live center from the head stock and drive it into the center of one end of the stock with a mallet.
8. Lock all adjustments on the tail stock fastening the stock securely between centers.
9. Adjust and keep the tool rest as close to the stock as possible without touching the stock, and lock all adjustments.
10. Set the tool rest so that its top edge is about 1/16” above the center of the stock being
turned.
11. Remove the stock by hand making certain that it does not touch any part of the lathe before turning on the power.
12. Regulate lathe speed as follows:
A.---Stock is turned at slow speed until it is cylindrical in shape.
B.---Stock over 6” in diameter should be turned at speeds below 1,000 R.P.M.
C.--- Stock below 3” in diameter may be turned safely at speeds ranging from 3,600 R.P.M. down.
D.--- In most cases, the slower speeds are the safest.
E.---When turning “off center” work, the slower speeds must be used.
13. Split turning and segmented work must be checked by the instructor before being placed in the lathe.