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Bandsaw Safety (vertical)

1) Must obtain basic shop safety training and equipment-specific training before using this machine. Must wear appropriate PPE and follow all shop rules.

2) Ensure the guard is in the proper location. Adjust the upper guard assembly to within ¼ to ½ inch of the stock prior to starting the machine. This practice may vary if use of a vise limits the guard height. Consult an Instrument Maker if unsure.

3) Use the proper pitch blade for the thickness of material to be cut. There should be at least 3 teeth in the material when cutting. See reference on saw, or consult Instrument Maker.

4) Check to ensure the band saw is correct for the type of material being cut. See reference on face of machine.

5) Do not force stock into saw blade(feed rate).  Let the speed of the blade cut stock appropriately. If excess force is required, the blade may be dull. Consult Instrument Maker for assistance.

6) Make release, or segment cuts before cutting long curves.

7) Plan your cuts to avoid backing out of curved or long, not through cuts.

8) Never push a piece of stock with your hands in front of the saw blade. Use a pusher stick. Keep hands at a safe distance on either side of the stock if possible.

9) Small workpieces can be cut with a pusher stick and a hand vise or clamp to keep your hands safely away from the blade.

10) All-round materials must be secured in a vise or clamp to keep the material from spinning prior to starting the cut.

11) Make sure there are no chips under the material and it is held flat to the table prior to starting the cut.

12) If a saw blade binds on a piece of material, turn the saw off, consult an Instrument Maker before trying to get it off the blade.

13) If the blade breaks, immediately shut the power off and stand clear until the machine has stopped.

14) When finished with cut, turn band saw off. Use brush to clear chips from the table. Wipe any excess oil or residue off with paper towel.