General Safety

• Safety glasses are to be worn in the laboratory when machines are being operated and striking tools are being used.
• Individuals should not use machines in the laboratory until they have received instructions on their safe and proper use for the operation to be performed.
• Remove rings, wrist watches, etc., before operating machinery.
• Report unsafe or dangerous equipment to the instructor immediately.
• Do not take your eyes off your work nor allow others to crowd around and watch you at the machine.
• Avoid talking to anyone who is operating a machine.
• Startling anyone who is working at a machine may result in serious injury.
• The floor around machines must be kept clean of scrap.
• Machines should not be used for trivial operations, especially on small pieces.
• Stock or material should never be forced into a machine faster than it will cut.
• The power should always be shut off after a machine has been used.
• Horseplay is absolutely forbidden in the laboratory.
• Never wear gloves, tuck in shirt tails, remove any loose clothing, tie, and roll up sleeves whenever operating a machine.
• Always wear eye protection when performing operations that might cause eye injury.
• Do not stand either as an operator or as an observer in the machine's rotational path.
• In the event of an accident, regardless of how slight, be sure to notify the instructor and receive first aid.
• All safety guards must (if possible) be kept in their proper positions while machines are being operated.
• Care should be taken to see that all material is free of nails, paint, dirt, or loose knots prior to being machined.
• Allow machines to come to a complete stop before making any measurements, adjustments, or leaving the machine.
• Pull the MASTER switch or disconnect the electrical plug from the wall receptacle before making repairs, changing blades, cutters, knives, lubricating the machine, or sharpening the knives on any power equipment.
• All tools such as wrenches, screw drivers, squares, etc., must be removed from the machine before the power is turned on.
• Material should be fed into the machine only after the motor has reached its maximum speed.
• Many times the same operation can be done on more than one type of machine. Always select the machine that will do the operation the best, easiest, and safest way.
• Please feel free to report any of your ideas for improving safety in the lab to the instructor.
• Never throw a tool or anything to or at another person.
• Report any tool or machine that is out of order to the instructor.
• Never carry tools in your pockets.
• Carry cutting tools with sharp edges down.
• Never use files with a loose or missing handle.
• Always keep vices closed when not in use and the vice handles in the vertical position.
• Keep locker doors closed at all times except when actually getting things out or putting them away.
• Keep flammable objects such as oily or paint-soaked rags in a covered metal can.
• THINK SAFETY, PRACTICE SAFETY, AND DEVELOP GOOD SAFETY HABITS.

Power Miter Box and Radial Arm Saw Safety

• Always wear eye protection when operating the saw.
• When making any type of cut, keep your hands away from the blade.
• Remove the electric plug or pull the switch on the electrical panel before changing blades.
• When changing blades, use the wrenches provided to loosen and tighten the arbor nut.
• Make certain that the blade is installed correctly on the arbor; check the rotation and direction of the teeth.
• Make no adjustments on this machine while it is running or coasting.
• Do not cut questionable material.
• Material to be cut should have a reasonable true face and edge.
• When cutting material, the material must always lie flat on the table and rest firmly against the guide fence.
• When cross cutting or dadoing, the saw and motor should always be returned to the rear of the table after completing the cut.
• The table should always be kept clean of sawdust and scrap.
• You must have at least 10" of bearing surface before cross cutting material on these machines.
• You should stand to the left of the machine, hold the material with your left hand and control the saw with your right hand.
• These machines will be used for cross cutting only.

Band Saw Safety

• The saw guide must be adjusted within 1/4" of the material to be cut before power is turned on.
• Students must not allow their hands to cross the saw line when operating the band saw.
• Keep your fingers at least 2" away from the blade when operating the band saw.
• When operating the band saw, stand in front and slightly to the left of the machine.
• If you find it necessary to back the blade out of a long cut, turn the machine offend let it come to a complete stop.
• Cylindrical stock must never be cut without the aid of some type of jig.
• Stock must not be cut on the band saw unless the material is firmly supported against the downward thrust of the saw.
• If the blade should break while the machine is in operation, immediately shut off the power, keep clear of the saw, and notify the instructor.
• Be sure the radius of your cut is not too small for the width of the band saw blade.
• Make certain the blade is tracking properly and the guides and rollers are adjusted correctly. Receive permission from the instructor before adjusting blade tension or tracking.
• If you do not thoroughly understand how the machine operates, ask the instructor for help.

Jointer Safety

• The guard must be kept over the knives at all times while the jointer is in operation. Never drag stock back across the guard.
• The jointer is not to be used for jointing stock which measures less than 12" long or wide.
• Set-ups on the jointer for special operations such as beveling, tapering, etc., must be checked by the instructor before the power is turned on.
• Check for a tight fence and adjust the depth of cut before turning on the power.
• Do not adjust the fence while the machine is running.
• End grain jointing on pieces of stock less than 12" wide is prohibited. Pieces of stock 12" and wider can be successfully jointed against the end grain by performing the following operation. First, advance the board across the knives about 1". Second, turn the board around and joint all the way across.
• The jointer should not be used for cuts heavier than 1/16".
• Do not allow your fingers to project over the knives while jointing stock.
• Examine the stock for knots and splits before running it over the jointer.
• Always joint with the grain of the material.
• Use a slow steady advance when jointing stock.
• The out feed table is not to be adjusted by any student.
• Use a push shoe when jointing the flat or face surface of the stock.
• Keep your attention fixed on the job being performed.
• If you do not thoroughly understand how the machine operates, ask the instructor.
• Use a push stick when jointing the edge of stock less than the width of the jointer fence.
• Position yourself properly to the left of the jointer so you will not be injured in case of a kickback.

Table Saw Safety

• The guard must be kept on the machine at all times. Any exception to this rule must be cleared through the instructor.
• The saw blade should not extend above the stock being cut more than 1/4".
• A push stick must be used when ripping narrow pieces of stock; 4" wide or less is considered narrow stock.
• Keep the floor clean around the machine.
• If it is necessary to remove scrap stock from the table, remove with a push stick; not your fingers.
• Never speak to, or try to attract the attention of any person operating the table saw. Distraction for a single second may cause a serious accident.
• Use a helper when needed to handle large or long pieces of material.
• The helper should only support the material being cut (do not pull).
• All adjustments on the machine must be done when the saw is completely stopped.
• Do not lift stock over the machine while the machine is running.
• When operating the table saw, stand to the left side of the blade, but never directly in line with the rotational path.
• Cut only one piece of stock at a time.
• When feeding stock through the saw, arch your hand. Never lay your hand flat on the stock.
• Do not lay tools on the table saw.
• Special set-ups must be cleared through the instructor before proceeding with the operation.
• Never release stock between the saw and fence until it clears the blade.
• Stock must be flat on the table.
• A straight edge and true face must be against the fence, and flat on the table while ripping (No Freehand Sawing).
• Be certain that any stock held against the fence has sufficient bearing surface (diameter of the blade plus 2").
• Do not cut off stock which has less than 8" of bearing surface with the miter gauge.
• Never reach over the saw to hold stock.
• Do not feed stock into the machine faster than it will cut.
• Keep others clear of the area around the machine.
• When tilting the blade check to be sure it doesn't hit the guard, rip fence or miter gauge before you turn on the saw.

Drill Press Safety

• Remove the chuck-key from the chuck before starting the machine.
• Be sure the bit is tight in the chuck.
• When drilling small stock, always secure it in a vise or fasten it to the work table.
• Avoid forcing the bit faster than it will cut.
• Adjust the speed of the machine to the size of the drill and the type of job being performed.
• Keep hands at least 2" away from the moving bit.
• Set the work up in such a manner that the bit will not damage the table (use a backing board).
• Make adjustments on the machine only after it has come to a dead stop.
• Never attempt to install a square tang or tapered shank drill into a three jaw chuck.
• If the drill press is equipped with a step cone pulley, set desired speed before turning on the machine.
• If the drill press is equipped with a variable speed mechanism, do not make adjustments for desired speed until the motor is turned on.
• Consult the speed chart for correct speed setting when drilling various materials.
• Generally large holes and hard material are drilled at slow speeds. Small holes and soft materials are drilled at fast speeds. 400-600 rpm > (1"), 1200 rpm < (1/2").
• The drill bit should be withdrawn frequently when drilling large or deep holes to prevent damage to the bit.
• A v-block should be used when drilling round material.

Jig Saw or Scroll Saw Safety

• Select the correct blade to do the best job.
• Install the blade with the proper tension with the teeth pointing toward the table.
• Revolve the saw the by hand to check adjustments before turning on the machine.
• Set the hold down on the surface of the stock to hold the work firmly on the table.
• Plan your cuts to avoid having to back out of a cut.
• Keep your hands well away from the moving blade and out of its cutting path.
• Do not cut cylindrical stock without the use of a jig or other adequate holding device.

Wood Lathe Safety

• Adjust the speed of the lathe according to the size and condition of the stock.
• Be sure that the stock is secured before turning on the lathe.
• Use the appropriate tool for the job.
• Keep all tools sharp.
• Keep the tool rest adjusted close to the stock.
• Stop the lathe to make all adjustments.
• Avoid placing your hands on the stock while it is rotating.
• After the stock is centered, rotate it by hand to make certain it will clear the tool rest.
• Before sanding or finishing, remove the tool rest to prevent fingers or clothing from being caught between it and the stock.
• Stock must be securely fixed to the faceplate with screws of proper size.
• Large diameter stock should be turned at a low speed.
• When turning large diameter work, reduce the motor R.P.M. gradually to reduce the possibility of the stock being thrown out of the lathe.
• Lathe tools should not be placed on the lathe bed.
• Hold the turning chisels firmly at the correct angle.

Router Table Inverted Router and Shaper Safety

• Use guards, hold downs, and feather boards whenever possible.
• Use the fence whenever the nature of the work permits. A jig or pin is used for irregular cutting.
• When the machine is set-up, check to see that all adjustments are tight.
• Run stock slowly when shaping end grain.
• Always hold the stock with both hands and feed slowly.
• Turn off the main switch or unplug the machine before making any adjustments or changing cutters.
• Students must have special permission from the instructor before using any of these machines.
• Be certain that the machine is running at full speed before using.
• Give these machines your undivided attention. Do not take your eyes off of the work or the machine for one instant. Allowing your eyes or your thoughts to wander may result in a serious injury.
• Do not wear loose clothing.
• Never attempt to shape small pieces of material unless they are securely held in a jig.
• Always feed forward into the cutter (never back up the work). If you need to rectify a cut, extract it and start over.
• The cutters must rotate into the work being fed. Stock is fed into the cutter opposite the cutter rotation. Always check the rotation of the cutter before starting a cut.
• Do not attempt to take one heavy cut. Two or even three cuts are much safer and will produce better results.
• After making a set-up, rotate the spindle by hand to make certain that it rotates freely.
• If curved or irregular shaped edges are to shaped, place the stock in position and check to see that the rub collar will rub against a portion of the edge which will not be removed by the cutter.

Combination Belt and Disc Sander Safety

• Select the correct grade of abrasive disc or belt for the job being performed.
• Do not try to hold small pieces in your hand.
• Always turn off the machine before leaving the sander.
• Sand only on the down stroke side of the disc sander.
• Stop the sander to make any adjustments.
• Check to make sure that all guards are correctly mounted on the machine.
• Do not allow your attention to be distracted.
• Do all cutting operations before beginning any sanding operation.
• Apply just enough pressure to get the job done. The tendency of the inexperienced student is to press too hard, which results in cutting or sanding scratches in the surface.

Portable Router Safety

• Give the machine your undivided attention.
• Do not wear loose clothing.
• Receive permission and have the instructor check the set-up before using this machine.
• Make certain that the switch on the machine is turned off before connecting the plug to the power source.
• Stock to routed should be firmly clamped.
• When a deep or heavy cut must be made, do it in a series of shallow cuts.
• Keep the cord away from the bit.
• Hold the router firmly while turning it on.
• Keep your hands on both handles and feed the cutter at an even rate of speed.
• At the completion of an operation, turn the machine away from you, turn it off, let it come to a complete stop, and place it on its side.

Mortiser Safety

• Be certain that the chisel is sharp and properly adjusted before turning on the power.
• Check the hold downs, stops, and depth of chisel before turning on the machine.
• Keep your hands away from the chisel; it may become over-heated.
• Do not use the chisel if it is smoking in the cut.

Spindle or Oscillating Sander Safety

• Select the proper spindle size for the job and install the correct throat plate.
• Keep your fingers away from the spindle while it is in motion.
• Avoid forcing the stock against the spindle faster than it will cut.
• Move the work about to avoid heating and burning a portion of the abrasive or wood.

Grinder Safety

• Keep all guards and shields in place.
• Set the tool rest 1/8" to i/~" away from the grinding stone to prevent the piece from being caught between the tool rest and the stone.
• Keep your fingers clear of the stone, particularly the area near the tool rest.
• Badly worn or out-of-round wheels should be dressed or replaced.
• Tools being ground should be held firmly.
• Always use the face of the wheel.
• Replacement wheels should be those recommended at the speed of the machine.

Surface Planer Safety

• Never stand directly behind the board when it is being fed into the planer.
• Check the stock for any defects.
• Keep your fingers away from the sides and bottom of the board as it is fed through the planer.
• Always measure the thickness of the board at its thickest point and then adjust the machine to about 1/16" less than the measurement.
• Never attempt to plane more than one thickness at a time.
• After the first cut is taken, re-adjust the planer a 1/16" less and take the second cut.
• Never adjust the depth of the cut while stock is being fed into the machine.
• Never attempt to clean away shavings until the machine has completely stopped.
• Always turn on the vacuum first, before starting the planer.
• Never look into the planer while it is in operation.
• The correct position to operate the planer is to stand on the side near the controls.
• Do not surface warped or twisted boards until a true face has been established.
• Keep your attention fixed on the operation being performed.
• Do not surface stock shorter than 12".
• If a board does not feed through the surface planer, turn it o£ Wait until the cutter head has stopped, then lower the table.