A band saw is a magical woodworking tool. You can do wonders with it from ripping lumbers to making veneers. Unfortunately, the band saw can cause several injuries to its user. According to a report of the United States Department of Labor, there were more than 500 reported injury cases because the band saw in 2020.
Therefore, this guideline on a band saw safety rules would describe the standard practices to keep yourself safe while you use a saw. We will be selective and avoid jargon for your proper understanding.
Most Essential Band Saw Safety Rules
A band saw is an inseparable woodworking tool. However, it is necessary to remain safe while using it. Our band saw safety tips that would allow you to stay safe and work with more confidence.
So, let’s have a look at how we can be safe while we use a band saw.
Marc Adam’s Safety Rules
Initially developed by Kansas City Woodworker’s Guild, Marc Adam’s rules are universally excepted. These are-
- Always keep your fingers at least 3-inches away from the blade.
- You should always check the tracking and tension of the blade before you start a new cutting job.
- Always ensure a balanced stance while using a saw.
- Avoid using your thumb to push the wood towards the blade.
- Use a jig on the bottom of to cut a bumpy wood or log.
Taking Proper Preparation Is Important
As you become ready to use a band saw, be prepared. If you are a first-time user, read and understand the user manual thoroughly. Moreover, bandsaw creates much vibration while cutting jobs. To avoid vibration, place your saw on a firm base at your convenient height.
Setting the Upper Guide
You should set the top guide as close as possible to the wood. However, make sure that it doesn’t touch wood itself. The close contact between the guide and timber ensures that the blade is hidden under the guide. So, there will be no space for fingers to touch the blade accidentally.
Adjusting the Upper Blade Guard
An uncovered blade might cause you unwanted injuries. So, adjust the top blade guard to cover the edge totally. It will protect your fingers from slipping into the blade.
Clean Your bandSaw
If you clean your saw from dust and leftover wood projectiles, it will provide better performance. Moreover, a clean saw operates smoothly. So, it negates the chances of an accident.
Choose the Perfect Blade
The performance of a bandsaw largely depends on the appropriateness of its blade. It is also essential to avoid any unexpected incident.
Wisely select the width of the blade according to your desired cut radius. If you try to push a wider blade through a small cutting, it might backfire causing you injuries. Moreover, the blade might be damaged due to twisting.
Never Use an Old Blade
We understand that many people use old blades to save a few dollars. We strongly discourage you from continuing such malpractice. A dull and used blade is always more dangerous than the new one. It requires more pressure and increases the chance of your finger slip. So, use a sharp razor always.
Stay at A Safe Distance
You should maintain a safe distance from the bad saw. The projectiles might fly and hurt you unless you stay away. Moreover, always be careful so that your hands stay away from the cutting line. Use a push stick to push the wood towards the blade.
If you lack a push stick, you might use your fingers. However, it would help if you place your hand on a support to avoid accidental slips. Additionally, you can go behind the board and pull it towards you. It will make the cutting job more comfortable.
Use Proper Safety Apparatus
While using a bandsaw, you should follow the universal safety tools guideline. These include-
- Wearing a pair of safety goggles to stay safe from the flying projectiles.
- Most of the injuries happened due to loosely fitted dresses. So, always wear tightly fitted clothes to avoid accidents.
- If possible, wear puncture-resistant boots to protect your feet.
Conclusion
It doesn’t require a considerable number of skills to remain safe from injuries. If you sincerely follow the above guideline on band saw safety rules, you will undoubtedly be safe. These instructions are easy to follow, so don’t ignore them. After all, your safety and life are more important than your woodworking job. Stay safe, stay blessed.
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