Bandsaw Safety

Summary of safe Operating Procedures for the Bandsaw (printable version)
 Make sure that the upper and lower wheel-guard doors are closed and locked.
 Use the right sized blade for the job at hand. The blade size will dictate the radius of the cut.
 Ensure that the blade is under proper tension.
 Keep the blade guard and guide 1/8” to 1/4” above your stock.
 Keep bystanders away from the right hand area of the saw. Broken blades have a tendency to fly out to the right.
 Always keep your fingers and hands at least 2 inches away from the path of the blade.
 Do not start the saw with wood touching the saw blade.
 Do not make adjustments when the saw is running.
 When you start the bandsaw, wait until the motor is at full speed before beginning any cut.
 Always place the stock flat against the table. Do not attempt to “free-hand” the stock in mid-air.
 If a specific, consistent-width rip or specific angle is to be cut, use a rip fence or miter gauge to assist with the cut.
 To control the stock, use push sticks, feather boards, or any other safety device when cutting small or short stock.
 Use a “V” block or appropriate clamps when cutting cylindrical stock.
 Cut at a moderate feed rate. Do not force a cut.
 When cutting tight curves, go slowly and use “relief cuts” wherever possible. These are cuts that cut through scrap portions of your cut out to give you a better angle on accessing a section of your outline.
 If you must back out of your cut, hold the stock firmly in place with one hand and turn the motor off with the other. Do not attempt to back the stock out of the cut until the blade has come to a complete stop.
 Do not attempt to flick cutoffs or scraps away from the blade with your fingers. Use another piece of stock or a push stick.
 If the work is too large for one person to handle, get help holding the stock.
 When cutting with the table at an angle, clamp a block to the table to prevent your stock from slipping off the table.
 If a blade should break, turn off the power and stand clear until the wheels have completely stopped before attempting to remove the work piece or the blade.
 Always disconnect the power before changing the blade or performing any other maintenance operation.
 Do not reach across the bandsaw. The on/off switch is on your left, so always use your left hand to turn it on and off
 When the cut is finished, turn off the bandsaw and wait until it comes to a complete stop. Use the foot brake to stop the blade if one is present.
 Do not leave a saw running unattended. Turn off the power and make sure the blade has stopped before leaving the area.