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this manual. Small pieces are the most difficult to control, so consider, do you really need to
face and edge them?
The HSE has published guidelines on the ergonomically correct use of hand fed planers, some of
which is reproduced here:
Hand positioning
Preparatory: Using the left hand, with the guard resting on the outfeed table, adjust the guard
horizontally up to the fence and then lift the guard to just accommodate the thickness of the
workpiece. Push the workpiece with the right hand only a little under the guard and let the
latter rest upon the workpiece. This stage should not be carried out while the cutterblock is in
motion.
The work should be fed by the right hand, and if the knives are sharp and the tables are properly
set the main functions of the left hand are to assist feeding by drawing the wood along the
delivery table towards the end of the cut, and to remove the planed piece.
