32
Diagnosing Mechanical Faults
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Eyes, ears and hands are the best tools for detecting mechanical failure modes.
As is the case for electrical faults, an accidental crash between tool and
workpiece is a likely way to cause mechanical damage. A wide variety of
mechanical failure modes also are possible even without a crash. A careful
inspection of the parts involved in a mechanical fault is the best way to assess its
extent.
•
When a mechanical component needs to be replaced, follow the guidelines in
this manual describing safe maintenance practice.
•
Regular maintenance is a good way of detecting mechanical faults before they
occur. Inspection of covers, belts and wear surfaces often will reveal an issue
before it has turned into a full-blown fault.
