The thickness planer is used to make one side of a board parallel to the other side of the board. If
the first side was surfaced using the jointer and is straight and true, the planer will make the other
side straight, true and parallel to the first side. However, if the first side is twisted, the planer will
duplicate the twist. If the first side is cupped, the planer will not be able to produce a uniform
surface. To avoid accidents, the following operational safety rules must be observed by everyone
using the Powermatic planer. Failure to follow the safety rules will result in a loss of shop
privileges.
Thickness Planer Safety Rules:
1.
Follow the 3” rule; always keep fingers at least 3” from the opening where the boards are fed.
Your hand could get caught by the feed roller and be drawn into the feed roller or cutterhead
causing serious injury or amputation.
2.
Never place your hand into the thickness planer infeed or outfeed opening.
3.
Do not hold the boards so that you have fingers on the bottom side of the board when feeding
the board into the thickness planer. Your fingers could be caught between the board and the
table and cause serious damage to them.
4.
Plane only boards that have been joined and surfaced on the jointer. All boards must be flat,
unless a Shop Leader approved jig is used.
5.
Keep a balanced stance at the planer.
6.
Never clear small pieces from the input or output tables with your hand while the thickness
planer is running. Use a brush, or stop the thickness planer.
Start with a Risk Assessment to ensure a safe work area:
1.
A three foot perimeter around the thickness planer should be kept clear of people, debris and
sawdust that might impair traction or footing to avoid slips and falls and to provide easy
access to both the front and rear of the machine. However, a helper may assist with
supporting long boards and in the removal of boards form the outfeed table.
Powermatic 20”
Thickness Planer
Safety Rules
Valley Woodworkers of West Virginia – Powermatic Thickness Planer Safety Rules – PPH January 2,
2015
