30
Safety Instructions for Basic Band Saw Operation (continued)
Inspect your workpiece.
Make sure there are no nails or for-
eign objects in the part of the work-
piece to be cut.
Use extra caution with large, very
small or awkward workpieces:
• Use extra supports (tables, saw
horses, blocks, etc.) for any work-
pieces large enough to tip when not
held down to the table top.
• NEVER use another person as a
substitute for a table extension, or
as additional support for a work-
piece that is longer or wider than the
basic saw table, or to help feed,
support or pull the workpiece.
• When cutting irregularly shaped
workpieces, plan your work so it will
not slip and pinch the blade. A piece
of molding for example, must lie flat
or be held by a fixture of jig that will
not let it twist, rock or slip while
being cut.
• Properly support round material
such as dowel rods, or tubing. They
have a tendency to roll during a cut,
causing the blade to “bite”. To
reduce the risk of this, always use a
“V” block or clamp the work to the
miter gage.
• Cut only one workpiece at a time.
• Clear everything except the work-
piece and related support devices
off the table before turning the saw
on.
Plan Ahead To Protect Your Eyes, Hands, Face and Ears
Dress for safety
• Any power saw can throw foreign
objects into the eyes. This can result
in permanent eye damage. Always
wear safety goggles, not glasses,
complying with ANSI Z87.1 (or in
Canada CSA Z94.3-99) shown on
package. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact resistant lenses.
They are not safety glasses. Safety
goggles are available at many local
retail stores. Glasses or goggles not
in compliance with ANSI or CSA
could seriously hurt you when they
break.
• For dusty operations, wear a dust
mask along with safety goggles.
• Do not wear loose clothing, gloves,
neckties or jewelry (rings, wrist
watches). They can get caught and
draw you into moving parts.
• Wear nonslip footwear.
• Tie back long hair.
• Roll long sleeves above the elbow.
• Noise levels vary widely. To reduce
the risk of possible hearing damage,
wear ear plugs or muffs when using
saw for hours at a time.
Plan the way you will hold the
workpiece from start to finish.
• Do not hand hold pieces so small
that your fingers will go under the
blade guard. Use jigs or fixtures to
hold the work and keep your hands
away from the blade.
• Secure work. Use clamps to hold
work when practical. It’s often safer
than using your hand, and frees
both hands to operate the tool.
• Don’t overreach. Keep good footing
and balance.
