Band Saw

Safety

 * Lockout: when not in use
 * PPE:
 * Eye protection required
 * Ear protection required
 * Dust mask recommended
 * Before use:
 * Ensure switched off before plugging in
 * Ensure blade is intact, not missing teeth. and tracks properly
 * Ensure material is wood with no metal, nails, etc.
 * Plan your whole cut
 * During use:
 * Let blade reach full speed before moving material
 * Imagine that each force your hands are applying was exaggerated to infinity. Ensure no force intersects the blade path.
 * Use safety fence and lock it down with the lever to give a surface to apply pressure against whenever possible
 * Use push stick to feed material safely
 * Do not change the tension of the blade, ask the supervisor to help you
 * Do not curve or angle the cut by too sharp an angle
 * If the blade is moving laterally from its original downward path, the angle is too sharp
 * If you need to cut sharp angles or curves, use the Scroll Saw

Usage

 * Blades:
 * Only takes 62" blades (like this)
 * 6TPI - Means 6 teeth per inch of blade
 * More teeth means finer cut


 * Changing Blades (Supervisor only):
 * To change the blade, first unplug the machine
 * Then open the casing by unscrewing the two slot head screws with a screwdriver
 * Open the casing and loosen the tension knob at the top to release the old blade
 * Unpack the new blade and place it over both turn wheels
 * Ensure the teeth of the blade face downwards
 * Tighten the top tension knob and manually turn the turn wheels to see if the blade stays in the center of both
 * Adjust tension until the blade stays centered on the turn wheels
 * Close the casing and test run the band saw to ensure the blade stays centered
 * Sawing:
 * The fence can be used to help keep a straight edge and to give a surface to push against
 * The fence is adjusted by raising the lever, sliding the fence to the desired position, then lowering the lever to lock it in place
 * The push stick can be used to help keep hands away from the blade
 * Always consider your hands proximity to the blade
 * Always consider your hands direction of force
 * Always lower the blade guard as low as possible without touching the material
 * Bevel:
 * The work surface can be tilted to apply beveled cuts using the knob on the back of the machine below the work surface

Further Information

 * Current: Mastercraft Band Saw (055-6748-6)
 * Manual: link
 * Video Tutorial: link