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SECTION 5: WOOD CUTTING
Workpiece
Inspection
Some wood workpieces are not safe to cut or may
require modification before they are safe to cut.
Before cutting wood, get in the habit of
inspecting all workpieces for the following:
•
Foreign Objects: Nails, staples, dirt, rocks
and other foreign objects are often embed-
ded in wood. While cutting, these objects can
become dislodged and hit the operator or
break the blade, which might then fly apart.
Always visually inspect your workpiece for
these items. If they cannot be removed, do
NOT cut the workpiece.
•
Large/Loose Knots: Loose knots can
become dislodged during the cutting opera-
tion. Large knots can cause blade damage.
Choose workpieces that do not have large/
loose knots or plan ahead to avoid cutting
through them.
•
Wet or "Green" Stock: Cutting wood with
a moisture content over 20% causes unnec-
essary wear on the blade and yields poor
results.
Excessive Warping: Workpieces with exces-
•
sive cupping, bowing, or twisting are danger-
ous to cut because they are unstable and can
move unpredictably when being cut. DO NOT
use workpieces with these characteristics!
•
Minor Warping: Workpieces with slight cup-
ping can be safely supported if the cupped
side faces the table or fence. On the contrary,
a workpiece supported on the bowed side will
rock during a cut, leading to loss of control.
-32-
Cutting Tips
•
Keep the upper blade guide assembly adjust-
ed to within
⁄
" of the workpiece.
1
4
•
Replace, sharpen, and clean blades as nec-
essary. Make adjustments periodically to
keep the saw running in top condition.
•
Use light and even pressure while cutting.
Light contact with the blade makes it easier
to follow lines and prevents extra friction.
•
Avoid twisting the blade when cutting around
tight corners. Allow the blade to saw around
the corners.
•
Misusing the saw or using incorrect tech-
niques is unsafe and results in poor cuts.
Remember—the blade does the cutting with
the operator's guidance.
•
Never start a cut with the blade in contact
with the workpiece, and do not start a cut on
a sharp edge.
•
Use the right blade for the cutting task.
•
Avoid cutting round objects, such as dowels,
that cannot be properly supported or locked in
place against the miter gauge. Unsupported
round pieces can entangle your hands in the
moving blade, causing serious injury.
G0640X 17" Wood/Metal Bandsaw
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