Safety Advice - STARTRITE 352E Original Instruction Manual

7. Safety Advice

a) Machine out of order
Before making any adjustments or repairs to the machine, disconnect from the electrical supply.
If any faults are suspected, disconnect the electrical supply and put a visible notice on the machine. Always report faults on the machine (including
guards and saw blades) as soon as they are discovered.
b) Before operating
• Keep the surrounding floor space clean;
• Wear suitable clothing, not loose garments;
• Check that the blade is sharp, correctly tensioned, the correct width, and correctly positioned on the bandwheels and always observe the maximum
speed marked on the saw blade;
• Use support stands for long or wide material;
• Use a dust extractor of adequate performance as detailed in section 3.3 of this manual.
c) During operation
Never clean the table with hands, use a brush or a piece of wood.
Do not remove off cuts or work pieces from the cutting area unless by using a push stick.
In case of an emergency such as blade breakage or other emergency do not attempt to intervene before the bandwheels have
completely stopped.
When the band wheel has stopped, lower the upper blade guides to the level of the table, loosen the blade and leave a sign
advising of this operation. REMOVE THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION PLUG.
d) During maintenance
• Place the machine out of order as indicated above;
• Use gloves to handle the saw band;
• Periodically check the electrical grounding of the machine.
e) Tensioning
When the machine is not in use, for example at the end of a shift, release the saw blade tension and place a notice on the
machine to indicate this and to remind the next user to adjust the tension before starting up.
f) Guard removal/replacement
Where guards are removed replace them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
g) Noise reduction
Regular maintenance of saw blades, extraction system, cleaning and lubrication of the saw blade etc. is necessary to help
control machine noise.
h) Operator training
It is essential that all operators are adequately trained in the use, adjustment and operation of the machine. This covers
in particular:
other principles of machine setting and operation, including the correct use and adjustment of workpiece holding and guiding
devices and guards;
• the safe handling of the workpiece when cutting;
• the use of personal protective equipment for ear and eye protection.
i) Tooling
Care should be taken to avoid damaging the saw blade. When not in use, untensioned band saw blades should be coiled
and secured. They should be stored in a safe, dry place. Before use they should be checked for damaged teeth and cracks.
• To avoid cracking, tensioned saw blades should be stored in accordance with Fig 7.1.
• At least two operators will be needed to change a wide saw blade.
• Suitable carrier equipment should be provided for transporting tensioned wide saw blades.
• Suitable gloves (or other handling aids) should be worn whenever saw blades are handled.
j) Saw blade thrust wheel
The purpose of the thrust wheel on a table band saw is to give support to the saw blade when cutting.
Position it just clear of the back of the saw blade when the saw blade is running free after being strained
and tracked. Lack of clearance will cause grooving of the thrust wheel and lead to saw blade failure.
k) Machine operation
It is necessary to adjust the adjustable saw blade guard as close to the workplace as practicable.
l) Straight work
Always use a fence for straight cutting, to prevent the workplace rocking or sliding.
When hand feeding against the fence, it is necessary to use a push stick for feeding close to the
saw blade.
m) Cross cutting round stock
If cutting round stock it is necessary to secure the workpiece against rotation by using a jig or
holder and to use a saw blade suitable for cross cutting.
n) Operator training
It is essential that all operators are adequately trained in the correct use and adjustment of safety
appliances such as jigs, templates and extension tables.
FIG. 7.1