Band Saw Safety

*TIP* Don’t use the band saw for cutting straight or precise lines, as the blade is flexible and imprecise. Instead, you can use the scroll saw or a hand saw. 

Before you start...

• Make sure the machine is working by opening the doors and checking the wheels, then close the doors
• Using the knob at the side to loosen it, adjust the blade guard so that the amount of blade exposed is not much higher than the wood you are working with.
• Make sure that there is no clutter on the floor or around you that you could trip on or knock over, and make sure you have personal space while working with the saw 
• Put on all Safety equipment (see above)
• If you need to plug in the machine, make sure the switch is off while you plug it in, otherwise injury or an accident could result.

DO’s and DON’T’s

• DO - Hold your work steady and push forwards into the blade gently. Make no sudden, sharp turns, or you could break the blade.
• DO - Make sure to keep your hands clear of the blade, with fingers and thumbs to the side in case you slip. The band saw is more dangerous that the scroll saw, so be extra attentive about where you put your fingers!
• DON’T - keep working if the blade breaks - turn it off and replace the blade.
• DO - If a piece of wood you need to cut is too small to cut without putting your fingers too close to the blade, you may use another piece of wood to push it forwards from behind. The wood won’t jump because the blade is going in one direction, unlike on the scroll saw.
• DO - Make sure the blade has come to a complete stop before clearing offcuts from around it.
• DO - While the blade is running, give it your full attention and turn it off when it’s not in use.(never leave it running and unattended).