The band saw, or a portable band saw, is a useful cutting tool, which you can use to cut wood, glass, metal, and other materials. The band saw uses very sharp and powerful blades to cut the subjected materials. Many accidents occurred across the world in which people have lost their body parts, got injured, become blind, and some had also lost their lives. So, it is quite necessary to take complete safety when using a band saw otherwise there can be some drastic situation for you. Follow the below-given band saw safety rules to avoid all sorts of injuries and accidents and complete your job safely.
8 Band Saw Safety Rules:
1. Fixed support
Your workpiece should always rest securely and firmly on the saw table. This has to be taken into account, especially with round timber with no flat support surface.
2. Use clean workpieces
If the workpieces are dirty, it is worth sweeping the dirt off beforehand. This keeps your band saw, and your band saw itself clean.
3. Use a cradle for long workpieces
With unusually long material, you should use a cradle on the acceptance side as additional support. This not only increases safety but also gives you a more precise cutting result.
4. Sufficient distance from the saw blade
Your hands should be at least 10 cm away from the saw blade. If necessary, you better use a push stick.
5. Chip-free impellers
The surface of the impellers – especially the lower impeller – should always be especially chip-free.
6. Taking a break
During long sessions, you should always take a short break in order not to overheat your saw blade and thus drive up wear and tear
7. Replacing blunt ligaments
In technical jargon, one speaks of tormenting ligaments when they are already loose and have been used beyond their time. This can lead to small cracks and, in the worst case, to the breakage of the saw band. That is why you should replace the blunt band saw blades promptly and consistently.
8. Relax
After the work is done with the band saw, it is advantageous that you relax the band saw. To do this, loosen the pulleys a little.
Be serious and alert.
There is no need to talk, dance, or sing when you are using a beginner band saw. Many people have got injured just because they were not focusing on their job and doing other things during the cutting work. You should be wholly focused on your work when using a band saw because any negligence can be life-threatening for you. Keep your hands at a safe distance from the saw blades and cut the objects carefully. It is essential to be active and alert on the job site. The band saw blades can easily cut your body parts if you came in contact with the saw.
Do not remove the guards.
One of the most critical band saw safety tip is “Never remove any guard from the machine.” The designers have installed guards in the right position to prevent the user from any physical damage. Suppose, you are cutting hardwood and pushing it towards the band saw blades. Now, if your hands slip, the guard will prevent it from getting injured. The chances of injury will be higher if there is no guard. The guards are also useful for maintaining the stability of the band saw blades. So, never remove the guards and keep them on their position to maintain proper safety.
Always turn off the band saw after completing work.
Do you have a habit of keeping band saw on and doing other works, while it is on? This habit can cause serious damage to you, your family members, or other workers on the job site. Turning on or turning off the band saw machine is an effortless task. You should turn it off immediately after completing the cutting work. Anyone can walk around it and accidentally fall over the rotating blade of the band saw. Be careful and keep it off when you are not using it.
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Don’t take your hands too close to the blades.
I suggest that the user should position his hands away from the blades. Some users hold the cutting material quite tightly and take their hands closer to the band saw blades for cutting the objects accurately. Of course, accuracy is essential, but your life is more important. So, position your hands at a safe distance from the blades and then use the band saw machine.
Follow above given band saw safety rules to avoid injuries and other issues. You can perform a much better job if you are safe and healthy.
