Band Saw

Description: Grizzly G0555LX 14" Bandsaw

Location: Fab Lab

Safety: Manual

Tips

• Always use appropriate protective gear.
• Lower blade guard to approximately 1/4 inch above material.
• Ensure that blade has tension from the quick release lever.
• Remove tension after use with the quick release lever.
• Despite how quiet it is, it can take off a finger easily. Be careful!

The Band Saw uses a thin metal blade running in a continuous loop. It can be used to rip cut, cross cut, cut curves, and resaw. It is good for cutting curves, especially if a narrow blade is installed. It is good for cutting plastic, because the blade stays cool and doesn't get fouled with melted plastic.

The following guidelines should be followed at all times.

• Safety glasses must be worn and hearing protection is recommended.
• Always keep fingers 3” from the blade.
• Check the blade tension and tracking before starting.
• Never use your thumbs to push toward the blade.
• Never back out of a curve cut while the machine is running.
• Don’t cut material that is not flat on the bottom without a jig.
• Remove loose fitting clothing, jewelry, and tie back long hair.

Operational Safety Rules:

• Keep the blade guard 1/4” above the stock.
• The blade alignment tracking should be at the center of the wheels, but not touching the guide bearings.
• Make sure that the upper and lower wheel guard doors are closed when running.
• Keep bystanders away from the right hand area of the saw. Broken blades have a tendency to fly out to the right or front.
• Always keep your fingers and hands away from the path of the blade.
• To control the stock, use push sticks, feather boards, or any other safety device when cutting small or short stock.
• Use a “V” block when cutting cylindrical stock.
• Cut at a moderate feed rate into the blade. Do not force a cut.
• Cut relief cuts prior to cutting long or tight curves.
• If you need to back out of a cut, shut the machine off, after blade stops, and then back out.
• If a blade breaks, shut the machine off and stand clear until everything stops.
• When cutting with the table at an angle, clamp a block to the table to prevent your stock from slipping off the table.
• Always disconnect the power before changing the blade or performing any other maintenance operation.
• Turn off the band saw and wait until comes to a complete stop. Never stick an object into the blade to stop the machine quicker. Let it stop on

its own.

Training Checklist

• Overview and Characteristics
  • Theory of Operation
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Anatomy
• Safety
  • Lower blade guard
  • Allow machine to reach full speed
  • Keep fingers out of the path of the blade
  • Always wear eye and ear protection
• Operation
  • Power
  • Adjusting tension
  • Adjust guide blocks
  • Dust collection
  • Apply and remove tension
  • Rip Cut
  • Cross Cut
  • Cutting curves and relief cuts
  • Angle cuts with tilted blade
  • Change blade

Additional Resources

• Woodworking History Bandsaw syllabus
• Safety
• More safety
• Even more safety!
• SafetyCard