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.

The Band Saw uses a thin metal blade running in a continuous directions. It can be used to rip cut, cross cut, cut curves, and resaw. 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.
• 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!