Short stock – Never shape stock less than 12 inches in length without special fixtures. Where practical, shape longer stock and cut to size.
12 inch rule – When shaping, never allow your hands to come closer than 12 inches to the cutters.
Hand safety – Never pass the hands directly over, or in front of, the cutters (Figure A). As one hand approaches the 12 inch radius point, remove it (or the push stick) in an arc motion and reposition hands 12 inches beyond the cutters.
Blind cut – When blind cutting, the workpiece is positioned on top of the template. This keeps the cutter(s) cutting only the underside of the workpiece and provides a "distance" guard for the operator.
Cutter Clearance – With the power disconnected, always rotate the spindle by hand with any new
Stock feed – Feed stock opposite to the direction of the cutter rotation (Figure B). Never back stock out of the cutter once the cut has been started. Instead, pull the stock straight out away from cutter and begin the cut again.
Guide pin – Whenever possible, use a guide pin when performing pattern shaping and collar shaping operations.
Tool maintenance – Clean and sharp tools give safer and better performance. Dull tools can cause kickbacks and excessive chatter. Before making a cut, always check the condition and adjustment of the tools. Never use a tool that is not balanced and rated for the selected RPM.
Spindle speed – Do not operate tools at speeds higher than rated by the manufacturer.
Cutter selection – Use only those cutters designed to be used on the machine, and mount only safety type cutters on the spindle.
Stock condition – The danger of
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