Additional Safety Instructions for Jointers
1.JOINTER KICKBACK. "Kickback" is when the workpiece is thrown off the jointer table by the force of the cutterhead. Always use push blocks and safety glasses to reduce the likelihood of injury from “kickback.” If you do not understand what kickback is, or how it occurs, DO NOT operate this machine.
2.CUTTERHEAD ALIGNMENT. Keep the top edge of the outfeed table aligned with the cutterhead knife or insert at top dead center (TDC) to avoid kickback and personal inju- ries.
3.PUSH BLOCKS. Always use push blocks whenever surface planing. Never pass your hands directly over the cutterhead without a push block.
4.WORKPIECE SUPPORT. Supporting the workpiece adequately at all times while cutting is crucial for making safe cuts and avoiding injury. Never attempt to make a cut with an unstable workpiece.
5.KICKBACK ZONE. The "kickback zone" is the path directly through the end of the infeed table. Never stand or allow others to stand in this area during operation.
6.SAFE KNIFE PROJECTION. Knives that project more than 0.125" from the cutterhead may become loose or damaged during oper- ation. Always make sure knives are properly set and well tightened in the cutterhead.
7.MAXIMUM CUTTING DEPTH. The maxi- mum cutting depth for one pass is 1⁄8". To minimize kickback, never attempt any single cut deeper than this!
8.JOINTING WITH THE GRAIN. Jointing against the grain or jointing end grain is dangerous and could produce chatter or excessive chip out. Always joint with the grain.
9.KEEPING GUARDS IN PLACE. With the exception of rabbeting, all operations must be performed with the cutterhead guard in place. After rabbeting, be sure to replace the guard, to reduce the risk of serious injury.
10.PROPER CUTTING. When cutting, always keep the workpiece moving toward the outfeed table until the workpiece has passed completely over the cutterhead. Never back the work toward the infeed table, to reduce the risk of kickback.
11.USING GOOD STOCK. Jointing safety begins with your lumber. Inspect your stock carefully before you feed it over the cutterhead. Never joint a board that has loose knots, nails, or staples. If you have any doubts about the stability or structural integrity of your stock, DO NOT joint it!
Like all machines there is danger associated with this machine. Accidents are frequently caused by lack of familiarity or failure to pay attention. Use this machine with respect and caution to lessen the possibility of operator injury. If normal safety precautions are overlooked or ignored, serious personal injury may occur.
No list of safety guidelines can be complete. Every shop environment is different. Always consider safety first, as it applies to your individual working conditions. Use this and other machinery with caution and respect. Failure to do so could result in serious per- sonal injury, damage to equipment, or poor work results.