Equipment/PCB Mill
Class Red equipment: Do not use without specific training.
(More about equipment classes)
Contents
Summary
We have a band saw that can be used to cut a range of materials such as wood, plastic and metal. It is capable of causing severe injury so it must only be used by those trained to operate it safely. The 'owners' are responsible for training new users and ensuring that it is maintained in a safe condition.
Using the band saw
Check that the machine is in good condition. Position the safety shield and blade guide just above the workpiece to minimize the length of exposed blade. It also improves control of the cut because the blade moves less. Material much thinner than about 3 teeth on the blade should be cut with another tool. Please do not try to cut a radius smaller than about 12 times the width of the blade.
Safety
Wear eye protection and make sure clothes and hair cannot get caught in the blade. Stand in a well balanced position facing the blade. Place the heel of your hands on the table so that you cannot easily be pushed into the blade. Guide the workpiece using your fingers only.
Owners
The owners are members who have volunteered to ensure other members know how to safely operate the saw before they become approved users. Their next responsibility is to ensure the saw is in a safe usable condition. Time permitting, they will advise users on how to make best use of the saw.
So far the owners are Roger Smith and Robert Copcutt.
Training
THE SAW CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. ONLY APPROVED OPERATORS ARE PERMITTED TO USE IT.
To get the required training to become an approved operator please contact one of the owners.
The owners will help users make the best use of the saw but the users need to take responsibility for much of their own training.
Instructions
There is a video at http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/130-machine-shop-2 that is well worth watching. The part about band saws starts near the middle but the whole thing is worth watching, as are the other videos in the series.
Maintenance
Please clean the saw after use. Report any damage to an owner.
