Horizontal Bandsaw

Instruction

  1. Preparation:
    • Complete required orientations and sign into the metal shop log
    • Put on all required PPE
    • Never place any part of your body in the path of the descending arm, even if it is locked in place
    • Ensure the correct blade is on the saw, tensioned correctly, and set to the appropriate speed for the material
    • Ensure the correct blade is on the saw, tensioned correctly, and set to the appropriate speed for the material
    • Verify the blade guides are set properly and the stock is securely locked in the vise
    • Set the hydraulic downfeed to the correct speed
    • Ensure the casters are locked and the stock is supported to prevent it from falling
  2. Operation:
    • Position yourself correctly and ensure your hands are clear of the descending arm
    • Turn on the saw and allow it to reach full speed
    • Slowly and steadily feed the material, applying cutting fluid if necessary
    • Keep your hands and body parts at a safe distance from the blade
    • If you are cutting either heavy or long stock, you must be prepared for the weight distribution change
    • when your stock has been cut through and the offcut falls off of the saw
  3. Finishing:
    • Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop completely.
    • Remove the cut material and inspect for sharp burrs.
    • Clean the saw and surrounding area.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Eye Protection: Safety glasses
  • Ear Protection: Hearing Protection Earmuffs
  • Body Coverings: Gloves while handling materials as needed

Engineering Controls

  • Dust collection system
  • Proper lighting
  • Blade guards
  • Clean work area

Emergency Response

  • Injury: Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Eye Injury: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Fire: Use a fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires and evacuate the area if necessary.

Other Notes

  • Point of Operation: All cutting action occurs at the point where the blade encounters the material as the main arm of the saw descends into the stock.
  • Pinch/Nip points: Pinch points can occur between the blade/arm and stock, blade/arm and vise, blade/arm and table, when moving/locking the vise, when raising/lowering/or adjusting the arm, guards and guides, and when opening and closing the doors to access the blade.
  • Unguarded rotating parts: The blade.
  • Flying chips/sparks: Chips and dust are usually very small, coated in oil, and directed down through the stock and onto/into the saw body tray. Chips are almost never violently thrown from the saw