Horizontal Bandsaw
Instruction
- 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
- 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
- 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