How To Use a Band Saw Safely

The Ultimate Revelation Of How To Use A Band Saw Safely

A bandsaw is a magical woodcutting tool. It is capable of accomplishing a wide range of cutting, shaping, and remodeling jobs effortlessly. Furthermore, experts and users regard it as one of the safest power tools in the industry.

However, it can still cause severe damage if not used with appropriate caution and guideline. In fact, the United States Department of Labor reported over 500 cases of bandsaw injury in 2018 and 2019. This leads us to the critical question of how to use a band-saw safely without compromising to its limitless possibilities.

We found that as a user, one needs to focus on several factors to eliminate the risk of injuries and accidents from a bandsaw.

Do you want to have a look at these factors?

Then keep scrolling.

Bandsaw Safety Measurement and Guideline

Bandsaw commonly uses a toothed metal blade to pierce through any metal or wood to help you in cutting jobs. It varies in size and shapes depending on the size of wood and metal it is meant to cut. If you want to use the bandsaw safely, you need to follow a specific set of rules.

Bandsaw safety user rule is broadly divided into three different crucial parts. These are-

Preparation Before Using the Bandsaw

If misused, a bandsaw can cause severe damage. So, it would help if you prepared yourself before using a bandsaw for the first time. The preparation includes

  1. 1
    You need to read and understand the user manual properly. Most people bypass the manual, which is not at all recommended. Instead, reading the guideline will also help you to take care of the saw accurately.
  2. 2
    Don’t start to operate with the bandsaw unless you are confident about the user manual. Make sure you have understood it thoroughly.
  3. 3
    Although bandsaw is potentially a fantastic tool, it has some limitations. Know about these limitations, along with the advantages to use the power saw with its full potential.
Use a Band Saw Safely

Safety Measures During Bandsaw Operation

Now that you have taken adequate preparation, its time to move on to the main application of the bandsaw. However, you can’t just switch on the power saw and start cutting wood straightforwardly. Instead, you need to focus on the following steps-

Upper Guide Adjustment

The top guide needs to be close to the workpiece. It is because the guide will ensure that the blade remains underneath it. Thus, your finger won’t come in contact with the edge. So, fingers will remain safe.

However, don’t place the guide so close to the workpiece that it touches it. This may slow down the work process.

Placing the Bandsaw on A Firm Place

A bandsaw is a powerful tool and generates substantial vibration during work time. The vibration may mislead the saw to disintegrate from its place and also causes severe vibration. Both are disconcerting for a smooth bandsaw operation.

Thus, to avoid displacement and vibration, you should place the saw and workpiece on a firm base. It will prevent vibration while making sure that the saw and workpiece remain on the place.

Upper Blade Guard Adjustment

If your saw blade remains open, it is most likely to risk you of injury. An open blade or edge often leads to minor injuries. You can easily avoid these unwanted injuries by covering the side of the saw with a blade guard.

The guard also keeps rust and corrosion away.

Never Neglect Cleaning

As you work with your bandsaw and pierce through metal and wood, these workpieces will create a lot of dust and projectiles. These would make the saw dirty and reduce performance.

So, clean the power saw from time to time to ensure that it delivers consistent performance. Moreover, a clean bandsaw edge is most likely to operate smoothly. Consequently, it will reduce the chance of accidents.

Avoid Using Old Blades

Many artisans opt for an old razor to save money. But this is hugely detrimental for the bandsaw and your safety. Old blades are often dull that requires you to put more power and pressure at work. This comes with two significant setbacks- drains your energy fast and also makes you vulnerable to injuries.

Furthermore, extra pressure often forces the blade twisting and causing severe damage. So, we strongly discourage users from such malpractice as using an old blade over and over. Remember that risking your fingers for saving few bucks isn’t a sign of an intelligent person.

Right Blade Performs Better

The selection of the right blade largely attributes to the overall performance of the bandsaw. Furthermore, it reduces the chance of accidents.

So, choose the ideal blade which will cut with the right depth. Forcing a wider edge through a tight space will backfire and twist the blade. Alternatively, using smaller blades on the large workpiece will require more pressure applying.

Both are bad for the bandsaw. It also makes you prone to accidents. So, choose an edge with proper depth.

Maintain Adequate Distance

While working with a bandsaw, projectiles will fly from it. If you stay too close to the workpiece, these flying projectiles may hurt you. Moreover, you should be careful as you push the workpiece with your fingers.

Mark Adam Rules, which is universally accepted safety measures, suggest that your fingers should be at least three inches away from the blade. However, we recommend you to use a push stick while operating the band saw. Check Tools adventure to know about best small bandsaw.

Don’t Forget the Safety Instruments

It would help if you always abode by the universal safety guideline for using all power tools. These minutely include-

  • To keep your eyes safe from flying workpieces, always wear safety goggles.
  • Try to wear tight-fitting clothes to avoid any unwanted accidents.
  • Puncture-resistant boots will keep your feet safe.
  • Additionally, you may wear a pair of gloves to keep your hand safe.

Things You Must Avoid During Bandsaw Operation

The following items should never be practiced as you operate with the bandsaw-

  1. 1
    Avoid putting excessive force to push the workpiece.
  2. 2
    Always shut down the saw before backing away your stock.
  3. 3
    Avoid removing sawdust with hands.

Conclusion

Bandsaws are lovely- these are versatile and easy to use. Once you learn how to use a band saw safely, cutting and shaping jobs will be a breeze.

Thus, follow the guideline and stay safe. Happy woodcutting, safe woodcutting.