General Safety

All power tools can be dangerous if both general and tool specific safety instructions are not followed carefully. General safety instructions apply to all power tools, both corded and cordless.

Start with a Safe Work Area Rules about Extension Cords Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered • When using a power tool outside, use an exten- benches and dark areas invite accidents. sion cord marked for outdoor use with “W-A” or Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo- “W”. These cords are made for outdoor use. spheres, near flammable liquids, gases, or dust. • Extension cords with 3-prong grounding plugs Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the must be plugged into 3-prong outlets when using dust or fumes. grounded tools. • Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away • Replace damaged or worn cords immediately. when using a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control. The wire gauge and length of the extension cord Electricity can be Dangerous must be able to handle the amps of the tool. Find the Amps (A) on the tool’s nameplate and Grounded tools (three pronged cords) must use the chart to determine the necessary wire be plugged into a properly grounded installed outlet. gauge for your extension cord length. Never remove or cut off the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Double Insulated tools have a polarized plug 16 (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will 16 16 fit into an outlet only one way. Do not change 12 the plug in any way. Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. Store battery packs away from other metal ob- Good Personal Safety is a Must jects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, Following good safety practices when using all power or other small metal objects. These things can tools is a must. Make a habit of including safety in all of make a connection from one terminal to the your activities. other, shorting the battery terminals together Always read and understand the tool’s opera- and causing burns or fire. tor’s manual, tool markings and the instructions • When using a power tool, don’t touch grounded packaged with the accessory before starting any surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and work. refrigerators. There is a higher risk of electric • Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use shock if your body is grounded. common sense when using a power tool. In damp locations, only plug your tool into a Do not use tools when you are tired or under the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). If the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. work area does not have a permanent GFCI • Dress right. Do not wear gloves, loose clothes or on the outlet, use a plug-in GFCI. Wear rubber jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, gloves, gloves and footwear. jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving Don’t use or leave power tools in the rain or wet parts. conditions. • Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and Do not abuse the cord, carry the tool by its cord, grease. or pull the cord to unplug it. Keep the cord away • Be sure the power tool’s switch is OFF before from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. plugging it in or inserting a battery pack. Do not Replace damaged cords immediately. carry tools with your finger on the switch. Always hold the tool by the insulated gripping Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before surfaces. Contact with hidden wiring or its own the tool ON. cord will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.

4 • Always keep a firm footing when using power Maintenance Keeps Tools Working Safely and tools. Be sure you have balance and control Effectively before you start the job. • Do not use a tool if the switch does not turn it on Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec- and off. It must be repaired. tion. A dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard Look at the tool before using it. Are moving parts hat, or hearing protection must be used when misaligned or binding? Is anything broken? needed. The reference to “safety goggles” or Damaged tools must be fixed before using them. “safety glasses” in product specific sections Develop a maintenance schedule for your tool. provides potential options - always refer to the tool’s operator’s manual for the specific eye pro- • Maintain accessories carefully. Keep blades and tection recommended, which should be marked bits sharp and clean. as complying with current national standards. • Take your tool to be serviced by qualified repair people. Service or maintenance performed by • Unplug tool/remove battery before changing unqualified personnel could result in a risk of accessories. injury. For example: internal wires may be mis- Keep hands away from rotating or moving parts. placed or pinched, safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. Do the Job Safely • When servicing a tool, use only identical re- • Use the power tool accessories only for the jobs placement parts. Follow instructions regarding for which they were designed. maintenance in the tool’s operator’s manual. Secure and support the workpiece. Use clamps Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow the and a stable work surface. Do not hold the work maintenance instructions may create a risk of by hand or against your body. electric shock or injury. • Keep guards in place and working properly. • Clean and lubricate a tool only as directed in its operator’s manuals. Certain cleaning agents • Do not force the tool. Use the right tool for your such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammo- job. It will do the job better and safer. nia, etc. may damage plastic parts. • Use only accessories recommended by the tool • Maintain labels and nameplates. These carry manufacturer. Accessories that may be suitable important information. If unreadable or missing, for one tool may become hazardous when used contact the manufacturer for a replacement. on another tool. Do not touch the bit, blade, cutter or the When Done, Store the Tools out of Harm’s Way workpiece immediately after operation; they may To avoid accidental starting, unplug the cord, be very hot and may burn you. remove batteries or lock off the switch when the • If a method of dust collection is available with tool is not being used, when changing accesso- the power tool, it should be used to reduce the ries, and when adjusting or cleaning tools. risk of dust-related hazards. • Keep tools out of the reach of children and people unfamiliar with the tools.

5 Wood Safe, effective use of a wood requires detailed study and knowledge of all procedures for using this tool. Good Personal Safety is a Must Before Cutting... Following good safety practices when using wood lathes • Make certain that the belt guard or cover is is a must. Make a habit of including safety in all your in place and the workpiece is free but firmly activities. mounted between centers. Check that all clamp- Always read and understand the tool’s opera- ing devices (locks), such as on the tailstock and tor’s manual, tool markings and the instructions tool rest, are tight and that the workpiece clears packaged with the accessory before starting any the tool rest and other machine parts before work. operating the tool. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses Do not run a lathe in the wrong direction. This with side shields complying with current national can cause the turning tool to be thrown from standards, and a full face shield when needed. your hands. The lathe must rotate so the top of the workpiece turns toward you. Use the appropriate mask or respirator in dusty work conditions. • The clearance be- tween the workpiece Wear proper hearing protection, as needed. and the tool rest • Dress right. Do not wear gloves, loose clothes or should be only about jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, gloves, 1/8”. Rotate the jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving workpiece by hand parts. to be sure it clears • Crowded, cluttered work areas that can cause the tool rest. tripping or loss of balance are particularly dan- • Remove the tool rest before you sand a work- gerous. piece by hand. • Do not use the tool until it is completely as- • Clear the lathe bed of all objects before turning sembled and installed according to the manufac- on the tool. turer’s instructions. Check adjustments often. While Cutting … Choose the Right Tools • Never adjust the tool rest with the lathe turned on. Choosing the correct tool and the proper accessory for • Hold turning chisels your job can help to reduce the risk of serious injury. securely on the tool When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, rest, and hold the the proper tool and accessory will do the job safer and handle of the chisel faster. firmly. • Check the operator’s manual for proper speed • Always use the recommendations for the intended purpose and lowest speed use. when starting a • A lathe should not be altered in any way, or set new workpiece. up to perform any operation not covered in the Lathes should be operated at slow speeds until operator’s manual. the workpiece is cylindrical. This helps avoid the • Keep accessories sharp. Dull accessories can possibility of an unbalanced piece jumping out at dig into the wood, causing the workpiece to be high speed and striking the operator. thrown. • Clamp workpieces securely. Check frequently to be sure clamps remain secure. A moving Know your Workpiece workpiece can cause loss of control and result in • Use only defect-free stock, without cracks, injury. checks, knots and splits. Knots, for example, can fly out and cause serious injury. When Done... • It is recommended that you rough out faceplate Unplug the lathe and lock the switch when not in workpiece on a band saw or with hand tools use. Make sure the switch is in the off position to before installing them on the lathe faceplate to prevent accidental start-up. prevent jams, slips, or thrown workpieces. Clean and store the tool in a safe, dry place. • Never remount a turned piece once it is removed from the faceplate.

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