JOINTER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Proper eye protection must be worn when using the jointer.
EXPLANATION: This protects the eyes from danger created by flying particles and accidental moves by others.

2. Get permission from the teacher each time before using the jointer.
EXPLANATION: This creates order and keeps unqualified    students from operating power tools.

3. Use only clear lumber.  Inspect lumber for checks, loose knots, nails, rocks or other defects.
EXPLANATION: Knots, nails and other defects may catch and cause the work piece to be thrown out of the machine.

4. Only the operator is to be inside the operator’s safety zone when the jointer is being used.
EXPLANATION: Anyone other than the operator in the safety zone is liable to distract or bump the operator thus increasing the possibility of an accident.

5. Before the jointer is turned on, make sure the fence is clamped firmly in place and the depth of cut is correct.
EXPLANATION: Making or checking adjustments with the machine turned on may cause injury to the operator or damage to the machine.

6. Always have the fence as close to the front edge of the tables as possible, exposing just enough of the knives to do the job.
EXPLANATION: The more the knives are exposed the more dangerous it is if the operator’s hands slip.

7. Limit the depth of cut to 1/16 of an inch when facing stock and to 1/8 of an inch when jointing an edge.  The maximum depth of cut to be taken on the jointer is 1/8 of an inch.
EXPLANATION: Deeper cuts can cause kickback and can place undue strain on the machine.

8. The minimum length of stock to be faced or edge jointed is 12 inches.
EXPLANATION: The pieces being jointed must be firmly held with both hands, but never pass over knives. Pieces shorter than 12” require the hands to be dangerously close to the knives.

9. An approved push stick must be used when edge jointing stock which is less than 3 inches wide.
EXPLANATION: This keeps the operator’s fingers a safe distance from the cutter head.

10. Make sure that all necessary guards are in place over the knives and that they are used.
EXPLANATION: Any exposed knife edge is very dangerous.  The guard covers the cutter head thus reducing the danger to the operator.

11. Give the jointer your undivided attention; don’t look around and talk to anyone while operating the jointer.
EXPLANATION: You cannot talk while operating a machine and at the same time keep your mind on your work. Accidents are nearly always caused because the operator does not have his mind on his work.

12. Make all adjustments (moving the fence, changing the dept of the cut, etc.) with the machine turned off and the cutterhead stopp.ed.
EXPLANATION: Making or checking adjustments with the machine turned on many cause injury to the operator or damage to the machine.

13. All special set-ups (tapering and beveling) must be approved by the teacher.
EXPLANATION: special set ups require special instructions and assistance because of difficulty in holding and/or controlling the stock.

14. Take a firm position to the left of the machine.  Never stand at the end of the infeed table.
EXPLANATION: In case of a kickback it is obvious what would happen if the operator were standing behind the piece being jointed.

15. Feed the stock slowly past the knives.
EXPLANATION: Feeding the stock slowly gives the operator better control and reduces the danger of an injury due to the stock slipping.

16. Keep your hands a safe distance from the cutterhead and do not allow your hands to pass over the revolving cutterhead.
EXPLANATION: As the stock is pushed over the knives, the hands should be lifted from stock that is directly over the knives.  This habit will prevent the hands from slipping and hitting the knives.

17. Push the stock far enough past the knives so that the guard will return before picking up the stock.
EXPLANATION: Permitting the guard to return over the cutterhead covers the knives and will prevent hands from slipping into the knives.

18. When you are through using the jointer, turn off the power and wait for the knives to stop revolving before leaving the machine.
EXPLANATION: By waiting for the machine to come to a complete stop the operator can prevent those who are unaware from having accidents.

 

REFERENCES: Pictures and more information on Jointers can be obtained from these books:

General Woodworking, by Groneman, pp 173-175.
Exploring Woodworking, by Zimmerman, pp 67-70.
Cabinetmaking and Millwork, by Feirer, pp 370-380.
Advanced Woodwork and Furniture Making, by Feirer and Hutchings, pp 253-263.