Woodworking Machines – Jointers and Planers Fact Sheet

WOODWORKING MACHINES – JOINTERS AND PLANERS

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Jointers and planers can be dangerous if not used properly.

• Read the owner’s manual carefully.
• Make sure you understand instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine.
• Learn the applications and limitations before use.

WHAT SHOULD YOU CHECK BEFORE STARTING YOUR MACHINE?

• Are the knives set for the proper clearance and depth of cut? Are they sharp, balanced, and fastened securely?
• Is the fence anchored in the proper position?
• Can the guard (swing or overhead) move freely and return over the cutting head?
• Is the equipment properly lubricated?
• Are the parts or accessories in proper working condition?

WHAT SAFETY PROCEDURES SHOULD YOU FOLLOW WHEN USING JOINTERS AND PLANERS?

• Wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
• Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area.
• Wear protective footwear when required.
• Allow only experienced and trained personnel to operate jointers and planers.
• Use only sharp, balanced and joined knives.
• Replace old square cutting heads with round heads as they are much safer.
• Ensure start and stop buttons are within easy and convenient reach of the operator.
• Make sure the swing (self-closing) guard pushes beside the stock as it passes over the cutting heads and returns against the fence after the stock is removed.
• Make sure fences and any other guards are in place before using the machine.
• Remove all wrenches and tools used in the set up from the table.
• Provide a minimum clearance of at least 1 m (3 ft) greater than the length of the longest stock being worked.
• Construct hold-down push blocks to do bevelling and surface operations. See Woodworking Machines – Push Sticks for more information.
• Use hold-down (double-handed) push blocks. These keep hands well away from the cutting head.
• Maintain an adequate amount of downward and forward force with push blocks as the knife blades on a revolving cutting head can take the stock from an operator’s hands.

Figure 1 – Planer

Figure 2 – Jointer