Band Saws

A band saw uses a blade that is fashioned into a continuous loop. The looped blade is mounted on a double pulley system, which keeps it rotating through the workspace.

• Point of Operation
  • Hazard: A flexible blade run at high speed by pulleys can be dangerous when in operation.
  • Potential Safeguards: Installing a self-adjusting guard to cover the portion of the blade not necessary for cutting the stock keeps cutting hazard to a minimum. Since band saws are typically operated by a worker moving the stock in close proximity to the blade, a push stick may be implemented. The pulleys on which the blade rotates should be enclosed to prevent hazards presented by nip points.

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