• What should you do before using jointers and planers?
• What should you check before starting your machine?
• What safety procedures should you follow when using jointers and planers?
• What should you avoid when using a jointer or planer?

What should you do before using jointers and planers?

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.
• Refer to Woodworking Machines - General Safety Tips for general safety precautions.

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 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 guard pushes beside the stock as it passes over the cutting heads and returns against the fence after the stock is removed.
• 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.

What should you avoid when using a jointer or planer?

• Do not leave the machine running unattended. Shut off the power and make sure that the cutting head has stopped revolving.
• Do not make cuts deeper than .3 cm (1/16") in one pass.
• Do not join (edge) stock of pieces less than 30 cm (12") long, 2 cm (3/4") wide and less than .6 cm (1/4") thick.
• Do not surface stock less than 30 cm (12") long, 2 cm (3/4") wide or more than 15 cm (6") wide or less than 1.5 cm (5/8") thick.
• Do not pass hands over the cutters.
• Do not remove dust or particles of wood from a table by hand or with compressed air. Use a stick or brush.

Document last updated on April 2, 2012

Copyright ©1997-2013 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety