Jointers, Planers, and Shapers

Machine Shop Safety Quick Links

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for safe and proper use.

Is each hand-fed planer or jointer with a horizontal head equipped with a cylindrical cutting head, the knife projection of which does not exceed 1/8 inch beyond the cylindrical body of the head?
Is the opening in the table kept as small as possible?
Is the clearance between the edge of the rear table and the cutter head not more than 1/8 inch?
Is the table throat opening not more than 2 ½ inches when tables are set or aligned with each other for zero cuts?
Does each hand-fed jointer or planer with a horizontal cutting head have an automatic guard that will cover all the sections of the head on the working side of the fence or gage?
Does the automatic guard effectively keep the operator’s hand from coming in contact with the revolving knives?
Does the guard automatically adjust itself to cover the unused portion of the head, and does it remain in contact with the material at all times?
Is each hand-fed jointer with a horizontal cutting head equipped with a guard that will cover the section of the head back of the gage or fence?
Is each wood jointer with vertical head equipped with either an exhaust hood or other guard, arranged to completely enclose the revolving head, except for a slot of such width as may be necessary and convenient for the application of the material to be jointed?
Is each planing, molding, sticking, and matching machine shall have all cutting heads, and saws if used, covered by a guard?

The cutting heads of each wood shaper, hand-fed panel raiser, or other similar machines not automatically fed, shall be enclosed with a cage or adjustable guard.
All double-spindle shapers shall be provided with a separate start/stop for each spindle.

Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager