Panel saws are perfect for cutting larger materials. It’s a very accurate tool but at the same time, it’s quite dangerous. You need to be careful while working with a panel saw as one moment of distraction can cause a terrible accident. All the safety measures and risks associated with a panel saw are given below:
Why is it Risky to Use a Panel Saw?
Scroll saws are quite dangerous for the following reasons:
Injury through the sharp blades: Panel saws have sharp blades. If you don’t take the safety measures properly, these blades can cut your fingers or other parts of your body.
Slipping or falling on the foot: If you don’t have a firm grip over the tool, the saw can trip and fall over your feet and cause you injury. Tripping the saw and wounding the feet is one of the most common injuries.
Dust allergies: If you have sensitive skin, higher chances are your skin will get irritated once you’re done working with a panel saw. Because the panel saw reduces heavy dust while cutting.
Irritation due to sawdust: Any kind of sawdust projects with extreme force. Usually, sawdust or wood chips are quite sharp. If it comes towards you with force, it can hurt your eyes or bruise your skin. It can even cut your skin if you’re not being careful enough.
Hearing issues: Hearing issues are another common hazard that occurs when you use a panel saw. As a panel saw produces heavy noise while making a cut, it can cause irritation to your ears. If you use this tool for a prolonged period, it can permanently damage your hearing. Ear protection is a must when you’re working with a panel saw.
How to Safely Use Panel Saw?
We have created a guideline that include several safety measurements and tricks. First, we explain the tools that will be needed to stay safe while working. Next, we have discussed different steps on how to be safe while working with a panel saw.
Safety tools to use while working with a Panel Saw
- Wear eye goggles or eyeglasses to protect your eyes from dust, sawdust, woodchips, etc.
- Use a face shield along with eye goggles for extra protection. It will help you to protect your face from sharp elements.
- Use protective footwear to protect your feet.
- Wear earmuffs to protect your ears from severe noise.
- Use a push stick to pick up cutoff pieces.
- Use a mask to avoid breathing issues caused by dust.
Precautions- what to do before start working with a Panel Saw
Check the tool properly: Before you start working, make sure you check the panel saw properly. Ensure that all the different parts are working. The buttons are smooth and ready for action.
Wear your safety tools: Ensure that you are wearing all the safety tools. Wear eye goggles, face shield, face mask, work boots, etc.
Check the material: Make sure the material you are using is suitable for the panel saw. You can also talk to an expert to know about the details.
Choose the right blades: Not every blade is appropriate for every material. Make sure that the blade you’ve chosen is right for the material that you’re going to cut.
Take proper measurement: Correct measurement is one of the most important aspects when you are cutting with a panel saw or any kind of saw. Use a measuring tape and a pencil to measure the areas and mark them. Measuring will guide you and help you cut along the line.
Check for obstacles: Make sure that the material you are using does not have any kind of obstacles like a screw, pin, etc.
Check the surface: The surface on which you’re going to cut the material has to be flat. So, make sure that the surface is flat and clean.
Safety while using the Panel Saw
Maintain a steady position: Always maintain a steady position while cutting with a panel saw. Your position matters a lot. If the height of the surface is not appropriate and you’re bending too much then it can cause an accident. The height should be around your hip.
Maintain a firm grip: When you are holding a panel saw, make sure that you are using your dominant hand to control the saw and the other hand to hold it. Your hand needs to be clean so that the saw doesn’t slip during the work. Hold the saw firmly and do not put excessive pressure on the saw. Let the panel saw do its job.
Cut appropriate pieces: The pieces should match the saw carriage. Don’t try to make them smaller than the carriage. Always start cutting from the upside.
Be careful at the beginning: When you’ve switched on the saw, make sure that the blade reaches its highest speed and only then touch the blade to the material.
Let the blade stop: When you’re done cutting, do not rise the blade from the surface immediately. Let the blade fully stop first and then remove it.
Turn off the blade in case of an emergency: If something goes wrong, quickly turn off the saw. Call someone who is near you for help.
Cut one piece at a time: Always cut one piece at a time. Never stack up materials as it can cause the saw to slip and cause an accident.
Be careful of your hands: Make sure that your hands are not coming in between the blades. Keep your hands at a safer distance from the saw.
Safety after finishing the work
Turn off the saw: As soon as you’re done working, let the blade stop. Then turn off the power before moving on to something else. Unplug the cables for further safety.
Clean the saw: Wipe the blades and clean the different parts of the saw so that it’s ready for the next use.
Check the saw
After every use, make sure you check the saw to see if there’s any damage. A lot of the time, blades tend to break after cutting a material. Change the blades or repair what needs to be repaired.
Store the panel saw: Once you’ve cleaned everything, make sure you store the saw in a safer place where it’s not reachable to the kids.
Safety tips and tricks to stay safe while using a panel saw
- Read the instruction manual properly before starting the process.
- Keep a first aid kid near in case of an emergency.
- Check the tool carefully before using it.
- Never keep the saw unattended.
- Always turn off the saw when you are changing the blades or doing something else.
- Clean the saw before and after every use.
- Check the blades and make sure that you are using the correct blades that are specifically made for the material you are using.
- Maintain good posture while using a saw.
- Have a firm grip over the material.
- Make sure that the material is sitting straight to the surface and the surface is flat.
- Check the angles properly before making a cut.
- Never use your hands to pick up cutoff pieces.
Bottom line
Any kind of saw is dangerous whether it’s a panel saw or a scroll saw. You need to be really careful while working with a tool as a panel saw. So, make sure that you’re taking all the safety measures properly whenever you are using a panel saw.
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