Woodworking Machines and Power Tools
Scope
This domain tests the purpose, main parts, adjustments and safe feeding of the standard machines, plus the portable power tools used on site.
Machines
- Circular saw bench: rising blade, riving knife, crown guard, rip fence; blade set just above the work; feed against the rotation.
- Band saw: continuous blade over two wheels; blade width sets the minimum radius (about 6 mm blade for tight curves, 25 mm for resawing); guides and thrust bearing set just clear of the blade.
- Planer and thicknesser: the planer flattens one face and squares an edge; the thicknesser makes the opposite face parallel. Feed into the cutter rotation.
- Also: spindle moulder, mortiser, wood lathe, drill press, router, belt and disc sanders, scroll saw.
Safe practice
Guards in place; push sticks and feather boards; no loose sleeves, ties or gloves near rotating cutters; dust extraction connected; isolate before changing blades; one operator per machine.
Worked example
A 50 mm board must be flattened and brought to 45 mm. Joint one face on the planer, square one edge against the planer fence, then thickness to 45 mm with the jointed face down. Thicknessing a twisted board first simply copies the twist onto both faces and leaves a thinner, still twisted board.
Traps
Standing in line with the blade in case of kickback; removing the riving knife; using the rip fence and mitre gauge together on a circular saw; feeding thin stock without a push stick; forcing a band saw blade round a radius tighter than its width allows.