This is an old revision of the document!
Members who are already proficient in the subject matter may apply to receive a clearance by demonstrating a
core set of skills and knowledge that allow them to safely and effectively use the equipment.
Most tools in the shop require clearance before solo use. Each tool is different and most are expensive and/or delicate.
During a Proficiency Based Clearance Instructors will provide Protohaven specific customs and rules for the
equipment but will not provide technical instruction on the operation of the hardware, or software.
If a member needs to gain additional knowledge or skill they should take a Basic Skills Class to learn the
required skills.
The items that will need to be demonstrated to gain the Proficiency Based Clearance are:
General Shop Rules
Be safe
Understands safety clearances are required as bare minimum.
Understands equipment must never be left unattended.
Understands why equipment must be reset after use.
Keep the shop clean
Understands importance of cleaning up after oneself.
Will return borrowed tools to original location.
Understands anything left outside of your paid monthly or overnight storage may be removed and disposed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Knows whether synthetic materials may be worn during use.
Knows whether long sleeves can be worn beyond elbows during operation of equipment.
Knows whether loose clothing & hair may be worn down.
Knows whether open-toed shoes may be worn.
Knows whether safety glasses and hearing protection are required during operation.
Knows whether safety glasses are required when near someone else operating equipment in the workshop.
Knows whether additional PPE is required (e.g. apron, face shield…)
Area Specific Instruction
Identify & mitigate common hazards
Sharp things - cutting tools, chips, burrs on work piece
Tangling hazard - no loose articles on the body, sleeves, gloves, or hand decorations (e.g. bracelets/rings)
Heat - cut & ground metal gets hot and can cause burns, start fires (use of water coolant)
Sound - hearing protection for louder operations
Pinching/crushing and projectile hazard if metal is not properly held (especially with the chop saw)
Brake at Disc Grinder for spin-down
Allowable Materials
Can name 3 materials allowed on a particular tool
Can name at least 2 materials not allowed on the tools
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Chop Saw
Maintenance tag
Power switch
Clamping blocks
Clamp angle adjust lever
Clamp wheel
Clamping guide poster
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Demonstrate proper stock clamping and positioning of the blade for a straight cut
Demonstrate performing a straight cut
Demonstrate proper clamping of stock material for an angled cut
Demonstrate performing an angled cut
Knowledge and Technique
Drill Press
Maintenance tag
Power switch
Feed handle
Depth stop adjust
Table lock
Table vertical adjust crank
Motor tension locks & lever
Speed change belts
Speed settings chart & diagram
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Demonstrate setting the speed and loading a drill bit
Demonstrate proper material workholding and table adjustment
Demonstrate drilling a hole in the stock material
Knowledge and Technique
Can demonstrate proper speed selection based on the material and bit diameter
Can demonstrate safe positioning of long metal stock to prevent physical injury
Knows when to apply cutting fluid and what are the signs of a dull bit
Bandsaw
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Demonstrate setting the blade height and proper stock holding
Demonstrate changing the blade speed
Demonstrate cutting a piece of stock
Knowledge and Technique
Pedestal Grinders
Maintenance tags
Allowed material labels
Ventilation system & dust gates
Power switches
Safety shields (& locking thumbscrews)
Dust collector on/off switch
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Demonstrate operation of the dust gates and dust collector
Demonstrate running a grinder and grinding stock
Demonstrate running the wire wheel and brushing stock
Demonstrate attending the grinder for the full spin down process
Knowledge and Technique
Can show proper selection of pedestal grinder based on the material (aluminum vs steel)
Can show proper holding technique
Can demonstrate proper initial checking of tongue guard (within 1/4“ of disk periphery) and toolrest (within 1/8” of disk periphery)
Disk Grinder
Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup
Demonstrate adjustment of the bed angle
Demonstrate running of the grinder and grinding stock
Demonstrate stopping the grinder and using the brake to halt movement
Knowledge and Technique