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tools:general_wood:miter_saw_clearance

Miter Saw Clearance

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.

Take care of the tools

  • Will not alter or use equipment beyond limits.
  • Will notify when maintenance is needed.

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, splinters
  • Tangling hazard - no loose articles on the body, sleeves, gloves, or hand decorations (e.g. bracelets/rings)
  • Heat - hot wood can cause burns, start fires
  • Sound - hearing protection for louder operations
  • Pinching/crushing and kickback hazard if wood not properly held or fed into the tool

Allowable Materials

  • Can name which tools are acceptable for cutting plastic
  • Knows at least 2 materials which are prohibited (hint: any metal, and any composite that could cause a respiratory hazard)

Tool Specific Instruction

Point out the following tool features

  • Maintenance tag
  • Power switch
  • Dust gate
  • Horizontal slide lock lever
  • Blade down locking pin
  • Depth stop adjust
  • Miter angle detent lock/trigger
  • Miter angle cam lock/lever
  • Bevel angle lock/lever
  • Bevel angle 90 degree stop/dual-bevel mode
  • Hold down clamp
  • Keep out zone

Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup

  • Demonstrate proper stock clamping and positioning of the blade for a straight cut
  • Demonstrate performing a straight cut
  • Demonstrate adjusting both angles of the chopsaw and making a cut
  • Demonstrate locking and unlocking the horizontal slide
  • Demonstrate proper technique when using the horizontal slide

Knowledge and Technique

  • Acknowledges the keep-out zone of the saw must be observed
  • Acknowledges some stock may be too small to cut on the miter saw
tools/general_wood/miter_saw_clearance.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/07 18:35 by smartin015