Power Tools — Guidelines and Standard
Operating Procedures
The purpose of this document is to document the use and safety of the the power
tools in the FLC Innovation Center.
Safety Overview:
• Ensure that you are wearing the appropriate PPE: (Ear Plugs, Safety Glass,
Gloves, etc.)
• Long hair must be pulled back and secured with a hat, or hair tie.
• Ensure loose clothing and jewelry is secured (or removed) and not able to be
pulled into any part of the machinery.
• Keep hands and electrical cords away from the path of the tool(s) being used.
Operating the Power Drill
1. Attach a battery to the bottom of the drill.
2. Select a desired and compatible bit size.
3. Put the drill in the reverse position, hold the black grip part of
the chuck (SEE IMAGE) and press the trigger. This will open
the chuck up to insert a bit.
4. Once the bit is inserted, put the drill in the forward position
and press the trigger while holding the black grip part of the
chuck and bit steady until the chuck secures the bit in place.
5. The tool is ready to be used.
Operating the Drill Press (w/ Laser)
1. Set the correct speed for your job.
2. Select a desired and compatible bit size. Use the chuck key
to insert the bit and secure it tightly.
3. Adjust the table using the table crank handle.
4. Gauge the depth of the job. If you are drilling straight through
the material, this may not be necessary. If you are concerned
with a stopped hole of a fixed depth, lower the bit to the
desired height, and mark the bit where necessary (a knurled
nut can be used for this).
5. Secure the workpiece with clamps to the work table. This will
prevent the wood, or metal from spinning during the job.
Never operate the tool without firmly anchoring the
workpiece.
6. Turn the unit on. Make sure the drill is spinning at full speed,
use the feed handles to lower the bit to the workpiece. Once
you've finished drilling the hole, release the pressure on the
lever and its spring-loaded return mechanism will return to its
original position.
Mitre Saw w/ Laser
1. Plug in saw, keep electrical cord clear and away from the saw
blade.
2. To unlock saw, press the saw down and pull out black safety
clamp (button).
3. Place piece of wood to be cut on the table and under the
blade. You can turn on the laser to help with cutting
precision.
4. Ensure that the wood is level and secured against the back of
the table to prevent wobble. If securing by hand, be sure to
keep your hand out of the way of the blade.
5. Press the on bottom. The blade should be spinning at full
speed when the cut is made. Lower the saw blade on to the
area to be cut. Once the piece if cut, raise the saw blade and
allow for the blade to stop spinning before removing the
wood.
6. To lock the saw, turn the saw off, press the saw down and
push the black safety clamp (button) in.
Bandsaw
1. Ensure the area is clean free of dust and debris.
2. Choose the appropriate blade for your project. Generally a 1/2
blade will suffice, but ask if you are unsure.
3. Check the blade tension. The tension should not be left in the
high position when the saw is not in use. Make sure you are
using the right tension with the right size blade.
4. Ensure that the blade guard is close to the wood you're
cutting. You don't want a large exposed blade running when
you're making a small cut.
5. Plug the saw in. The saw should be unplugged when not in
use to prevent any accidents.
6. Put on the appropriate PPE and make your cut(s).
7. When finished, unplug the saw, release the tension so the
blade isn't kept stiff. Clean your area.
Table Sander - NO SANDING INDOORS, EVER.
1. Ensure the area is clean free of dust and debris. Make sure
your sanding belt is in usable condition. Replace belt, if
necessary. Ensure you are using the proper grit for the job.
Ask questions, if needed.
2. Put on the necessary PPE.
3. Prep the piece of wood you intend to sand. Remove any
nails, dust, or grime from the wood.
4. Ensure sander is in off position before plugging it in.
5. Start the sander on a low speed and low number of
revolutions. While it is running, gently make contact between
the belt and wood. Hold on to the wood with a firm grip.
6. Sand until desired shape, feel, etc.
7. When finished, unplug the sander and clean your area.
