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Warning
Short stock – Never shape stock less than 12
inches in length without special fixtures. Where
practical, shape longer stock and cut to size.
12 inch rule – When shaping, never allow your
hands to come closer than 12 inches to the
cutters.
Hand safety – Never pass the hands directly
over, or in front of, the cutters (Figure A). As one
hand approaches the 12 inch radius point, remove
it (or the push stick) in an arc motion and
reposition hands 12 inches beyond the cutters.
Blind cut – When blind cutting, the workpiece is
positioned on top of the template. This keeps the
cutter(s) cutting only the underside of the
workpiece and provides a "distance" guard for the
operator.
Cutter Clearance – With the power disconnected,
always rotate the spindle by hand with any new
set-up to ensure proper clearance with the cutters.
At the same time, check to be sure the cutterhead
is turning in the correct direction.
Stock feed – Feed stock opposite to the direction
of the cutter rotation (Figure B). Never back stock
out of the cutter once the cut has been started.
Instead, pull the stock straight out away from
cutter and begin the cut again.
Guide pin – Whenever possible, use a guide pin
when performing pattern shaping and collar
shaping operations.
Tool maintenance – Clean and sharp tools give
safer and better performance. Dull tools can
cause kickbacks and excessive chatter. Before
making a cut, always check the condition and
adjustment of the tools. Never use a tool that is
not balanced and rated for the selected RPM.
Spindle speed – Do not operate tools at speeds
higher than rated by the manufacturer.
Cutter selection – Use only those cutters
designed to be used on the machine, and mount
only safety type cutters on the spindle.
Stock condition – The danger of kicked-back
stock can occur when the stock has knots, holes,
or foreign objects such as nails. Warped or in-wind
stock should first be jointed on one surface before
attempting to use it on the shaper.
Figure A
Figure B