Horizontal Band Saws

What should you do before using a cold metal saw?

Metal saws can be dangerous if not used properly.

• Read the owner’s manual carefully.
• Make sure you understand instructions and are properly trained before operating a metal saw. Refer to OSH Answers Metalworking Machines – General for general safety tips.

Cold cutting saws include hand and powered hacksaws, band saws, and horizontal and vertical circular saws.

What are some basic safety principles to follow?

• Wear appropriate safety glasses.
• Ensure the saw has a start/stop button within easy reach of the operator.
• Ensure that all guards are in place and working properly.
• Guard long material at both ends to prevent anyone from coming into contact with it.
• Ensure that the blade is completely stopped before removing the stock.
• Use cutting or lubricating fluid when cutting metals.
• Keep saw blades clean and sharp. Check blades regularly for wear or damage.

• Select the correct blade and saw speed for the material being cut. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use the stop gauge supplied with most cut-off saws when several pieces of the same length are required.
• Secure all work in a vise. Place the section to be cut such that the saw blade will clear the vise and table; however, do not place the section so far away from the vise that it will be unstable when being cut.
• Support long stock with a floor stand.

• Keep working surface clean of scraps, tools, and materials.
• Keep the floor around saw free of oil, grease, and debris.

What should you avoid doing?

• Do not place, measure or remove work unless the saw is stopped.
• Do not apply extra force to the saw blade.
• Do not leave saw running unattended.