Scroll Saw

• Scroll (Fret) Saw
• Workshop Category: W3
• Workshop Risk Category: Yellow Label

 

A scroll saw is an electric saw useful for cutting intricate curves in thin martial where a jigsaw or bandsaw
is not appropriate. Scroll saws use saw blades similar to those used by coping saws and operate through
a quick reciprocating up and down motion. To avoid accidents, the following operational safety rules
must be observed by everyone working on the workshop scroll saw.

Start with a Risk Assessment to ensure a safe work area:

1. The area around the scroll saw must be kept clear of people, debris and sawdust.
2. Safety glasses or a face shield must be worn. Hearing protection should be worn.
3. Remove loose fitting clothing, jewellery, and tie back long hair.
4. Familiarise yourself with the off and on buttons.
5. The dust collector must be conncted to the unit. This is a high velocity dust extraction system underneath the table.
6. Check the blade tension and report any faults to the workshop manager.

Operational Safety Rules:

1. Approach your work in the workshop and on the scroll saw with a safe attitude.
2. When making any adjustments, performing maintenance, or changing the blade, make sure the power is off and the cord is unplugged.
3. Make sure the blade is the proper type for the cut you are planning.
4. Insert the blade with the teeth pointing forward and down to the table.
5. The blade must be correctly tensioned and should be regularly checked while doing the job.
6. Never start the machine until all handles are locked.
7. Never reach under the table while the machine is running.
8. Always use the hold down device by lowering and adjusting the hold down foot so that it presses lightly on the work piece, for each new operation.
9. When operating a scroll saw always place the material being cut flat against the table. Do not attempt to cut free-hand in mid-air. Don’t cut stock that is not flat on the bottom without a jig.
10. Do not start the machine with the blade in contact to the work piece.
11. Hold the work firmly against the table. Do not cut a work piece that is too small to safely be supported and held onto.
12. Follow the 8 cm rule from the blade; always keep fingers 8cm from the blade.
13. At no time should your hands be in front and in line with the cutting edge of the blade.
14. To control the stock, use push sticks, feather boards, or any other safety device when cutting small or short stock. Use a “V” block when cutting cylindrical stock.
15. This is a variable speed scroll saw; use the proper speed for the job & type of stock you are cutting.
16. Cut at a moderate feed rate into the blade. Do not force a cut.
17. Cut relief cuts prior to cutting long or tight curves. The relief cuts will free the blade of the tension of the tight curve and the wood will fall away. The blade size will dictate the radius of the cut.
18. Never back out of a curve cut while the machine is running. If you need to back out of a cut, shut the machine off, wait for the blade stops, and then back out.
19. Never clear small pieces while the blade is moving.
20. If a blade breaks, shut the machine off and stand clear until everything stops.
21. Before leaving the area. Shut off power, clean the band saw and work area