Last Updated: 2021-05-01 By 4 Min Read

A Brief Guide to CNC Router Safety from STYLECNC

When using a CNC router machine, basic precautions and safety tips should always be followed with the safety guidelines and rules to reduce risk of injury.

A Brief Guide to CNC Router Safety

WARNING – To Reduce Risk of Injury:

1. Read and understand the entire user manual before attempting assembly or operation.

2. Read and understand the warnings posted on CNC router machine and in the CNC router safety manual. Failure to comply with all of these warnings may cause serious injury.

3. Replace the warning labels if they become obscured or removed.

4. CNC router machine is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel only. If you are not familiar with the proper and safe operation of a CNC router machine, do not use until proper training and knowledge have been obtained.

5. Do not use CNC router machine for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, Powermatic disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless from any injury that may result from that use.

6. Always wear approved safety glasses/face shield while using CNC router machine. Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistant lenses, they are not safety glasses.

7. Before operating CNC router machine, remove tie, rings, watches and other jewelry, and roll sleeves up past the elbows. Do not wear loose clothing. Confine long hair. Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended. Do not wear gloves.

8. Wear ear protectors (plugs or muffs) during extended periods of operation.

9. Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust and other substances known to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling dust generated from wood products or use a dust mask or other safeguards to avoid inhaling dust generated from wood products.

10. Wood products emit chemicals known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

11. Do not operate CNC router machine while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any medication.

12. Make certain the switch is in the OFF position before connecting CNC router machine to the power supply.

13. Make certain CNC router machine is properly grounded.

14. Make all machine adjustments or maintenance with CNC router machine unplugged from the power source.

15. Form a habit of checking to see if adjusting wrenches and keys are removed from CNC router machine before turning it on.

16. Keep safety guards in place at all times when CNC router machine is in use. If removed for maintenance purposes, use extreme caution and replace the guards immediately after completion of maintenance.

17. Check damaged parts. Before further use of CNC router machine, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function.Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced.

18. Provide for adequate space surrounding work area and non-glare, overhead lighting.

19. Keep the floor around CNC router machine clean and free of scrap material, oil and grease.

20. Keep visitors a safe distance from the work area. Keep children away.

21. Make your workshop child proof with padlocks, master switches or by removing starter keys.

22. Give your work undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation and “horseplay” are careless acts that can result in serious injury.

23. Maintain a balanced stance at all times so that you do not fall into the cutter or other moving parts. Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation. Keep hands away from rotating cutting tool.

24. Use the right tool at the correct speed and feed rate. Do not force a tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed. The right tool will do the job better and more safely.

25. Do not touch a bit immediately after use, it will be hot and may cause skin burns.

26. Use recommended accessories, improper accessories may be hazardous.

27. Maintain tools with care. Do not use dull or damaged cutters. Keep cutting tools clean and sharp for best and safest performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

28. Turn off CNC router machine before cleaning. Use a brush or compressed air to remove chips or debris - do not use your hands.

29. Do not stand on CNC router machine. Serious injury could occur if CNC router machine tips over.

30. Never leave CNC router machine running unattended. Turn the power off and do not leave CNC router machine until it comes to a complete stop.

31. Remove loose items and unnecessary work pieces from the area before starting CNC router machine.

32. Don't use in dangerous environment. Don't use power tools in damp or wet location, or expose them to rain. Keep work area well lighted.

33. Keep electrical cord away from sharp edges, heat or moving parts. Position cord so it will not become a trip hazard.

34. Do not plug router directly into wall outlet. Connect it to the provided cable receptacle on the router table, so that all machine movement can be regulated by the single controller.

35. Before using CNC router machine, read and become thoroughly familiar with all manufacturer's operating and safety instructions that accompanied CNC router you will be using.

36. Always secure workpiece to spoil board using clamps or double-sided tape. Never hold workpiece down by hand while operating.

37. Make sure workpiece is free from nails or other foreign objects.

38. After installing a bit, make sure collet is securely tightened. An unsecured bit may fly loose from the collet and cause injury.

39. Use proper extension cord. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.

40. CNC router machine is intended for carving and cutting wood, acrylics, plastics and soft metal, etc. Do not use it to cut hard metals.

Further Reading

A Brief Guide to CNC Router Glossary

2018-10-12Prev Post

A Brief Guide to Laser Cutter Safety from STYLECNC

2018-10-19Next Post

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