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Letchworth's Man’s Shed�Bandsaw User Assessment

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  • This Bandsaw assessment is linked to the Man’s Shed Safety Policy Document.
  • The purpose of the assessment and its structure is first to inform users of the bandsaws use, its components, safe operation and maintenance using Basic Techniques and simple wood operations.
  • Secondly - Users will then be assessed (using the document as a guide) to demonstrate their understanding and safe use of the machine.
  • The assessment must then be sign-off by both the assessor (pass or fail) and user (if passed) who then accepts responsibility for personally using it or instructing another unassessed user).
  • Our aim is to ensure the safe use of the machine in the shed – and not to limit how its used (by authorised users) for shed projects.
  • Projects that require more advanced techniques or different materials must be assessed and signed off!!!

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The bandsaw is a very versatile machine. The shed’s use of it is presently using basic techniques, for cutting wood materials this is therefore the scope of assessment. Should more advanced (e.g. compound curves, resawing, jigs) be used then this would need a further assessment, on an as needed basis. The bandsaw must then be reinstated (to normal) upon completion of the project.

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We need to agree what is normal?

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Bandsaw Features & Options – In scope
  2. Bandsaw Blades – In scope
  3. Safety – In scope
  4. Bandsaw Tuning – In scope
  5. Basic Bandsaw Techniques – Basic Operation - Inscope
  6. Advanced Bandsaw Techniques – Out of scope
  7. Bandsaw Jigs - Out of scope

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Bandsaw Features & Options - Essential
  • Frame
  • Wheels & Covers
  • Tension Screws and Gauges
  • Guides
  • Guideposts
  • Tables
  • Motor and Drivebelt

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Bandsaw Blades – Essential
  • Bands of Steel
  • Blade Width & Thickness
  • Tooth Form
  • Pitch
  • Choosing a Blade
  • Caring for Blades

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Safety - Essential
  • Bandsaw Safety Guidelines
  • Dust Collection

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Bandsaw Tuning
  • Changing Blades
  • Tensioning Blades
  • Tracking
  • Adjusting Guides
  • Tables
  • Guide Block Maintenance
  • Vibration

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The assessment is to cover;

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  1. Basic Bandsaw Techniques – Basic Operation
  • Cross Cutting
  • Rip Cutting
  • Curve Cutting
  • Log Cutting
  • Bowl Blanks
  • Stacking Multiples

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Topics that would require further assessment for projects;

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  1. Advanced Bandsaw Techniques – Out of Scope
  • Stops
  • Jig for Arcs
  • Jig for Circles
  • Fences for resawing
  • Point Guides for Resawing Curves
  • Fences for Bandsawing Small Logs - Milling

7. Bandsaw Jigs - Out of scope

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  • Compound Curves
  • Resawing
  • Resawing Curves
  • Joinery
  • Resawing Logs