Also available online at: yk.st/wood
Woodshop Safety Orientation
Last updated: 2026-07-28
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MAKESPACE POLICIES
Safety First!
If you don’t know how it works, don’t use it. Follow all posted safety signs and notices.
Don’t rush. If you see something dangerous - stop it immediately. Teach safe practice, and share any concerns about dangers that you have with staff.
Be excellent to each other
Yukonstruct is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
Keep it clean
Clean up after yourself, put away your tools, and leave it cleaner than you found it. If you don’t clean it up - we will charge for the time it took us to clean up after you. It is a community shop - cleaning up is everyone’s responsibility.
Guests
Guests are allowed to visit the space with members, but they must sign a guest liability form (available at the front desk). Guests cannot use any of the tools or equipment. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure the guests are following Makespace policies.
Youth
Anyone using equipment (regardless of age) has to be a member. If a youth comes to watch a member they must sign a guest liability form. Members aged 18 and under are not allowed in the shop without direct supervision from someone who has completed the relevant orientations. Members aged 12-18 may use the mezzanine and fabrication lab without adult supervision.
Pets
Makespace is dog friendly as long as your pet is also relaxed and friendly. Dogs must be house trained and not bother other dogs and members. You are responsible for the behaviour of your pet. Dogs are not permitted in the metal or wood shops. Members’ allergies take precedence over pets in the space.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Judgement
We have a zero tolerance policy on impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or any other circumstance that would render your judgement impaired. Use of the makespace is like driving a car - you cannot be impaired and use the facility.
PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Appropriate PPE must be used for each tool, as taught in the orientation. The metal shop and wood shop require closed toed shoes, safety glasses, tied back hair, and no loose clothing. Non-melting clothing is required in the metal shop.
Firearms
No fully assembled firearms or ammo are permitted at the Makespace.
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Flammable Materials
No flammable materials are allowed in the metal or wood shops. This includes aerosols and other combustible materials.
Painting or Staining
Painting and staining of projects is not allowed in the shops at any time. During the summer season painting is only allowed outdoors. Otherwise painting and staining must take place in the loading bay. Only low-odor, low-VOC finishes are allowed indoors.
Storage
Members may store your projects for free for 24 hours on the glue-up shelf in the light wood shop, or for one month on the storage rack outside in the yard. Otherwise, members are expected to pay for a storage option or take their items home. These are the only areas where members are permitted to leave their projects when the member is not present at Makespace.
Share the Tools
Makespace is not designed for volume production of goods and products. If you are considering producing high volumes of products, and thus putting heavy use on a particular machine while also monopolizing it from other member use, please contact staff to discuss your options.
Borrowing of Tools
Tools in the space are never to leave the Makespace site.
Solo Use
Members must never use any of the tools with dangerous spinning parts (for instance: table saw, jointer, miter saw, router table, etc) or burn hazards unless there is at least one other person at the Makespace. Premium members using the space after-hours may bring a guest in this case. Please talk to staff for details.
Be kind, creative and have fun!
Everyone must abide by the Makespace policies.
The full list of policies and our Code of Conduct can be found at yk.st/policies
TOOL USE
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Safety is the highest priority in the shop. This is not a training workshop or a test of competency. The point of this orientation is to walk members through safe use of the tools.
Do you want to gain more skills? Sign up for one of our workshops, come to a mentor night, or ask a fellow member to share their knowledge with you!
The following equipment requires further training to use, and is not covered in this workshop:
CNC ROUTER
WOOD LATHE
NOTE THE LOCATIONS OF
THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER,
FIRST AID KIT, AND EYE
WASH STATION.
SAFETY GLASSES, CLOSE
TOED FOOTWEAR, AND TIED BACK HAIR ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES IN THE SHOP.
EARPLUGS AND DUST
MASKS ARE PROVIDED FOR
MEMBERS AND
RECOMMENDED. PLEASE
REUSE YOUR DUST MASK.
GENERAL SAFE TOOL USE
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6”
Always maintain a 6” margin of safety between all body parts and the blade.
Let the blade reach full speed before cutting. Never start the blade with the teeth already resting on the work. Don’t force the material into the blades. Let the teeth do the work.
Don’t cross your arms or allow any part of your body to come into the path of the blade.
Always unplug the tool whenever you are making repairs or adjusting the blades or guards. Never reach into an operating
machine to clean debris.
If the machine is broken or the guards are not operating properly please set aside the machine and alert staff. Unsafe equipment must not be used.
Make sure that when cutting material the stock is properly braced or clamped against the fence or saw top: No freehand cuts.
(Doesn’t apply to the wood shop bandsaw).
Always check for nails, screws or other metal in the material before cutting.
Do not walk away from a tool while it is running.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO SAFELY USE A PARTICULAR TOOL
ASK A STAFF OR VOLUNTEER MENTOR FOR HELP!
SYSTEMS
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BROKEN EQUIPMENT AND LOCKOUT
It is everyone’s responsibility to lock out any tool that is broken, not working properly, or needs repair. Yellow boxes and locks that lock out the plugs of the machines are located on the PPE wall. Please lockout the plug, give the key to staff and alert staff of the problem.
STORAGE
There is a one-month free storage unit in the yard outside. Otherwise members are expected to be paying for a storage option, or take their items home with them. We cannot accomodate free, indefinite storage.
LOW-VOC FINISHES
Painting and staining is only permitted at Makespace when using a low-odor, low-VOC finish. During the summer season, oil- and solvent-based finishes may be used in the yard, outside. Painting may be done in the bay.
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
CALL 911. First aid kits are located next to every exterior door. Fire extinguishers are located in all workshops.
Fire extinguishers, alarms, and first aid boxes must not be hacked or tampered with and are only for use in emergencies.
INCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES
Report all incidents and near misses to staff.
VENTILATION
Ventilation is required for all grinding and high-heat operations.
Ensure that you’ve turned on the ventilation timer, and reset it every hour.
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Remove scrap under the cut recess before using
Do not cut small pieces (LESS THAN 6”). Try to cut small pieces off the end of longer ones or clamp them securely before cutting. Better options for small pieces include: handsaw, bandsaw, tablesaw.
Do not cut round things unless you clamp them really well (better option is bandsaw)
Make sure that the saw is stopped before moving materials underneath the blade.
Ensure that the fence extensions and clamp are out of the way of the blade and guard.
BOSCH MITER SAW
If the blade guard seems slow to return to its normal
position or hangs up, do not use the tool.
Don’t touch the blade guard
When cutting make sure that the stock is firmly clamped against the fence or that you are holding it in place
Never reach around or under the saw blade while holding your other hand on the trigger
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SAW STOP
TABLE SAW
IF THE SAWSTOP BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATES (FOR ANY REASON) WHILE YOU ARE USING IT, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BLADE AND BRAKE CARTRIDGE AT A COST OF $300.
The most common trips are:
Keep a sensibly low blade height. A low blade is less dangerous, with less kickback potential.
Blade should be set about ¼” higher than material thickness on through cuts.
A push stick should be used when making any cuts that are less than 6” wide.
Keep the wood firmly against the guide fence as you make the cut. Use an out-feed table, mag-switch or an extra person to assist you if you need it.
Don't push the wood into the blade, just feed it into the blade with a little pressure. Forcing the wood causes extra friction and it could kick back.
Never cut freehand, always use the fence, miter gauge or sled.
Don't use the miter gauge and the rip fence together
Use the guard whenever possible (not possible with sleds, or thin/shallow cuts)
6”
Wait for the blade to stop spinning before removing offcuts
Look for knots and nails or staples in the wood before you begin.
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Follow the 6” rule for your hands & fingers from the bandsaw blade
BAND SAW
A push stick should be used when cutting small stock
6”
Never clear small pieces while the blade is moving.
Raise and lower this arm to better support the blade just above your workpiece.
Maximum 2” cut height, unless you’re using your own blade.
Do not feed the stock with your hand in line with the blade.
This is an emergency brake. If something happens - don’t be afraid to hit it.
If you need to back out of a long or curved cut, shut the machine off, after blade stops, and then back out.
If a blade breaks, shut the machine off and stand clear until everything stops.
The blade size will dictate the radius of the cut. Don’t try to force the blade to cut faster or make a make a tighter radius than it can.
This is one tool where the fence is optional. You can cut ‘freehand’ on this machine.
No splitting logs, dowels, or anything else where there would be a gap between the workpiece and the table.
Table
Blade
Mind the gap!
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SCROLL SAW
Keep fingers away from moving parts
KEEP HANDS AT LEAST 2” AWAY FROM BLADE
DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE A PUSH STICK
Disconnect machine when changing blades
Adjust blade speed (slower for hardwoods, faster for softwoods)
Do not force material into the blade. Let the teeth do the cutting.
Allow the blade to stop before removing any scraps
Ensure there are no nails or other foreign materials in the wood
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PANEL SAW
Never adjust saw or setup while saw is running.
Never run materials containing nails, screws or other metallic objects.
Never cut more than one piece of wood at a time
Never saw without piece against supports.
Make sure no one else is standing directly behind the saw blade on the infeed side
Do not wear gloves.
Never remove guard
Let the blade reach full speed before cutting
For a full sheet of ply it should take about 4-5 seconds to cut. Let the blade do the work. DON’T PULL DOWN HARD ON THE SAW
For rip cuts, move from the infeed side to the outfeed side of the blade keeping a 1’ margin between your hands and the blade at all times
MINIMUM SIZE OF SHEET GOOD TO CUT 29”x29”
A FULL SHEET OF PLY SHOULD TAKE 4-5 SECONDS TO CUT.LET THE BLADE DO THE WORK!
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Minimum board length 12 in. long
LAGUNA 20” THICKNESS PLANER
NO PAINTED WOOD, END GRAIN OR PALLETS
Feed the wood from the side of the machine to avoid kickback or shattering of the wood.
No round things
Stock that is thicker at one end than the other should be planed by inserting the thicker end into the planer first.
Follow the 6” rule for your hands & fingers at the opening of the infeed and outfeed tables.
6”
NEVER allow your hands/ fingers to enter the infeed opening. NEVER put your hand in a knot.
NEVER turn the thickness planer on with stock inside the infeed opening.
Wood chips and knots may be thrown out of the planer. Do not look into the planer to watch the operation.
A typical pass should remove no more than 1/8” of material for soft wood. 1/16” is the recommended rate per pass for hardwood.
Only change speeds when the planer is running (but not cutting)
Don’t put your fingers on the underside of the board when feeding it in - pinch hazard
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LAGUNA 8” JOINTER
Make sure to have the fence adjusted so that only the amount of blade you need is showing, and locked in position.
Ensure guard is retracting properly to cover the portion of the cutter head not covered by material being cut.
Never feed material with your thumb or fingers on the end of it; keep them on top of the material with paddles or use a push stick.
Allow the cutter head to come to full speed before feeding material.
Stand to one side of the jointer, not directly behind it.
Check the depth of cut before turning the machine on
Avoid taking heavy cuts - 1/16” in clear material or 1/32” in knotty material. Never remove more than ⅛” in a single cut. Use multiple passes instead.
1/4 in. thick
3/4 in. wide
12 in. long
Minimum Board Size
NO PAINTED WOOD, END GRAIN OR PALLETS
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ROUTER TABLE
Make sure that all bits, attachments, clamps, and locking devices are secured before starting the router
Always rout in the right direction - machine only feeds one way!
Take light cuts. Heavy cuts invite kickback. If necessary, move the fence close to the bit or switch to a larger guide bearing.
Always disconnect the power when changing bits, servicing the router, or mounting attachments.
Never rout the far edge, which traps the stock between the bit and the fence.
Never start the router with the bit in contact with stock.
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When drilling deep holes, frequently raise the drill bit from the hole to
remove cuttings and cool the bit.
DRILL PRESS
Don’t leave the chuck key in the chuck. Return it to its hanger after use.
Do not wear gloves or anything that would allow a hand, fingers or clothing to be wrapped around the revolving bit.
Long stock should be drilled with the excess to the left of the operator. If the stock rotates it will hit the post, not the operator.
If a drill bit binds, turn off the drill press and carefully turn drill chuck backwards by hand to free the drill bit.
Don’t touch the drill bit immediately after drilling, can be hot.
Never reach around or under a rotating drill bit or grab the chuck to stop a drill press. This can result in hand puncture or other serious injury.
DO NOT CHANGE DRILL PRESS SPEEDS WITHOUT
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Palm Sanders
Never use the vacuum without a dust bag. If the bag is full, let a staff member know.
The Festool sander works with the Festool vacuum!
Plug it into the vacuum and set the vacuum to Auto.
Use a velcro interface pad on the Festool.
Let the weight of the sanders do the work.
Don't bear down.
Applying force to the sander clogs your sandpaper and melts the velcro on the sander. As always, don’t force the tool.
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DRUM SANDER
Keep clutter off of the feed table
Keep your hands away from the feed opening
A respirator or dust mask is highly recommended. Please attach the dust extraction system.
Use a rubber “eraser” to clear dust from drums when they’re clogged up
Do not operate the sander with torn or badly worn belts.
If the sander binds, turn it off and wait for it to wind down, raise the drums and remove the piece, then reset the drums for a shallower pass.
Feed speed must be set to zero for machine to start properly
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KING CANADA SANDERS
NEVER LEAVE MACHINE RUNNING UNATTENDED.
The sander must be unplugged from the power source before adjusting or replacing parts
Make sure lock knobs and handles do not loosen during operation (caused by vibrations)
Do not force a workpiece on any sanding surface
Always support your workpiece when sanding on the belt or disc.
The sanding disc or belt must be replaced when it is ripped, or frayed.
Brace your work on the downward spinning side of the disc.
KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE SANDING SURFACE
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RIKON MORTISER
Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before operating the mortiser.
Sharpen or replace dull or chipped chisels or bits.
Use extra supports (roller stands, saw horses, tables etc.) for any work pieces large enough to tip when not held down to the table top surface.
Make sure all safety guards, clamps, hardware, etc. are securely tightened before operating the machine.
If the machine is not running properly, lock out and do not use.
Solidy clamp your workpiece before using the tool.
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CLEAN UP!
Leave the woodshop cleaner than you found it! Everybody forgets to clean up some of their own mess, so make sure you clean up a little bit of somebody else’s mess so the shop stays nice and tidy :)
If somebody else is using a tool that you already made a mess on, chat with them to make sure they don’t feel like they’re unfairly stuck with your mess.