How do you use a linisher machine safley?

Answer 1

Wear goggles at all times while the machine is turned on. I cannot stress this enough. Ive had more metal splinters in my eyes than I care to remember and can tell you that they arent pleasant! It doesnt matter what material you are working on, WEAR GOGGLES! Ensure all safety guards are engaged and locked securely. Before you turn the machine on, switch off the mains power supply and lock it. Open the casing to access the belt / s (if applicable to your particular machine) and check both rollers for damage and debris. Then check the belt / s. Make sure there arent any tears in them and that the seam is intact. Also make sure there are no other damaged parts that may rub or cut into the belt. When you are satisfied that the machine is safe to use, close it and lock it. Turn the mains back on when you are ready to use it. Important note on locking the mains switch: Ive had my hand spun round in the belt of a linisher before by some idiot who thought the mains was turned off for no reason! If you cant lock the mains switch in the off position, tape a note to it to warn others not to turn it on and why. Gloves are also a very good idea, especially when working with small workpieces. Getting your fingers ground to the bone is not fun. A good leather glove wont care if it gets sanded... your skin will! There is also the heat factor, especially where metal objects are concerned. A lot of friction is caused between a workpiece and a linisher belt / wheel and that can make the workpiece very hot very quickly. Wood and most plastics are an exception to this rule, as they are poor conductors of heat. Lastly: Treat the machine with respect. As with any power tool, it has the ability to hurt you badly if you treat it wrong. Dont put too much pressure on the belt / wheel. Dont put the workpiece at an angle that is likely to let it get jammed between the plate and belt / wheel. Try to keep the workpiece flat to the plate when possible. Always try to avoid using the extreme edges of the belt / wheel as the workpiece is more likely to find any small tears and could get jammed on them. Believe me, lax regard for your safety when using machines like these is the best way to sustain a potentially debilitating injury. I have been lucky in that I still have my hand and I still have my sight. It could have been a lot worse!