Safety Rules for the Disc Sander

Disc Sander Safety

Warning: Before using the disc sander, read and understand these important safety instructions:

Danger Zone -- The danger zone on the MARK 7/MARK V when it is in the disc sander mode extends 3" on all sides of the disc, plus 3' in front and back of the disc. The reason for the extended danger zone in the front and back of the machine is the possibility of kickback.

Always keep your fingers, hands, and other parts of your body out of the danger zone. Once inside the danger zone, the slightest mistake can result in an injury.

When you work at the disc sander, always stand to one side of the disc, never directly in line with the plane of rotation. Use push sticks and other safety tools to help guide the workpieces close to the disc. This keeps your fingers out of danger. Never reach under the table while the sanding disc is running to tighten the locks or make adjustments. Remember, the danger zone extends under the table, too. Turn off the machine and let it come to a complete stop before making adjustments.

• Always wear proper eye and ear protection, and a dust mask. If you're doing a large amount of sanding, you should wear a respirator.
• Turn on the MARK 7/MARK V, let the disc get up to speed, then feed the workpiece. Don't turn on the power with the stock laying on the worktable or already in contact with the disc.
• Never reach over the disc or behind it while it's running.
• Always sand on the downward motion side of the disc ( Figure 17-3). The rotation helps to hold the workpiece against the table. If you sand on the upward motion side, the disc will lift the piece off the table and cause a kickback.
• Maintain a 1/16" maximum clearance between the worktable and the disc. The one exception is when you use the quill to advance the disc. Then maintain a 1/2" maximum clearance.
• Do not sand the end grain of 3/4" stock that is wider than 5-1/2". The rotation of the disc may lift wider boards off the table.
• When you use the quill feed to advance the disc, attach the quill feed lever to the side of the power plant where you can reach it most easily.
• Always use the worktable; add the extension table if necessary.
• Never sand without a table supporting the stock.
• When using the quill feed to advance the disc, back up the stock with the rip fence. If the stock is too long to backstop, clamp the stock to the worktable or extension table