Shop Procedures

FAILURE TO FOLLOW SHOP RULES, SAFE WORK PRACTICES OR DIRECTIVES FROM THE SHOP MANAGER OR SHOP ASSISTANT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF SHOP PRIVILEGES.

Shop Rules

1. No horseplay of any type will be permitted in the shop areas.

2. Entry to the Shop is dependent upon having a current I.D. with sticker attached.

3. Safety protection devices must be utilized at all times when in the shop.

4. No treated wood or wood products can be used in the Shop areas or any area inside the College of Architecture building.

5. You must follow the THREE INCH RULE. No parts of your body can be closer than three inches (3) to any cutting service. Remember a tool designed to cut hard materials will not hesitate when coming into contact with fingers, hands or any other body part. 

6. No particleboard or treated wood can be used inside the College of Architecture Shop areas. Particleboard and treated wood products when cut, release significant amounts of gasses that are hazardous to your health. Due to our special circumstance inside the building, with regards to air circulation, any chemicals released into the air inside the Shop area immediately enter the corridors and circulate throughout the entire building.

7. Shop use may be limited to scheduled classes at any time.

8. The twelve-student limit rule can be put into effect any time that crowding becomes a hazard.

9. No used materials are recommended for use in the Shop.  Nails and metal fasteners are almost always overlooked and can ruin several hundred dollars of cutting tools in an instant. Special circumstances may dictate the need of using recycled materials and in this case, permission from the Shop Manager must be attained.

10. Failure to follow instructions, safety instructions, or being disruptive in any way can and most likely will result in you being asked to leave the Shop areas. If such actions become common you can and will loose your Shop privileges.

AN ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO YOU, OTHER PERSONS, MACHINERY, OR THE PROJECT YOU ARE WORKING ON. AN ACCIDENT COULD AFFECT YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Shop tools whether hand operated, or power driven, are designed for cutting, and they can cut you quicker and easier than the materials you are working with.

• STAY ALERT.  Watch what you are doing — use common sense. EYE PROTECTION. Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times. Everyday eye glasses only have impact resistant lenses, they are not safety glasses.

• EAR PROTECTORS. (Plugs or muffs) are required during extended periods of operation and machines marked wear hearing protection.

• FACE OR DUST MASK. If operation is dusty wear a dust mask. The dust generated by certain woods and wood products can be injurious to your health. Always operate machinery in well ventilated areas and provide for proper dust removal. Use wood dust collection systems whenever possible.

• QUICK VISUAL SAFETY CHECK OF THE MACHINE. Make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Keep hands away from cutters and the cutting area.  Include the safe zone in all your work operations.

• REMEMBER THE 3 INCH SAFE ZONE . Keep hands away from the cutting area.Keep hands dry, Clean and free from oil and grease.

• MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance.

• DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry a tool by the cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp objects.§ KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents

• KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE  and in working order.

• DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and be safer at the rate for which it was designed.

• USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not designed.

• WEAR PROPER APPAREL. No loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry to get caught in moving parts. Nonslip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

• SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work when practical. It's safer than using your hand and fees both hands to operate tool

• REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS, WRENCHES AND TOOLS. For a habit of checking to see that keys, wrenches and adjusting tools are removed from tools and machines before operating.

• DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• DISCONNECT TOOLS before servicing and when changing accessories.

• AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Make sure switch is in OFF position before plugging in power cord. 

• DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation of the blade or cutter only.

• NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF. Don't leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.§ CHECK STOCK to make sure it is free of nails before cutting.

• NEVER ATTEMPT TO CUT ROUND STOCK WITHOUT HOLDING A JIG. It will roll out of your hands as the saw start to cut.

• WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Avoid distractions and never look around while operating a power tool.

• IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT SOMETHING. ASK THE SHOP MANAGER!

CLEANING UP IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.  The last 30 minutes of each Shop period is for clean up and putting away materials and tools used.

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES FOR EYE, EAR AND PERSONAL PROTECTION SHALL APPLY TO ALL USERS OF THE COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE SHOP.

EYE PROTECTION:

Students will supply their own safety equipment

• Approved eye protection shall be worn at all times while in the wood shop.
• Eye protection shall meet American National Standards Institute standards: ANSI Z87.1-1989.  As described in OSHA regulations sec. 1910.6
• Approved eye protection can be safety glasses or goggles.
• Eye protection must fit the user properly.
• Eye protection shall be maintained in good condition.
• Eye protection must be properly used, to protect the users eyes, at all times while in the architecture shop.
• Mirrored or heavily colored lenses are not approved for use in the Architecture shop.

EAR PROTECTION

Disposable ear plugs are provided for students. If muffs are desired they can be purchased from the same suppliers as above.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Shoes covering the entire foot must be worn at all times when in the shop. No open heels, toes or sides of the foot will be accepted. When tasks require cutting, welding or other operations working with metal are anticipated, long pants, long sleeve shirts and leather footwear are required. Student will not be allowed to work if not appropriately attired.

FAILURE TO ABIDE BY SHOP RULES WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF SHOP PRIVILEGES

POWER TOOLS

• Know your power tool. Learn its applications and limitations as well as the specific potential hazards for the tool.

• Keep guards in place. In working order and proper adjustment and alignment.

• Secure work. Use clamps or a vice to hold work. Its safer than using your hand and it frees both hands to operate the tool.

• Don't force the tool. It will do the job better and safer and the rate for which it was designed 

• Never leave tools running unattended. Turn power off--don't leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.

• Direction of feed. Feed work into a blade or cutter against the direction of rotation only.

• Inspect for foreign materials. Remove any and all foreign material from lumber before cutting.

• Use correct tools. Don't force tool or attachment to do a job it was not designed for.

• Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for best and safest performance.

• Don't abuse cord. Never carry a tool by the cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle.

• Keep cord away from heat, oil and sharp objects.

• Watch what you are doing. Avoid distractions and never look around while operating a power tool.

• Oily rags. Store oily rags in special approved containers for oily rags only.

• Flammable and combustible liquids. Must be stored in approved flammable cabinets.

• Hazardous materials. Solvents, including but not limited to paints, thinners, or adhesives, must be disposed of properly. Notify the college's Safety Coordinator when these pickups or disposals are needed. These materials must never be disposed of in the trash.

   

NEVER HAVE YOUR FINGERS, HANDS OR ARMS IN DIRECT LINE WITH THE CUTTER OR BLADE. 

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT SOMETHING, ASK FOR ASSISTANCE.

DUST COLLECTOR

The dust collector system is used to remove dust from the Shop. If you are using a power tool that requires dust collection, make sure that the dust collector is TURNED ON and that the GATE VALVE is OPEN for the machine that you are using. After turning the machine off close the dust collector gate valve, if provided.

BAND SAWS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Check the wood for foreign materials, such as nails, screws, metal objects, and stones, that could cause damage to the cutting blades and the machine

• Adjust the sliding bar or post so that the upper guide is about 1/4″ above the work. If the guide is too high the blade will not have the proper support.

• Never allow anyone to stand to the right of the saw. If the blade breaks, it could fly out in that direction.

• Avoid backing out of a cut as this could pull the blade off the wheels.

• Never attempt to cut round stock without a holding jig. It may roll out of your hands as the saw starts the cut. THREE INCH RULE. Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away from cutters and the cutting area. Include the 3 INCH SAFE ZONE in all your work operations.

• Hold the stock firmly on the table to do the cutting.

• Never cut curve of small radius with a wide blade unless you first make relief cuts.

• If you hear a rhythmic click as the wood is being cut, this usually indicates a cracked blade or bad weld. Stop the machine and inspect. Ask the shop manager or assistant for assistance.

• If the blade breaks, shut off the power and stay away from the machine until it comes to a complete stop. Never try to free the blade or open the covers while the wheels are still turning.

• Never have your fingers, hands or arms in line with the blade.
  Use push sticks to finish the cutting on narrow stock.

• Use a helper to handle long stock or use roller stands. Remember that the operator should do all the pushing. The operator should be slightly to the left of the blade with a well balanced stance as you do the cutting.

• In cutting, guide the stock with your left hand and apply forward pressure with your right.

• You should follow just outside the layout line, allowing extra stock for smoothing the edges later. Always make short cuts before long ones. When the stock is cut from two sides, cut the short side first so there will be a minimum of backing out.

• Whenever possible, cut out through waste stock rather than backing out.
  Never try to pick pieces of wood out of the table slot while the saw is operating and the blade moving.

BELT/DISK SANDERS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Make sure the abrasive grit is proper for the work you intend to do.

• Use only light pressure, just enough to hold the work against the abrasive. Too much pressure causes overheating & belt clogging and premature damage. Use belt cleaners when the color of the belt starts to change.

• Sand parallel with the grain whenever possible, to obtain a smooth finish.

• Sand only dry wood.

• Use fixture to hold small pieces of wood when machine sanding.

• Support the work on the table.

• Do not sand stock if it is thinner than the opening between the table and the belt without using an auxiliary temporary table.

HAND HELD ROTARY GRINDER

• Hand held rotary grinders include the pneumatic rotary grinder.
• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devises are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.
• Always use cutters and accessories especially designed for use with these high R. P. M. tools.
• Installing cutters and accessories, insert the shank or arbor of an accessory or mandrel into the collect of the hand pieces as far as possible and then retract 1/8, then tighten the collect securely. Always move tool in the direction that would be against the rotation of the cutter.
• Do not stall the motor by jamming or using excessive pressure on the accessory. This can result in damage to the motor or flexible shaft.
• Always disconnect the hand piece from either the air or electrical service before changing accessories or making adjustments.
• Never bend the flexible shaft too much at either the hand piece or motor shaft connections. This causes excessive heat and wear on the flexible staff.

DRILL PRESS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Check the wood for foreign materials, such as nails, screws, metal objects, and stones, that could cause damage to the drill bits that are designed for drilling wood only.

• Securing materials. Clamp work to table if it is too short to contact the column. Hold the material securely with a vise or clamps.

• Three inch Rule. Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away from cutters and the cutting area. Include the 3 INCH SAFE ZONE in all your work operations.

• USE ONLY DRILLS AND BITS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DRILL PRESS.

• Be sure drill bit or cutting tool is securely locked in the chunk. Tighten at all three key positions. Be sure chuck key is removed from the chuck before starting drill press.

• Table positioning. Always position the hole in the center of the table beneath the drill and place a piece of wood beneath the work to keep from drilling holes in the table.

• Keep the table clean. Keep the table flee of wood chips and tools.

• Make all adjustments with the power off.
  Never try to stop the machine by taking hold of the chuck after the power is off.

• On deep cuts, back out often to clean out the hole and drill bit.
  When drilling through holes always place a piece of scrap wood under the material, this

JIGSAWS

• Jigsaws consist of two types, those with universal shank blades, and T (or bayonet) shank blades. Both types have variable speed motors to permit cutting of a variety of materials. Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devises are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Correct blade.  Make certain the correct blade for the material being cut is installed in jigsaw.

• Remove adjusting keys, wrenches and screwdrivers before turning jigsaw on.

• Unplug jigsaw from the power supply before changing blades or making any adjustments.

• Use the correct speed for the material being cut.

• Keep hands from between the gear housing and saw blade plunger.

• Keep hands away from cutting area. Do not reach under the material being cut, since the proximity of the blade to your hand is hidden from your sight.

• Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easily or cause kick-back.

• Motor should be turned on and the blade at full speed before start to cut.

• Secure material, use clamps or a vise to hold work. It's safer than using your hand and it frees both hands to operate the tool. Disconnect tools when not in use and return to tool cabinet.

• Cutting doesn't force the jigsaw, apply forward pressure in line with the blade. When making turns be especially careful not to push sideways on the tool. This results in a poor cut and cause the blade to bead, overheat and break.

• Always keep the tools footplate firmly and flat on the material to be cut.

• Cutting stroke, the jigsaw cuts on the up-stroke. Any chipping or tear out will be on the top side so you may want to plan on having the good side of your material facing down.

MITER SAW

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Check the wood for foreign materials, such as nails, screws, metal objects, and stones that could cause damage to the cutting blades and the machine.

• Three inch rule. Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away from blades and the cutting area. Include the 3 INCH SAFE ZONE in all your work operations.

• Remove tie, rings, watch or other jewelry and roll! up sleeves.

• Always keep hands out of path of saw blade, use clamps if necessary to hold stock.

• Always hold the work firmly against the fence. Use clamps to hold the work when possible.

• Use stop blocks to ensure that all sit pieces still are precisely the same length.

• Be sure blade is sharp, free from cuttings and free from vibration.

• Never turn on the power until you are in a proper position.

• AIlow the motor to come up to full speed before starting cut.

• Cuts should be made with a slow steady downward stroke. Do not rush the cut

• Turn off the motor when you finish each cut. Use the blade brake to stop the blade before reaching to pick up or move the material being cut, or removing scrap pieces of wood in or near the cutting path of the blade.

• Disconnect the plug from the power circuit when changing blades or making adjustments or repairs.

• Clean the miter saw and tables before you leave it.

PNEUMATIC TOOLS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• When using pneumatic tools;

• Remove all fasteners from tool before connecting to air supply.

• Never defeat the safety features.

• Do not load fasteners with the trigger or safety element depressed.

• Always assume the tool contains fasteners. Keep the tool pointed away from yourself and others.

• THREE INCH RULE. Keep hands away from area to e fastened. Include the 3 INCH SAFE ZONE in all your work operations.

• Fasteners have a habit of not going exactly where you intend.

• Always press the tool firmly against the material to be fastened.

• Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners.

• Do not drive fasteners at too steep of an angle. Fasteners can ricochet and hurt someone.

• Do not drive fasteners close to the edge of the work surface. The work piece is likely to split and the fastener could fly free and ricochet or hit someone.

• Disconnect tool from air supply before doing tool maintenance, cleaning a jammed fastener, leaving the work area, moving tool to another location or handing the tool to another person.

• When finished with tool remove fasteners and place tool back in tool room. Place fasteners removed in proper box in cabinet.

SANDERS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Be especially careful not to drop sanders or set them down hard. This could damage the drive mechanism.

• Keep you fingers and hands away from the moving parts of the sander.

• Disk sanders hold the sander to that the dust will be away from yourself and other students.

• Belt sanders, place the cord over your shoulder to lessen the chance of it getting caught by the belt and wedging in behind the drum.

• Sand across the grain for fast stock removal and rough work.

• Sand with the grain for finish work.

• Clamp the work when using a disk or belt sander.

• Allow the motor to come to a complete stop before placing the sander on a bench or floor.

• Never put extra weight on sanders in an attempt to have them sand faster. This slows down the motor and cause the motor to overheat, which will lead to motor failure.

SCROLL SAW

• The scroll saw is used for cutting curved work in thinner materials. It is ideal for materials 1/8 to ¾ in thickness and for very tight turns. Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Check the wood for foreign materials, such as nails, screws, metal objects, and stones, that could cause damage to the cutting blades and the machine

• Saw blades. Consider the material type, hardness, and thickness when selecting blades. Thicker materials require larger blades with fewer teeth per inch. Thinner blades with finer teeth will cut more slowly, but will turn a much tighter corner for cutting very intricate work.

• Blades. Always install the blades with the teeth pointing down. Hold the blade against the back of the slot in both upper and lower blade clamps and tighten the blade clamp knobs securely.

• Blade tension. When installing the blade some tension must be put on the upper arm before final tightening of the blade in the bottom holder. Finish tightening the blade by flipping the blade tension lever towards the back of the machine. TOO LITTLE TENSION CAUSES POOR CUTS, BLADE OVERHEATING AND PREMATURE BLADE FAILURE.

• Blade speed. For thinner materials a slower blade speed can be used. For most materials thicker than ¼ the saw can be operated at the highest speeds. MATERIAL BEING CUT MUST ALWAYS BE HELD SECURELY ON THE TABLE.

• Cutting. Feed the work into the blade with moderate pressure. Too much force will result in distorted cuts, broken blades and accelerated wear of the machine.

• Beveled cuts. Beveled cuts are made by tilting the table. When the table is titled more than a few degrees tight turns are difficult or may not be possible.

• Inside cuts. Drill a small hole in the area to be cut out close to the line to be followed. Release tension, loosen the bottom blade holder, lift the upper arm with blade, position the material to be cut under the blade and lower the blade through the drilled hole. Re-clamp and re-tension the blade.

• Work hold down. Position the work hold down just above the work piece. This will prevent the blade from lifting the material off the table.

• WHEN FINISHED CUTTING, ALWAYS RELEASE BLADE TENSION BY FLIPPING THE BLADE TENSION LEVER TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE MACHINE.

• Return the table to square and vacuum the saw completely.

SPINDLE SANDERS

• Perform a quick visual safety check of the machine to make certain that all safety devices are installed and in working condition and that no parts of the machine are missing or damaged.

• Spindle/drum size. Select a spindle or drum that is smaller than the curve to be sanded

• Insert plate. Use an insert plate that come closest to the spindle without touching it.

• Dust collection. Make sure that the dust collector gate valve is open before turning sander on and off after sander is shut off.

• Sanding. Sanding may be done at any location on the table around the spindle when the table is set at 90 degrees.
  Sanding angles.  Ask the Shop Manager or assistant to make changes.
  Thin materials. When sanding thin materials backing board must be used to eliminate the opening between the table and the sanding drum.

PORTABLE POWER AND HAND TOOLS

• Remember the THREE INCH RULE.

• When using chisels, make sure that the blade is being pushed away from your body.

• Never use your hand to hold the material in front of the chisel.

• Make sure tools are sharp and in proper condition.

• Always hold the power tool until the motor stops turning, when placing it on a table make sure that the drill bit or cutter will not come in contact with the cord, other tools or materials.

Texas Tech University College of Architecture Health and Safety Statement

Equipment and supplies used in the Texas Tech University College of Architecture Shop can represent a hazard if misused. In recognition of this possibility, the Shop Manager will comply with the intent of the government laws or acts and the Texas Tech University Health and Safety Program. This is done in an effort to maintain a safe academic and working environment. Each studio and shop area has safety procedures, which are designed to make the class experience safe and enjoyable for all students. The instructor and/or staff will instruct students in the proper safety procedures throughout the semester.

New and pertinent safety procedures will be incorporated into class instruction as government and private safety agencies hand them down. Students in turn, are expected to abide by these safety regulations.

Questions regarding safety issues, either in the shop facility or in a student's studio can usually be answered by the instructor, or by the Shop Manager. It is the student's responsibility to receive and understand instruction in the proper use of any and all tools and equipment available in the Shop before he or she attempts to use the tools or equipment.

No student is allowed to use mechanical equipment or supplies without instruction in the proper usage and safety procedures beforehand. Students must be properly protected with appropriate safety glasses, dust masks, and ear protection while working in the shop.