Spindle Safety

Spindle cutters can potentially be dangerous and should deserve your attention and respect.

Use push sticks or a push block to position your hands a safe distance from the spindle cutter.

Never climb-cut. Always feed the stock against the rotation of the cutter (see illustration).

Avoid moulding small stock. Instead, mould a larger piece and cut it to size afterwards.

Always use a guard. If the fence didn’t come with a guard, make your own.

Never start the spindle with the cutter in contact with the material.

Don’t force the cutter or overload the machine. Excessive heat is an enemy.

The spindle moulder needs to have a power feeder or feather boards fitted to apply sufficient feeding pressure.

Fit the cutter on the lowest point of the spindle shaft.

Be sober and not under the influence of medicine that causes a lack of concentration.

Make sure the spacer rings on the spindle shaft are locked in place correctly.

Tidy up your workshop to ensure the ability to move freely with enough room around the spindle moulder.