The Wood Room

The "Wood Room" is a small space located between the MTC and Brunsfield, right across from JMTS. It houses some larger tool and most of Brunsfield's wood working arsenal.

The space follows all of the same safety guidelines as Brunsfield, and users are able to operate the machines inside with permission/supervision of staff on duty.

Circular Saw

About

A Circular Saw or Skillsaw is a handheld power tool used for making straight cuts in sheet goods, dimensional lumber, and other wood products. It can perform crosscuts, rip cuts, and bevel cuts. Although a wood tool, the circular saws are located in Bunsfield.

It is a very versatile tool but must but used carefully.

Required PPE

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Dust mask (for MDF or long cuts)
• Fitted clothing; no jewelry or dangling sleeves

Pre-Use Safety Checklist

• Blade is sharp, clean, and appropriate for material
• Blade guard moves freely and springs back fully
• Base plate is square and bevel lock is tight
• Cord is undamaged and clear of the cutting area
• Saw unplugged while adjusting blade or angle

Operating Instructions

Set Up

1. Measure and mark cut line with pencil.

2. 

   Adjust cut depth to no more than 1/4” below material.
3. Set bevel angle if needed; lock securely.

Positioning

1. Secure workpiece using clamps or sawhorses.
2. Stand to the side of the saw’s cutting path, not behind.
3. Support offcuts to prevent blade pinching or binding.

Cutting

1. Hold saw firmly with both hands.
2. Start motor before contacting material.
3. Allow blade to reach full speed, then move steadily along the line.
4. Do not force the cut—let the blade do the work.

Post-Use Procedure

• Release trigger and wait for blade to stop.
• Unplug saw before setting it down or changing blade.
• Clean saw base and blade with brush or vacuum.
• Coil cord neatly and return to storage.

🚫Common Hazards🚫

Hazard	Mitigation
Kickback	Support material correctly; never cut warped or pinched panels
Binding	Use sharp blade, avoid twisting saw mid-cut
Eye injury	Always wear safety glasses
Electric shock	Check cord; keep dry and away from blade path

Miter Saw

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Safety glasses (mandatory)
• Hearing protection
• Dust mask or respirator if cutting MDF or dusty material
• No gloves, loose clothing, or jewelry
• Tie back long hair

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

• Only trained users may operate this tool
• Inspect blade for damage before use
• Keep hands at least 6 inches away from the blade
• Use clamps or a stop block for small pieces
• Never cut freehand – material must rest firmly against the fence
• Wait for the blade to stop fully before lifting it

MACHINE SETUP

• Ensure the saw is secured to the bench or stand
• Check that the work area is clear of debris
• Confirm the saw is unplugged before adjusting
• Adjust miter and bevel angles as required
• Ensure blade guard is functioning properly

OPERATING STEPS

• Plug in the saw and confirm blade is correct for material
• Mark your cut line on the workpiece
• Place workpiece flat against the fence and table
• Use clamps for narrow or short pieces
• Lower the saw head to align the blade with the cut line
• Power on and allow the blade to reach full speed
• Slowly lower the blade through the material
• Hold until the blade has completely stopped
• Raise the saw and remove the cut piece

CLEANUP & SHUTDOWN

• Unplug the saw when finished
• Brush away dust and debris from the saw and table
• Return clamps and stop blocks to storage
• Report any damage or dull blades to staff

🚫LIMITATIONS🚫

• Do not rip cut (with the grain)
• Avoid cutting very small pieces (<6” long without a jig)
• Use only appropriate blades for wood or composite materials
• Do not cut metal or masonry

Panel Saw

Primary Use: Cutting large sheet goods like MDF, plywood, and other wood-based panels

Common Materials: MDF, plywood, particleboard, melamine, solid wood panels

Typical Cuts: Crosscuts (vertical), rip cuts (horizontal).

Safety Guidelines

• PPE: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Blade Guard: Ensure the blade guard is in place and functioning properly.
• Material Support: Confirm that the workpiece is adequately supported and secured against the saw's frame.
• Hands Positioning: Keep hands away from the blade path and avoid reaching over the saw during operation.
• Blade Stoppage: Wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before removing offcuts or making adjustments.
• Training: Only trained and authorized personnel should operate the panel saw.

Operating Instructions

1. Preparing for the Cut
   1. Material Inspection: Check the panel for defects, nails, or foreign objects.
   2. Measurement and Marking: Measure and mark the cut line clearly on the panel.
   3. Saw Configuration: Adjust the saw to the appropriate cutting position (vertical for crosscuts, horizontal for rip cuts).
2. Loading the Material
   1. Assistance: For large panels, seek assistance to safely load the material onto the saw.
   2. Alignment: Align the panel with the saw's guides and ensure it rests evenly on the support rollers.
   3. Securing: Use clamps or the saw's holding mechanism to secure the panel if necessary.
3. Making the Cut
   1. Blade Activation: Turn on the saw and allow the blade to reach full speed.
   2. Cutting Motion: For vertical cuts, smoothly guide the saw downward through the panel. For horizontal cuts, feed the panel steadily through the blade.
   3. Completion: After the cut, turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop before handling the material.

Maintenance Tips

• Weekly: Inspect the blade for sharpness and damage; replace if necessary.
• Monthly: Check the alignment of the saw guides and adjust as needed.
• Quarterly: Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Router Table

Description:

The router table is used to shape, cut, and profile the edges of wood or plastic stock using a rotating router bit mounted under the table surface.

PPE Required:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Dust mask or respirator (when cutting MDF or plastics)
• No gloves, loose clothing, or jewelry

Hazards:

• Rotating bit can cause serious injury
• Risk of kickback from improper feeding
• Eye and respiratory hazards from dust and chips
• Noise exposure

Pre-Use Checklist:

1. Inspect router bit – ensure sharp, undamaged, and securely tightened.
2. Check table fence – square and locked in position.
3. Set bit height and depth using the router lift or adjustment mechanism.
4. Verify workpiece – free of nails, screws, or knots.

Operating Procedure:

Setup:

1. Unplug the router before making adjustments.
2. Install desired router bit and set cutting depth.
3. Align and lock the fence; use featherboards for consistent pressure.
4. Use push blocks/sticks for small or narrow stock.

During Use:

1. Power on the router, wait for full speed.
2. Feed workpiece from right to left (against the bit rotation).
3. Maintain steady, controlled feed rate—do not force the cut.
4. Keep hands clear of the bit at all times.

🚫Do Not:🚫

• Use without fence unless using bearing-guided bit and a jig.
• Change bits with the router plugged in.
• Route pieces shorter than 6" or narrower than 2" without a jig.

Post-Use Procedure:

1. Turn off and unplug the router.
2. Remove dust/chips from the table and undercarriage.
3. Store bits and tools safely.
4. Report any damage or issues to staff.

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean router collet and bit shanks regularly.
• Lubricate lift mechanism as needed.
• Inspect power cord and switch monthly.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw is a handheld power tool used to cut a wide range of materials—including wood, plastic, metal, and laminate—with a narrow, straight blade that moves reciprocates.

Common uses are cutting curves and shapes in plywood or thin boards and making interior cutouts (like sink openings in countertops). It can also be used for Bevel cuts (usually up to 45°) with an adjustable base or cutting thin sheet metal with the right blade.

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Advantages:

• Highly versatile for freehand or template-guided cuts.
• Small and portable.
• Safer and easier for curved cuts than circular saws or table saws.

Safety Precautions:

• PPE Required: Safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask (for wood), and gloves (when handling sharp material).
• Clothing: No loose sleeves, jewelry, or dangling items. Tie back long hair.
• Workspace: Ensure work area is clean, well-lit, and free from obstructions.

Pre-Operation Checklist:

• Inspect the Jigsaw:
• Check for frayed cords or damaged plugs.
• Ensure shoe plate is tight and square.
• Confirm the blade is sharp, straight, and appropriate for the material.
• Select and Install Blade:
• Choose correct TPI (teeth per inch) for material.
• Unplug tool before changing blades.
• Ensure blade is locked securely in place.
• Secure the Workpiece:
• Clamp material firmly to a bench.
• Keep cut lines clear of clamps or vises.

Operating Instructions:

• Power On:
• Plug in the jigsaw or insert the battery.
• Hold with both hands for control.
• Start the Cut:
• Position baseplate flat on the material.
• Align blade just off the cut line, with the saw not running.
• Start motor before making contact with the workpiece.
• Cutting:
• Let the blade reach full speed before advancing.
• Move slowly and steadily—don’t force the tool.
• Let the blade come to a stop before removing it from the cut
• Corners and Curves:
• Use relief cuts for tight curves.
• Don’t twist the tool—let the blade do the work.

Post-Operation:

1. Turn Off and Unplug:
2. Wait for blade to stop completely before setting down.
3. Unplug or remove battery.
4. Clean Up:
5. Brush off tool and work area.
6. Store jigsaw and blades properly.
7. Inspect Blade and Tool:
8. Check for any damage or wear before putting away.

🚫Limitations and Warnings:🚫

• Do not use jigsaw on unsupported materials—can cause binding or kickback.

• Do not cut materials thicker than the blade’s rated depth.

• Avoid cutting metal unless using appropriate blade and speed.

• Never remove guards or operate one-handed.