Tip #12
Biscuit Joiner
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version of Tip - Pg 1-4, Pg 5-8

Biscuit Joiner Safety

Read, understand and follow all safety and operating instructions in the Owners Manuals that came with the Biscuit Joiner and with the MARK V on which it is mounted.

• Wear safety goggles, safety glasses with side shields or a full face shield.
• Tuck long hair under a hat or tie it up. Do not wear ties, gloves, jewelry or loose cloth-ing. Roll sleeves up above your elbows. Wear non-slip footwear.
• Before mounting the biscuit joiner on the Shopsmith MARK V, turn on the MARK V and set the speed dial to SLOW. Then turn off and unplug the machine before proceeding.
• When mounting the biscuit joiner on the MARK V, be certain all locking screws are tightened securely before turning on the machine.
• Be sure the blade is mounted in the biscuit joiner with the teeth pointing in the direction of the arrows on top the housing. Installing the blade backwards will result in kick-backs and injury.
• Connect a dust collection system to the biscuit joiner dust chute or wear a dust mask.
• Do not allow anyone to stand directly in front of the opening of the dust chute.
• Move the workpiece slowly into the blade--never force it. Feeding stock too rapidly could cause kickbacks.
• Do not stand directly in-line with the workpiece being fed. In the event of a kickback, you will be hit.
• Do not rest fingers in the miter gauge slots where they could be trapped and pinched by kicked back stock.
• Always use the push block in your right hand to feed stock into the blade. This is especially important when working with small stock.
• Use your miter gauge and/or rip fence as a stop when working with stock less than 6" long or wide.
• Always be certain the pins protrude from the guide before beginning operations. Failure to do this could result in the workpiece being grabbed and thrown by the rotating blade.
• Listen for chatter and signs of looseness at start-up. If you hear, see or suspect problems, turn off the power and unplug the machine immediately. Correct any problems before proceeding.
• Never use the biscuit joiner for jobs it is not intended to perform such as sawing, grooving, etc.
• Never exceed speed setting “T” on the MARK V's speed dial for biscuit joiner operations.
• Never attempt to use the biscuit joiner on stock less than 3/8" thick.
• Never operate the biscuit joiner without the housing and guard in position.
• Always keep the blade clean and sharp.
• Use only Shopsmith blades and parts for your biscuit joiner. Using non-Shopsmith blades or parts will create a hazardous condition and will void your warranty.

Continue to Basic Biscuit Joinery Techniques
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