When using a jointer it is best to avoid placing fingers directly over the ___.

When using a jointer it is best to avoid placing fingers directly over the ___.

• A. Fences
• B. Infeed table
• C. Outfeed table
• D. Cutters

Answer: (D)

Keeping your hands away from the rotating blades is the key safety idea when using a jointer. The cutters sit in the cutterhead beneath the surface between the infeed and outfeed tables, and as you guide the stock across, any finger placed directly over the cutters can be grabbed by the rotating blades, causing a serious injury. Use push blocks or push sticks to keep fingers well clear of the blade area, and rely on the fence and the tables to guide and support the wood instead of reaching toward the cutters. The fence, infeed table, and outfeed table are for guiding and supporting stock, not for placing fingers in the danger zone, which is why the area over the cutters is the one to avoid.

Keeping your hands away from the rotating blades is the key safety idea when using a jointer. The cutters sit in the cutterhead beneath the surface between the infeed and outfeed tables, and as you guide the stock across, any finger placed directly over the cutters can be grabbed by the rotating blades, causing a serious injury. Use push blocks or push sticks to keep fingers well clear of the blade area, and rely on the fence and the tables to guide and support the wood instead of reaching toward the cutters. The fence, infeed table, and outfeed table are for guiding and supporting stock, not for placing fingers in the danger zone, which is why the area over the cutters is the one to avoid.