Preliminary ideas for training checklists. These are not complete, please add to them.

• (Broken return spring, replace wire if necessary)
• Changing speed (belts)
• Clamp down work– don't hold freehand
• Don't lose the chuck key
• Put bits away– don't leave them in the chuck (easy to forget)

• Blade tension
• Blade guard and guides
• Table tilt
• don't force– let the blade cut
• cutting curves without breaking the blade
• For tight curves, consider using the scroll saw or CNC router instead

• Fence (add 7/16“, double check measurement)
• Removing and installing guard
• Blade height and tilt
• Changing blade
• Push sticks (don't cut yer fingers off)
• Cross cutting (use a sled if possible)
• Clean sawdust from inside cabinet
• See articles on kickback (I think these are in the Library?)

• Angle/tilt/slide
• Laser guide– replacing batteries

• (not quite square, off by about 1/16” per ft)
• Ruler on frame is not quite accurate– measure it yourself
• Clamp panel before sawing

• Height adjustment
• fence angle

• height adjustment

• Prerequisites (Tool chain)
  • Mach3, DraftSight, VCarve, Design Spark Mechanical
  • CamBam
• Safety
  • where not to stand
  • PPE (eyes and ears)
• Materials
  • Wood, Plastic, Foam - OK
  • Metals - NOT OK
• Recommended bits
  • 2-flute 1/4“ spiral up-cut bit - solid carbide
• Setup
  • Clean rails
  • Changing bits
  • Securing your workpiece
    • Clamping supplies in toolbox
    • Using carpet tape
  • Measure actual thickness of material
  • Use a spoilboard
• Operation
  • Turning on the equipment
  • Verifying the step increment
  • Verifying depth of cut per pass
  • Using the pendant
  • Zeroing X, Y, and Z
  • Determining tool path is clear
  • Vacuum hook-up
  • Electronic touch-off
  • Speed control on router (not through Mach3)
  • Turning power on/off (separate switch for stepper power)
  • Starting, pausing and cancelling job
• Cleanup

• Clamp down work– don't hold freehand
• Changing speed (belts)
• Don't lose the chuck key
• Put bits away– don't leave them in the chuck (easy to forget)

• On/off
• Changing speed
• Blade tension, changing blades
• Don't force– let the blade cut

• See Tom Klein

• Changing tool bits
  • Spindle lock
  • Drawbar
  • Collets
  • Chucks
• Changing speeds
• Start/Stop
• DRO
• Put tool bits away– don't leave them in the machine (easy to forget)
• Don't leave the spindle lock on

• Belt drive
• Change gears
• Tool holders
• Don't leave the key in the chuck
• Rotate chuck before starting lathe

• Lubrication (see chart): every time you use it
• “How to Run a Lathe” book (on top of tool boxes)
• VFD (start/stop/speed/reverse)
• Belt drive
• Gear changes: reverse, in/out, left/center/right, gearbox
• Apron: longitudinal feed/cross feed, half nuts, friction clutch
• Back gear: disengage drive pin
• Tailstock
• Don't leave the key in the chuck
• Rotate chuck before starting lathe

• Disk sander
• Hydraulic Press
• Chop Saw
• Bench Grinders

• Wear eye protection at all times, even if you are watching someone else.
  • Space has many welding helmets available for use.
  • Do not use the dark green face shields, those are for torch work and will not protect you.
• Wear only natural fabrics: Leather, Cotton, Wool, etc. . .
  • Polyester,Acrylic,Nylon,Rayon, and other oil derived fabric will burn when sparked, and fuse into your skin as it burns.
• Cover exposed skin to avoid sunburn.
• Use curtains to avoid flashing users in other parts of the shop.
• Remember to turn on/off gas

Detailed instructions are here: Using the Propane Forge

Key Safety Points:

• Wear only natural fabrics: Leather, Cotton, Wool, etc. . .
  • Polyester,Acrylic,Nylon,Rayon, and other oil derived fabric will burn when sparked, and fuse into your skin as it burns.
• Turn off the freaking gas when you are done!!!
• This means shutting both valves at the tank, and on the manifold!!!
• Know what leaking propane smells like (rotten eggs).
• If you smell it, stop working and find the source.

Avoiding Equipment Damage:

• Leave the blower fan running during cool down.
• Be careful not to stab/tear/rip the forge lining, it is fragile.

• Designated casting nights occur on alternate Thursdays, if possible schedule a pour around one of those.
• Do not use without supervision from one of the trainers.
  • Bred D.
  • Matt W.
  • Dan J.
  • Tom Gr.

Laser Cutter Training

• Leveling the plate
• Unloading and loading filament
• Cleaning the plate
• Using Makerware to print
• Removing completed work from the plate