Modern timber workshops move faster than ever before. Keeping up with customer demands becomes much simpler with the help of modern equipment like docking saws. Fast, safe and easy to use, docking saws are powerful enough to make crosscuts in even the hardest timber stock. Often seen in high volume automated production systems, docking saws are an excellent way to improve the efficiency of your workshop and the quality of your products. But, to get the most from your equipment, it is important to operate all docking saws properly and safely.
Choose the Correct Saw Blade for the Application
Saw blades come in thousands of different variations, each one suitable for specific sizing and cutting operations. Modern docking saws are powerful machines with high-speed motors, therefore it is important to match the correct blade to the application. Not only does this improve the quality of the finished product, but it also reduces hazards from kickback and flying wood chips or debris. It is also important to ensure the saw blade you have chosen is capable of cutting the material you are working with. While most soft and hardwood varieties will not be an issue for your saw, especially hard timbers or materials like aluminium can stress saw blades, potentially leading to dangerous tooling failures. Similarly, timber stock should always be checked for the presence of things like nails that could potentially harm equipment operators.
Ensure Infeed and Outfeed Tables are Set Up Correctly
Supporting workpieces is a key part of operating a docking saw safely. Common docking saw models come with built-in feed tables, often featuring rollers for ease of use. But, if those tables are not long enough for the stock you are processing, additional tables or table extensions should be set up. Having a large piece of timber stock fall off the machine after cutting could not only damage your equipment, it could injure staff working in the area.
Adjust Blade Guards and Heed All Safety Barriers
One of the major benefits of modern docking saws is their robust safety measures. Manual docking saws often come with integrated shields that protect operators from the saw blade and moving parts of the machine. Many of the docking saws from Stirling Machinery come with adjustable blade guards. These guards can be moved up or down to accommodate different stock sizes while maximising protection for the operator.
Docking saws are also ideal for integration into automated processing systems. With automatic push feeds and outfeed tables, the need to have workers near dangerous machinery can be greatly reduced or even eliminated entirely. In all other situations, following the manufacturer’s safety warnings about feed and saw operation is critical. Avoid placing hands anywhere near the saw blade, and avoid holding onto timber pieces while they are being cut.
Stay on Top of Equipment Maintenance
Perhaps the most important part of operating a docking saw is to make sure all maintenance and servicing are carried out on time. A machine that operates smoothly is one that poses less risk to the employees using it. Since docking saw blades and motors operate at high speeds, carrying out regular maintenance and servicing is the best way to get a longer life from the equipment.
Ready to Integrate a Docking Saw Into Your Production? Contact Stirling Machinery Today
Docking saws have the power to revolutionise timber workshops. Joineries, furniture makers and volume producers of items like wood pallets can all make use of a modern, high-speed docking saw. With the versatility needed to cut a range of material shapes and sizes, docking saws from Stirling Machinery are the ideal choice for timber manufacturers. We can tailor a solution that suits your business and budget, with a range of saws that are ideal for manual and automatic operation. Speak to us today about our machinery solutions or for more information on our docking saw training services.
