Main hazards

• Severe cuts from contact with the cutter head and moving feed rollers.
• Sudden ejection or kickback of the workpiece due to jams, excessive depth of cut or unsuitable dimensions.
• Entanglement of clothing, hair or jewellery in moving parts.
• Inhalation of wood dust and exposure to chips/splinters; eye and respiratory irritation.
• Hearing damage from high noise levels.
• Electrical hazard from damaged cables or connections and from moisture.
• Fire risk due to accumulation of chips and dust near the motor or heat sources.
• Impact and entrapment injuries when handling heavy workpieces or when adjusting the machine.

Safe use

• Install the thicknesser on a stable surface and, where applicable, secure it; use infeed and outfeed supports for long workpieces.
• Before each use, check that covers, guards and safety devices are in place and operational; do not remove them.
• Connect an effective dust extraction system and keep the chip ducts clear.
• Inspect the timber: free from nails, screws, staples or stones; sufficiently dry and free of cracks or loose knots.
• Set the height and take moderate cuts; several light passes are preferable to one deep cut.
• Feed the workpiece with the grain in the direction of feed and keep your hands away from the infeed and outfeed openings.
• Stand slightly to one side of the ejection line to reduce risk in the event of kickback.
• Observe the manufacturer’s minimum length, width and thickness; do not feed pieces that are too short or too narrow.
• If the workpiece becomes jammed, do not force it: switch off and wait for a complete stop before intervening.
• Wear PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection and a dust mask; tie back hair and avoid loose clothing or gloves.
• Keep the work area clear of chips to prevent slips and hazardous build-ups.

Storage and maintenance

• Unplug from the mains and wait for a complete stop before cleaning, clearing jams or changing knives.
• Inspect, sharpen or replace knives when dull or damaged; ensure fixings are secure.
• Clean resin and dust from the tables and guides; apply a light coat of a suitable product to the sliding surfaces if recommended by the manufacturer.
• Empty and regularly clean the bag or filter of the extraction system and the chip duct.
• Periodically check cables, plug, switches, belts and fasteners; if you notice abnormal vibrations or noises, stop use until the machine has been inspected.
• Periodically calibrate the thickness gauge and the table parallelism if adjustable.
• Store the machine in a dry, ventilated place, protected from dust and moisture; lock the castors if fitted and keep it out of reach of children.
• Avoid storing or operating next to flammable materials; allow the motor to cool before covering it.
• After use, lower the cutter head to protect the columns and reduce exposure of the knives.

Restrictions of use

• Suitable only for wood and compatible materials recommended by the manufacturer; do not machine metals, stone or other abrasive materials.
• Do not use workpieces containing foreign objects, with deep cracks, loose knots, or severely warped or wet timber.
• Do not exceed the machine’s maximum width, thickness or depth of cut.
• Do not feed multiple pieces at once unless expressly permitted by the manufacturer.
• Do not use the machine outdoors in the rain or in damp environments or where combustible dust is suspended.
• Do not operate it if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that reduces alertness.
• Do not leave the thicknesser running unattended or allow untrained persons access to the work area.
• Do not override, block or remove guards, covers or safety devices; do not open housings with the machine connected to the mains.
• Do not wear loose gloves or jewellery near moving parts.