broken bands ejecting from saw

[dboyt]

I've broken a few blades on the Norwood MX34, always due to blade fatigue, and it happens fast.  I've never had one come out of the chute, but the plastic wouldn't slow it down, so the 50' precaution is a good idea.  Also, there is the distraction factor.  You can pay more attention to the job if you aren't worried about people standing in potentially dangerous places.  Teach the people working with you or watching you how to stay out of the way!  All my bruises, dislocations & lost fingernails have been from handling the logs.  Oh yes, when you replace the blade, someone will invariably step in to help.  Don't let them!

[Ianab]

As well as the basic speed the blade is travelling at, I'm also guessing it's possible it could get caught, bent into a tension situation, and then break into smaller (and faster) fragments from the tension it was momentarily put under? Means all sorts of weird pieces of shrapnel could start bouncing around.

There is a good reason to have those guards, and keep a safe distance. Not because it happens often, but the consequences of being hit are serious. 99% of the time the broken band is well behaved. 99% of the remaining time the guards will contain the shrapnel. But it's still more likely to happen than say winning the lottery. You improve your odds even further by not standing there...  :D

Ian

[trapper]

I make everyone stay to the front of the mill when I am sawing.  Once had to shut down the mill to get a maintainance mechanic from work who I was sawing for stay in a safe area.  With all the safety training we had he should have known better.

[GDinMaine]

The previous owner of my mill cautioned me about not letting anyone stand near the sawdust chute.  In about 20 years of sawing he had two broken, but complete blades come out the chute.  I take his word for it and keep people well away from there, while the blade is turning.

[muskoka guy]

Thanks for the input. Just makes sense to stay away from potential danger. Happy milling.

[schakey]

Spent 27 years in a machine shop,saw a lot of things happen that wasn't suppose to on both manual and cnc machines.
Don't be gun shy but always be alert and most of all be safe and have fun sawing.