Name: Colin Hansen Date: 1st May 2010

Machine:PORTABLE BISCUIT CUTTER

Suitable materials and processes:

A biscuit cutter or sometimes plate joiner is used to join two pieces of wood together. A biscuit joiner uses a small 100mm (4") diameter tungsten carbide tipped circular saw blade to cut a crescent shaped hole (called the mouth) in the opposite edges of two pieces of wood or wood composite panels. An oval-shaped, highly-dried and compressed wooden biscuit (usually beech) is covered with glue, or glue is applied in the slot. The biscuit is immediately placed in the slot, and the two boards are clamped together. The wet glue expands the biscuit, further improving a bond that is often stronger than the wood itself.

BS4163 Main points:- Students may only use Biscuit Cutters when they have been assessed and under direct supervision of trained staff. A record of training should be kept

Hazards- Electric Shock- - Leads and hoses which could be tripped over- Long hair, loose clothing, etc. which can be come entangled in rotating parts- Dust, which can be inhaled- Ejected particles- Jamming or kick back of the biscuit cutter which.Risk Control MeasuresCare should be taken to ensure trailing leads do not become entangled with the operatorLong hair and loose clothing should be tied backA damaged cutter should not be usedUsers should not touch the rotating parts of the toolThe peripheral speed of the saw blade should match the speed of the machine.Instruction should be given to ensure that users do not touch the rotating parts of the biscuit cutter.The machine should have the correct guard fitted.The machine should not be used if the user could be distracted.

CLEAPSS Main Points:HAZARDS Flying material - Off-cuts, chuck keys or broken bits can be ejected violently. If machines are used with accessories or adaptors, the accessory can become detached from the machine causing parts to fly off.User injury - Human contact with rotating parts and swarf can cause cuts or abrasions. Wrist sprains can result from a jamming drill bit.Tripping - Power leads or air pipes present a tripping hazard and may be damaged, presenting electrical or compressed-air hazards.Entanglement - Long hair, dangling jewellery or

Common Problems:Human contact with moving or rotating parts can cause cuts or abrasions and particles from the sawing process can enter the eye. Long hair, dangling jewellery or loose clothing can become entangled with moving parts, dragging the user onto them.