Metalworking Machines - Milling Machines

Milling machines can be dangerous if not used properly.

• Read the owner's manual carefully.
• Make sure you understand instructions and are properly trained before operating a milling machine.

Refer to Metalworking Machines - General for general safety tips.

• Wear appropriate CSA-certified safety glasses. Wear other personal protective equipment as necessary (such as footwear or hearing protection).
• Check the machine for damage before each use.
• Make sure all machines have a start/stop button within easy reach of the operator.
• Make sure that all machines have an emergency stop button (e-stop).
• Make sure that the work piece and cutter are mounted securely before taking a cut.
• Check that work is mounted squarely.
• Mount work in a vise or fixture that is bolted or held magnetically to the table. Use hand tools to make adjustments. Refer to Hand Tools for more information.
• Hold milling cutters with a cloth or wear gloves to avoid being cut when handling them.
• Move the table as far as possible from the cutter while setting up work to avoid injuring your hands.
• Mill the largest surface first.
• Keep hands, brushes and rags away from the revolving milling cutter.
• Use the machine's brake to stop the spindle after the power has been turned off. 
• Use a vacuum, brush or rake to remove cuttings only after the cutters have stopped moving.
• Use the correct cutting fluids, and change cutting coolants or compounds as specified by the manufacturer.
• Keep cutters sharpened correctly and in good condition.
• Keep the working surface clear of scraps, tools and materials.
• Remove cutting tools from the spindle when cleaning the machine.
• Keep the floor around the milling machine free of oil and grease.
• Use lifting equipment when appropriate to move heavy work to or from milling machines. Refer to Materials Handling for more information.
• Make sure the power is off before changing the cutters.
• Always stay at the machine when it is in operation.
• Use lifting devices when moving heavy pieces. 

Before starting, make sure that:

• all guards are in place 
• work is properly secured in place.
• bolts used to hold down work clear the tooling.
• tooling and supporting pieces are properly tightened in position.
• table stops are secured properly.
• handles on all feed screws are in neutral.
• the table is free of stock, tools or other loose material.
• the arbor and arbor support are clear of the work.
• the cutter is rotating in the right direction.

Make sure that the following factors are considered when setting the cutting speed:

• material to be machined
• type of cutter
• finish required
• depth of cut
• rigidity of the machine and work piece

• Do not wear gloves, rings, watches or loose clothing. Tie back and confine long hair.
• Do not attempt to mount, measure or adjust work until the cutter is completely stopped.
• Do not use an excessively heavy cut or feed as it can cause the cutter to break. The flying pieces could cause serious injury.
• Do not reach over or near a revolving cutter. Keep hands at least 30 cm (12 in.) from a revolving cutter.
• Do not lean or rest your hands on a moving table.
• Do not make any adjustments while the machine is running.
• Do not use paper shims to check the distance from the cutter to the stock.
• Do not move the operating levers without knowing what they control and what action is going to take place.
• Do not leave the machine unattended while it is running.