What is a safe procedure for conducting a milling operation?

In a milling operation, ensuring safety is paramount, and one of the key procedures is adjusting the workpiece only when the cutter is stopped. This approach minimizes the risk of injury, as the cutting tool is extremely sharp and can cause serious harm if someone were to inadvertently contact it while it is in motion.

When the cutter is not running, operators can safely make any adjustments needed to the workpiece without the added danger of the moving cutter. This practice is standard in machining environments to ensure that operators can maintain control over the workpiece and the machinery, and it promotes a safer work environment.

Checking the settings before engaging the machine is also important for operational accuracy and efficiency, but it does not address the immediate physical safety concerns associated with a moving tool. Adjusting the work while the cutter is running or using hands to adjust the workpiece poses unnecessary risks, reinforcing the importance of always ensuring that the machine is in a safe state before making any adjustments.