When using a bandsaw, what safety measure should you always follow?

The appropriate safety measure when using a bandsaw is to keep hands at least 6 inches away from the blade. This practice significantly reduces the risk of accidental contact with the blade, which can lead to serious injuries. By maintaining this distance, operators have a greater margin of safety, allowing for better control and visibility while making cuts.

Using gloves may seem advantageous for grip, but in a bandsaw operation, gloves can become snagged in the moving parts, which is dangerous. Additionally, while it's beneficial for beginners to use the machine under supervision, it's not the core safety measure that applies universally. The precise distance of six inches is a well-established guideline in woodworking and metalworking safety protocols that emphasizes caution and accident prevention, ensuring that operators maintain not only a safe operating environment but also develop good habits that can protect them in various working situations.