Keep the machine always in adjustment. See that the brake band is adjusted so that when the starting lever is thrown in to start, the friction is entirely released and there is no drag on machine.
Do not allow the knife to sink any deeper into the cutting stick than to sever the last sheet of the pile.
Never use more pressure on the clamp than is necessary to hold the pile without drawing or slipping; any additional pressure is only an added strain on the machine.
Jog your stock before putting it in the machine and do not use the back gage for that purpose. Continual hard jogging with heavy lifts of stock against first one end of gage and then the other will quickly knock it out of square or loosen it.
A little talcum powder, French chalk, or powdered boracic acid dusted on the table makes the stock handle easier.
A slip-sheet of paper or thin pulp board placed on top or on the bottom of the pile, and cut up with it, protects delicate surfaces from finger marks or soiling. Keep your hands and apron clean. Keep the machine clean in every part.
Use only wrenches furnished with the machine, because they fit the bolt heads properly and because they are the correct lengths to put on the proper tension.
Do not use a monkey wrench, because, unless the jaws are carefully adjusted, it will destroy the bolt heads and if used on small bolts, on account of its length and power, is apt to strip the threads or break the bolt or part.
Occasionally go over every part of machine and see that all taper pins, bolts, nuts, etc., are snug in place.
A locked cupboard or box at the cutting machine is useful to keep the full set of wrenches provided, clean waste, colored crayons, a good magnifying glass, powdered pumice stone, French chalk, talcum powder, boracic acid, special cutting pads, and boards for making them, size strips, dimension records, etc. The oil can should stand always filled and ready on its bracket.
If a belt is put on too tight, it may pull so hard on the bearings as to heat and cause them to cut. It is easier not to put the belt on too tight at first and to relace it several times while it is stretching, than it is to repair a rough bearing.
Keep clean waste in a box. Destroy dirty, oily waste instantly after use, or place it carefully inside a fireproof oily waste can if provided. Do not put dirty, oily waste away or leave it around. It is most dangerous and many plants have been burned by its spontaneous combustion.