Machine Tools at Events
Small, bench-top machinery, with appropriate guards, is permitted in team pits. ‘Small’ machinery is machinery that can be easily lifted by one person.
Examples: Small band saws, drill presses, desktop CNC mills, and sanders.
When using tools in the pit, be sure to use them properly, in a safe and controlled manner. Unsafe operation, especially those that endanger others and your team, will be subject to scrutiny by the event staff and safety reviewers. Their findings may result in team warnings or event expulsion.
Please adhere to the following safety rules regarding pit safety and tool use:
E50. Tools that throw sparks are prohibited.
Examples: Electric welders, bench grinders and angle grinders.
E51. Tools that produce open flames are prohibited.
Examples: Gas welders and propane/MAPP gas torches.
E52. Floor standing power tools are prohibited.
Examples: Full-size drill presses, full-size band saws and full-size table saws.
E53. Grinding or painting in the pit is prohibited.
Designated grinding and painting areas are available to teams.
E54. Brazing/welding is prohibited at the team pits.
E55. Soldering may be done using an electric iron/gun only.
Drill press, no problem - I’ve seen a bunch of them in pits before. Same with bandsaws. A miter saw though… those can be pretty dangerous. I’ve seen people that have gotten stitches when one threw a piece they were cutting, and it’s not always easy to properly clamp pieces with it. There’s one in our shop (courtesy of the engineering teacher at the school, who uses it to cut wood 2x4’s for class), and the only thing we let students cut with it are pool noodles - cutting them at a 45 degree angle makes the corners look so much nicer. Even mentors won’t go near it with aluminum - that’s why we own 3 bandsaws.