This Spindle Moulder & Router Table Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to operate a manual, hand-fed spindle moulder or router table safely for shaping, moulding, rebating and profiling timber and board. It covers selecting and fitting cutters and bits, setting guards, fences and guide rings, using push sticks and jigs, preventing kickback and isolating the machine before adjustments or clearing jams. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Joinery and cabinet making workshops
Furniture makers
Shopfitting workshops
Window and door manufacturers
Timber and woodworking training workshops
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Cuts and amputation from the rotating cutter block, knives or bit
Kickback from grain, knots or the wrong feed direction
Entanglement of hair, clothing, jewellery or gloves
Offcuts or material ejected from the cutter
Cutter or bit failure from poor fitting or worn tooling
Wood dust, a hazardous substance and known carcinogen
Noise-induced hearing loss
Slips and trips from shavings and offcuts
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and cutter condition to guards, fence settings, push sticks, emergency stop and dust extraction
A 9-step operating procedure covering cutter selection and fitting, guard setup, jigs, timber selection, body position and feed rate
Isolation and energy control for the motor and run-down of the cutter before changing cutters, adjusting guards or clearing jams
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for kickback, cutter or knife failure, timber jams and injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover CNC routers or handheld routers?
No. CNC routing, automated feed systems and handheld power routers are covered by separate procedures. This SOP is for manual, hand-fed spindle moulders and router tables.
Does it cover changing cutters and bits?
Yes. It covers selecting the right cutter or bit, checking it's rated for the spindle speed, fitting it securely and checking the rotation direction, with the machine isolated first.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
