What is an important precaution when using a circle cutter?

When using a circle cutter, it is crucial to keep fingers clear of cutting wheels to prevent serious injury. The cutting wheels operate under high rotational speeds and can easily cause accidents if hands or fingers come into contact with them during operation. Safety measures in any machining environment emphasize maintaining a safe distance from moving parts to protect the user from potential hazards.

Maintaining a safe operational procedure includes being aware of body positioning and ensuring that all parts of the body remain at a safe distance from the area where cutting takes place. This precaution is fundamental to operating any cutting equipment safely and successfully.

The other options suggest practices that could lead to unsafe situations. Operating without observing the machine's capacity could result in overloading it, leading to equipment failures or accidents. Engaging with heavy gauge steels at all times may not be practical or safe for all users or all circle cutting tasks. Lastly, while frequently changing cutting wheels can be a good practice in some contexts, it is not as critically tied to user safety as maintaining a clear distance from cutting wheels during operation.