CHAPTER 195
Lathe Safety
I apologize for not giving proper credit for the following document.
If anyone can provide me with the name of the author, I will gladly attach it to the document.
If anyone can provide me with the name of the author, I will gladly attach it to the document.
Safe, effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of
procedures for using this tool. Read and thoroughly understand the label
warnings on the lathe and in the owner's/operator's manual. Safe,
effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of procedures
for using this tool. Read and thoroughly understand the label warnings on
the lathe and in the owner's/operator's manual. A
lathe cannot be made completely safe but the danger can be minimized by
practicing safe woodworking habits.
Like any other woodworking tool, a lathe is a potentially dangerous
machine. A block of wood that is carelessly secured can fly off and hit
you in the face with enough force to produce serious injury even death. It is
recommended that you always wear a full clear Polycarbonate Face Shield
when turning. Safety glasses and goggles might protect your eyes but not
your face.
Wood dust can be harmful to yur respiratory system. In dusty work
conditions such as when sanding, protect your lungs and breathing passages
by wearing an appropriate mask/respirator (a battery-powered air-purifying
respirator offers the best protection). Flimsy inexpensive surgical-type
masks will not protect you from very fine wood dust particles. Ensure proper
ventilation (i.e. dust collection system)
Always wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation.
Before you begin woodturning, remove ties, loose clothing and jewellery.
If your hair is long, tie it back. Long hair can wrap around the spinning
wood and pull your face into the lathe with frightening speed and force.
Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, jewelry or any dangling objects that
may catch in rotating parts or accessories.
Check the owner's/operator's manual for proper speed recommendations. Use
slower speeds for larger diameter or rough pieces. And increased speed for smaller diameters and pieces that are 'true' or cylindrical. If the lathe is shaking or vibrating, lower the speed. If the workpiece vibrates, always stop the machine to check the reason.
Make certain that the belt guard cover is in place. Check that all
clamping devices (locks) such as on the tailstock and toolrest, are tight.
Rotate your workpiece by hand to make sure it clears the toolrest and bed
before turning the lathe 'ON'. Be sure that the workpiece turns freely and
is firmly mounted. It is wise to stand to one side as you turn the lathe
on, just to be sure. Never adjust the toolrest with the lathe turned 'ON'< It
is recommended to use only defect-free stock, without cracks, splits.
checks or knots which could chip and fly out, causing serious injury. Exercise caution when using stock with cracks, splits, checks, bark, knots, irregular shapes or protuberances.
It
is recommended that you rough out your workpiece on a bandsaw or with a
chainsaw before mounting it on the lathe faceplate
Hold turning tools securely on the toolrest and hold the tool in a
controlled but comfortable manner. Always use a slower speed when starting
until the workpiece is balanced. This helps avoid the possibility of an
unbalanced piece jumping out of the lathe and striking the operator.
When running a lathe in reverse, it is possible for a chuck or faceplate
to unscrew unless it is securely tightened on the lathe spindle
When using a faceplate. be certain the workpiece is solidly mounted. When
turning between centres, be certain the workpiece is secure.
Always remove the toolrest before sanding or polishing operations.
Don't overreach, keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Keep lathe in good repair. Check for damaged parts, alignment, binding of
moving parts and other conditions that may affect its operation.
Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Don't force a
dull tool. Don't use a tool for a purpose for which it is not intended.
Keep tools out of reach of children.
Consider your work environment. Don't use lathe in damp or wet locations.
Do not use in presence of flammable liquids or gases. Keep work area well
lit.
Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Don't operate tool
when you are tired, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Guard against electric shock. Inspect electric cords for damage. Avoid the
use of extension cords.
Remove chuck keys and adjusting wrenches. Form a habit of checking for
these before switching on the lathe.
Know your capabilities and limits. An experienced woodturner may be
capable of techniques and procedures not recommended for beginning
turners.
Never leave the lathe running unattended. Turn power 'OFF". Don't leave
the lathe until it comes to a complete stop.