Additional Safety for Wood Lathes

SAFETY

1.KEEPING GUARDS IN PLACE. Make sure all guards are in place and that the lathe sits on a flat, stable surface.

2.EYE/FACE PROTECTION. Always wear eye protection or a face shield when operating the lathe.

3.RESPIRATORY PROTECTION. Always wear a respirator when using this machine. Wood dust may cause allergies or long-term respiratory health problems.

4.MOUNTING WORKPIECE. Before starting, be certain the workpiece has been properly imbedded on the headstock and tailstock centers and that there is adequate clearance for the full rotation.

5.WORKPIECE CONDITION. Always inspect the condition of your workpiece. DO NOT turn pieces with knots, splits, and other potentially dangerous conditions. Make sure joints of glued-up pieces have high quality bonds and won't fly apart during operation.

6.ADJUSTING TOOL REST. Adjust tool rest to provide proper support for the turning tool you will be using. Test tool rest clearance by rotating workpiece by hand before turning lathe ON.

7.TURNING SPEED. Select the correct turning speed for your work, and allow the lathe to gain full speed before using.

8.USING SHARP CHISELS. Keep lathe chisels properly sharpened and held firmly in position when turn- ing.

9.OPERATING DAMAGED LATHE. Never operate the lathe with damaged or worn parts.

10.ADJUSTMENTS/MAINTENANCE. Make sure your wood lathe is turned OFF, disconnected from its power source, and all moving parts have come to a complete stop before starting any inspection, adjustment, or maintenance procedure.

11.STOPPING LATHE. DO NOT stop the lathe by using your hand against the workpiece. Allow the lathe to stop on its own.

12.AVOIDING ENTANGLEMENT. Keep long hair and loose clothing articles such as sleeves, belts, and jewelry items away from the lathe spindle.

13.FACEPLATE TURNING. When face plate turning, use lathe chisels on the downward spinning side of the workpiece only.

14.SANDING/POLISHING. Remove the tool rest when performing sanding or polishing operations on the rotating spindle.

15.MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE. Removing too much material at once may cause workpiece to fly out of the lathe.

16.REDUCING WORKPIECE VIBRATION. If the workpiece vibrates, immediately turn the lathe OFF. Check to make sure the workpiece is centered and balanced. Trim excess waste off corners with a bandsaw or table saw to reduce vibration. Make sure workpiece is securely attached in setup.

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