S A F E T Y | For Machines Mfg. Since 3/11 |
Additional Chuck Safety
Entanglement. Entanglement with a rotating chuck can lead to death, amputation, broken bones, or other serious injury. Never attempt to slow or stop the lathe chuck by hand, and always roll up long sleeves, tie back long hair, and remove any jewelry or loose apparel BEFORE operating.
Chuck Speed Rating. Excessive spindle speeds greatly increase the risk of the workpiece or chuck being thrown from the machine with deadly force. Never use spindle speeds faster than the chuck RPM rating or the safe limits of your workpiece.
Using Correct Equipment. Many workpieces can only be safely turned in a lathe if additional support equipment, such as a tailstock or steady rest, is used. If the operation is too hazardous to be completed with the lathe or existing equipment, the operator must have enough experience to know when to use a different machine or find a safer way.
Trained Operators Only. Using a chuck incorrectly can result in workpieces coming loose at high speeds and striking the operator or bystanders with deadly force. To reduce the risk of this hazard, read and understand this document and seek additional training from an experienced chuck user before using a chuck.
Chuck Capacity. Avoid exceeding the capacity of the chuck by clamping an oversized workpiece. If the workpiece is too large to safely clamp with the chuck, use a faceplate or a larger chuck if possible. Otherwise, the workpiece could be thrown from the lathe during operation, resulting in serious impact injury or death.
Clamping Force. Inadequate clamping force can lead to the workpiece being thrown from the chuck and striking the operator or bystanders. Maximum clamping force is achieved when the chuck is properly maintained and lubricated, all jaws are fully engaged with the workpiece, and the maximum chuck clamping diameter is not exceeded.
Proper Maintenance. All chucks must be properly maintained and lubricated to achieve maximum clamping force and withstand the rigors of centrifugal force. To reduce the risk of a thrown workpiece, follow all maintenance intervals and instructions in this document.
Disconnect Power. Serious entanglement or impact injuries could occur if the lathe is started while you are adjusting, servicing, or installing the chuck. Always disconnect the lathe from power before performing these procedures.
