Wood turning lathes can be dangerous equipment if not used appropriately. Here are some safety tips to consider when using these woodworking machines.
- Always read the manual provided by the manufacturer carefully.
- Make sure you understand the directions prior to using any machine or tool. Only trained and experienced lathe operators must be permitted to operate lathes.
- Make sure you familiarize yourself with the limitations and applications before use.
What Are The Safety Procedures That One Should Follow When Operating Wood Turning Lathes?
- Always wear eye protection: safety goggles, safety glass that has side shields, or face shields with goggles and glasses to protect your face and eyes from flying chips.
- Always wear hearing protection which is applicable to the frequency and noise levels you are exposed to when working with wood.
- Be sure to wear respiratory protection from dust during sanding activities.
- Always wear the proper protective footwear.
- Always work in an area which is well lit.
- Before the wood lathe is switched on, ensure the fittings and clamps are secure and the work piece is free from obstruction to turn.
- Use stock that has no defects like splits, loose knots, cracks or strange objects.
- Hold the tools firmly with both hands and against your tool rest.
- Only make use of approved or furnished equipment which is designed for lathe work.
- Make sure chisels and gouges are well-maintained and sharp.
- Choose a speed which is proper for the job and operate at a speed that is recommended by the manufacturer. Low speeds must be used for a moderate cut depth to avoid any splinters from flying out during roughing activities. The speed of the lathe will be determined by the diameter of stock, type of wood and the nature of the work performed as well as the kind of tool utilized.
- Fine-tune tool rests for them to be parallel and as near as possible to the stock. They must be at a high enough setting for the tools to be cutting into the wood just above the centre of the woodwork that is turned.
- Always remove the tool rest when you’re polishing or sanding.
- Use proper tools for holding sandpaper or emery paper when possible.
- To make the faceplate rotating, the one hand must steady the tip of the chisel which is holding the edge against the tool rest at the same time when the other hand is guiding the tool. Keep the tip of your chisel higher than the handle.
- The power must be turned off and the machine locked out in the event of changes or adjustments being made to the set up.
What Should Be Avoided When Work Is Done With Wood Turning Lathes?
- Never wear loose clothing, gloves, rings or jewellery around the neck that could hang on the outside of clothing. Your clothes must be comfortable but not too loose since it can get caught in rotating parts of the machine or the wood being turned. Keep long hair tied back and shirts tucked in.
- Never leave wood lathes running unattended. Only leave once you’ve switched the machine off and it came to a complete halt.
- Never utilize makeshift tools.
- Never use wood stock with splits, checks, knots or cracks.
Conclusion
We hope that these tips are helpful. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them and always follow these safety precautions when operating wood lathes.
