Lathe Safety and Operation

Rules and guidelines listed on this page are only reminders. Persons must read lab safety manual, machine manual, and be trained by WRL Manager.

Lathe operation must be approved by supervisor for every use. Turning work is very dangerous when done by inexperienced persons. Extensive training and experience is required to operate lathe without direct and constant supervision.

Safety Icons 3

Safety Rules

  • Safety glasses are required. Face shield is recommended. Respirator may be required.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing or gloves, keep long hair tied back. Roll up long sleeves. These items will get caught in bit or spindle.
  • Never adjust lathe or setup while lathe is running. This includes tool rest.
  • Always follow 4 inch rule. Keep hands away from stock while lathe is on.
  • Stop lathe when using calipers or any type of gauge.
  • Tools must be kept sharp for use. Don’t use dull tools, report them to the supervisor.
  • Remove tool rest when sanding or polishing.
  • Sanding and polishing is done on the bottom side of the piece only.
  • Setups requiring anything other than the standard lathe equipment must be approved by supervisor. 
  • If machine is malfunctioning stop immediately and report to supervisor.
  • Faceplate turning requires experience and training and is therefore not mentioned on this page. However it is permitted only after continuous demonstration of understanding and experience, and proper training.

 

Operation

  •  Put on your safety glasses or face shield.
  • Make sure stock is free from checks, loose knots, other defects, or any kind of metal.
  • Lathes have variable speeds. Consult your supervisor for the appropriate speed for a cut.
  • Find center of stock on both ends and place them into the centers.
  • Clamp dead center to the bed and tighten into stock.
  • Adjust tool rest into work piece while giving it some room between it and the piece.
  • Make sure piece is firmly held in both centers and all clamps are tight.
  • Turn piece by hand to check for clearance.
  • Select tool for the job at hand. If you don’t know the difference between tool types consult your supervisor.
  • Turn lathe on while standing completely to the left side.
  • Hold tool firmly with BOTH hands.
  • Make sure tool is flat and firmly against rest before bringing it into the stock.
  • Adjust tool rest frequently and only when lathe is off.
  • Stop lathe before removing any work or debris.
  • Tear down all setups made. Setups may be left with approval of supervisor.
  • Clean off all shavings on and around lathe. Do not remove metal shavings with vacuum, dust collection, or hands.