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For Machines Mfg. Since 7/09 EVS Toolroom Lathes
-7-
SAFETY
Additional Metal Lathe Safety
7. Speed Rates. Operating the lathe at the
wrong speed can cause nearby parts to break
or the workpiece to come loose, which will
result in dangerous projectiles that could
cause severe impact injury. Large workpieces
must be turned at slow speeds. Always use
the appropriate feed and speed rates.
8. Stopping Spindle by Hand. Stopping the spin-
dle by putting your hand on the workpiece or
chuck creates an extreme risk of entangle-
ment, impact, crushing, friction, or cutting
hazards. Never attempt to slow or stop the
lathe spindle with your hand. Allow the
spindle to come to a stop on its own or use the
brake (if equipped).
9. Crashes. Driving the cutting tool or other
lathe components into the chuck may cause
an explosion of metal fragments, which can
result in severe impact injuries and major
damage to the lathe. Reduce this risk by
releasing automatic feeds after use, not leav-
ing lathe unattended, and checking clear-
ances before starting the lathe. Make sure no
part of the tool, tool holder, compound slide,
cross slide, or carriage will contact the chuck
during operation.
10. Long Stock Safety. Long stock can whip vio-
lently if not properly supported, causing seri-
ous impact injury and damage to the lathe.
Reduce this risk by supporting any stock that
extends from the chuck/headstock more than
three times its own diameter. Always turn
long stock at slow speeds.
11. Coolant Safety. Contaminated cutting fluid
is a very poisonous biohazard that can cause
personal injury from skin contact alone.
Incorrectly positioned cutting fluid nozzles
can splash on the operator or the floor,
resulting in an exposure or slipping hazard.
To decrease your risk, change cutting fluid
regularly and position the cutting fluid nozzle
where it will not splash or end up on the
floor.
1. Clearing Chips. Metal chips can easily cut
bare skin—even through a piece of cloth.
Avoid clearing chips by hand or with a rag.
Use a brush or vacuum to clear metal chips.
2. Chuck Key Safety. A chuck key left in the
chuck can become a deadly projectile when
the spindle is started. Always remove the
chuck key after using it. Develop a habit of
not taking your hand off of a chuck key unless
it is away from the machine.
3. Tool Selection. Cutting with an incorrect
or dull tool increases the risk of accidental
injury because extra force is required for the
operation, which increases risk of breaking
or dislodging components, which can cause
small shards of metal to become dangerous
projectiles. Always select the right cutter for
the job and make sure it is sharp. A correct,
sharp tool decreases strain and provides a
better finish.
4. Securing Workpiece. An improperly secured
workpiece can fly off of the lathe spindle with
deadly force, which can result in a severe
impact injury. Make sure the workpiece is
properly secured in the chuck or faceplate
before starting the lathe.
5. Large Chucks. Large chucks are very heavy
and difficult to grasp, which can lead to
crushed fingers or hands if mishandled. Get
assistance when installing or removing large
chucks to reduce this risk. Protect your hands
and the precision-ground ways by using a
chuck cradle or piece of plywood over the
ways of the lathe when servicing chucks.
6. Safe Clearances. Workpieces that crash into
other components on the lathe may throw
dangerous projectiles in all directions, lead-
ing to impact injury and damaged equipment.
Before starting the spindle, make sure the
workpiece has adequate clearance by hand-
rotating it through its entire range of motion.
Also, check the tool and tool post clearance,
chuck clearance, and saddle clearance.