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For Machines Mfg. Since 3/11 16-Speed Gearhead Lathe
-15-
SAFETY
Additional Metal Lathe Safety
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 injuries. Large or non-concentric
workpieces must be turned at slow speeds.
Always use the appropriate feed and speed
rates.
Stopping Spindle by Hand. Stopping the spindle
by putting your hand on the workpiece
or chuck creates an extreme risk of
entanglement, 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.
Crashes. Aggressively 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 leaving lathe unattended, and checking
clearances before starting the lathe.
Make sure no part of the tool, tool holder,
compound rest, cross slide, or carriage will
contact the chuck during operation.
Long Stock Safety. Long stock can whip violently
if not properly supported, causing serious
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.
Coolant Safety. Coolant is a very poisonous
biohazard that can cause personal injury
from skin contact alone. Incorrectly
positioned coolant nozzles can splash on
the operator or the floor, resulting in an
exposure or slipping hazard. To decrease
your risk, change coolant regularly and
position the nozzle where it will not splash
or end up on the floor.
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.
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.
Tool Selection. Cutting with an incorrect or
dull tool increases the risk of accidental
injury due to the extra force required for the
operation, which increases risk of breaking
or dislodging components that 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.
Securing Workpiece. An improperly secured
workpiece can fly off 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.
Chucks. Chucks are very heavy and difficult to
grasp, which can lead to crushed fingers or
hands if mishandled. Get assistance when
handling 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.
Safe Clearances. Workpieces that crash into
other components on the lathe may throw
dangerous projectiles in all directions,
leading 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.