Wood Lathe Safety

Summary of Safe Operating Procedures for the Wood Lathe (printable version)
 Safety glasses and a face shield should be worn when turning
 Remove loose fitting clothing, jewelry, and tie back long hair and dangling objects that may catch in rotating parts.
 Select stock that is free of knots or splits that could fly apart.
 Confirm the stock is secure before starting.
 When using a chuck, never leave the key in the chuck.
 Use a tailstock with a live center whenever possible. Always snug it against the work and lock it in place.
 When using a chuck or faceplate, never run the lathe in reverse unless the chuck or faceplate is securely attached with a set screw to prevent it being screwed off by the lathes motion.
 When cutting stock for pen turning with a handsaw, firmly clamp the workpiece to a bench or in a vice, do not hold it in your hand.
 When drilling stock for pen turning with a drill press, it should be held firmly in a vice or clamp.
 Position the tool rest at the height appropriate for the tool being used and as close to the workpiece as practical.
 Rotate the stock by hand to be sure that it clears the tool rest and confirm that the workpiece is secure.
 Adjust the lathe to its lowest speed for the initial start-up to avoid the possibility of an unbalanced piece jumping out of the lathe and striking the operator.
 When possible, avoid the area directly behind and in front of the workpiece where a piece would travel if it came off the lathe, especially on the initial start-up.
 Use slower speeds for larger diameters or rough pieces and higher speeds for smaller diameters and pieces that are balanced.
 If the lathe is shaking or vibrating, lower the speed. If the workpiece vibrates, always stop the machine to determine why.
 Stop the lathe frequently and readjust the tool rest as the workpiece diameter decreases.
 Never adjust the position of the tool rest while the lathe is running.
 Always maintain a balanced position with your feet comfortably spaced; don’t reach.
 Always contact the tool rest with the tool before contacting the wood.
 Hold turning chisels firmly and securely on the tool rest at all times.
 Keep the woodturning tools sharp. A dull chisel requires that you apply excessive feed pressure.
 Make contact with the work cautiously, and then slowly progress to a more aggressive cut.
 Never use your fingers to check the work for roundness while the lathe is running, especially during roughing operations. Stop the lathe to check the progress.
 Clean up wood shavings and sawdust often to prevent a slipping hazard.
 Remove the tool rest before sanding or polishing on the lathe.
 Move the dust hood close to the workpiece and turn on the dust collector by opening the blast gate when sanding.
 Dust masks are also recommended for sanding, especially for exotic woods, spalted woods, or any wood from which you notice a skin or respiratory reaction.
 Spinning stock will cause the sandpaper to heat up from the friction so sand on a low speed, on the back side of the stock.
 Use only paper towels for applying finishes. Never use rags as they can catch and twist your fingers around the turning stock.
 Never leave the lathe running unattended.
 When finished turning, always remove the spur center and live/dead center and store them in the rack provided.