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.