WOOD LATHE
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A wood turning lathe can be dangerous if not used properly.
Anytime that you are unsure of how to proceed, ASK!
Safety procedures to follow when using the wood lathe:
- Protect yourself from flying
chips by wearing safety goggles or glasses that include side
protectors or a full face shield.
- Do not wear gloves, loose
clothing, rings or other jewelry or a neck tie around the neck that
can hang outside of your clothing.
- Clothing should be comfortable
but not so loose as to catch or get entangled on any of the rotating
parts of the wood lathe. Shirts must be tucked in and long hair tied
back.
- Do not leave the wood lathe unattended
and on. Leave only after the lathe has been turned off and has come
to a complete stop.
- Do not use makeshift tools
not intended for wood turning
- Wear hearing protection
that is suitable for the level and frequency of noise that you are exposed
to in the wood turning area.
- Wear a dust mask particularly
when sanding.
- Ensure that lighting is
suitable for your operation.
- Prior to turning on the wood
lathe, make sure that all clamps and fittings and tool rests are
secure and that the work piece can turn freely.
- Rotate your workpiece by hand
to make sure it clears the toolrest and bed before turning the lathe
on.
- Always turn off the lathe
to adjust the toolrest.
- Use wood stock that is free of
defects and allow sufficient time for laminated stock to cure before
using it.
- Ideally one should not use wood
that has splits, checks, cracks or loose knots. Exercise caution with
stock that has bark, knots or has an irregular shape or proturbances.
While turners seek out wood stock that retains its bark, knots and other
‘defects’ which produce attractive and sometimes artistic
turnings, bark, knots and irregular shape or proturbances checks and
cracks require greater than usual caution.
- Know your capabilities
and limitations. An experienced turner may be capable of techniques
not recommended for the beginner.
- Hold tool(s) firmly and with
both hands and on the tool rest.
- Fasten or hold the stock securely
on the faceplate or between centres.
- Use sharp well-maintained chisels
and gouges. Do not use dull tools.
- Select a speed that is appropriate
for the job. Remember that the bigger the piece, the slower the
speed. Turn at low speed until the stock is round and use a moderate
depth of cut so as to prevent splinters and chips from flying out during
the roughing operation. Speed will be determined by the length of the
stock and the diameter of the stock being turned and the nature of the
work to be done and the type of tool used.
- Lathe speed should be established
at a point where vibration is eliminated.
- Adjust the tool rest so
that it is parallel and as close as possible to the stock.
Adjust the tool rest so that tools will cut into wood slightly above
the centre of the stock being turned. The tool being used occasionally
requires that the tool rest be higher than the center point and farther
away from the work piece eg. for a gouge or a skew .
- Remove tool rest when sanding
or polishing. Different circumstances such as size and shape
of turning require different methods of sanding. Use the appropriate
sanding technique to the size and shape.
- Ensure that people do not lean
or otherwise interfere with the safe operation of the lathe.
- When using a chuck always ensure
that the tommy bars are removed before turning on the lathe.
- Keep the floor free and clear
of clutter, obstructions and shavings.
- Do not use the lathe when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Safety of yourself and those around you is your responsibility when you are turning.
At the Club:
Failure to observe these safety precautions will result in you being refused access to the lathe.
No outboard turning is permitted. Prior approval of the President of the West Island Wood turners must be secured before ANY outboard turning.
Safety of yourself and those around you is your responsibility when you are turning.
