Safety is your responsibility!

 

We want everybody, every time to come upstairs, or from the garage or shop unhurt and feeling great. Accidents happen in an instant, so full attention is needed anytime you are in the shop. Here is a quick read with reminders. Credit AAW. AAW Safety PDF

 

Woodturning safety is YOUR responsibility Safe, effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of procedures for using this tool. Read, thoroughly understand, and follow the label warnings on the lathe and in the owner-operator’s manual. Safety guidelines from an experienced instructor, video, or book are good sources of important safety procedures. Please work safely.

ENVIRONMENT

• Don’t use a lathe in damp or wet locations or in the presence of flammable liquids, vapors, or gases. Always keep a fully-charged fire extinguisher close at hand.

• Guard against electric shock. Inspect electric cords for damage. Avoid using extension cords.

• Frequently remove shavings from the floor while turning. Eliminate all slipping or tripping hazards from the floor around the lathe and work area.

• Keep your work area well-lit and well ventilated. Use anti-fatigue floor matting at the lathe workstation.

• Use a powered dust-extraction system to remove wood dust and other airsuspended particles while sanding or generating any form of dust.

• Do not be distracted. Keep pets out of the shop. Ask family members to enter the shop carefully if the lathe is running, so you aren’t startled, and to wait until you turn off the lathe before trying to get your attention.

EQUIPMENT

• Keep lathe in good repair. Check for damaged parts, misalignment, binding of moving parts, and other conditions that may negatively affect its operation.

• Ensure that all guards, belt covers, and other safety features are in place.

• Keep the lathe bed, toolrest holder (banjo), and tailstock mating surfaces clean and operating smoothly. Remove rust or debris that would cause binding.

• Keep turning tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Inspect frequently for cracks or defects. Don’t force a dull tool. Never use a tool for a purpose for which it was not designed or intended.

• Using a full face shield is recommended for all woodturning operations, but especially for bowl, vessel, or any medium to large turned pieces involving chucks and faceplates. At a minimum, use safety goggles or safety glasses that have side protectors when turning small items.

• Fine particles from a grinder and wood dust are harmful to your respiratory system. Use a dust mask, filtering respirator, or a powered air filtration respirator (PAFR), in conjunction with a dust-collection system and proper ventilation. Be especially mindful of dust from many exotic woods, spalted woods, or any wood that might give you a skin or respiratory reaction.

• Wear hearing protection during extended periods of turning, grinding, or power carving.

BLANKS & TURNING MATERIALS

Turning stock should be physically sound and carefully inspected for cracks, splits, checking, ring shake, and other defects that compromise the integrity of the wood. Always be aware that defects may be present but undetectable through visual inspection. • Exercise extra caution when using stock with any known defects, bark inclusions, knots, irregular shapes, or protuberances. Beginners should avoid these types of stock until they have greater knowledge of working such wood.

• Frequently stop the lathe and inspect the blank to determine if defects are being developed or exposed as material is removed. Discard blanks that have significant defects. Adding adhesives to attempt to “fix” defects in the blank is not advised. Do not rely on glue to keep a defective blank together.

TECHNIQUE

• Tie back long hair, bangs, and beards. Do not wear gloves. Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or any dangling objects that may catch on rotating parts or accessories.

• When using a faceplate, be certain the workpiece is solidly mounted with stout screws (#10 or #12 sheet metal screws as a minimum). Do not use drywall or deck screws. When turning between centers, be certain the workpiece is mounted firmly between the headstock drive center and tailstock center.