Additional metal lathe safety – Southbend Gearhead w/ Dro SB10146PF User Manual

Page 21

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For Machines Mfg. Since 3/11

Turn-Nado

®

Gearhead Lathes

-19-

S A F E T Y

Additional Metal Lathe Safety

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.

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.

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.

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 the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Use lifting devices when necessary.

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