Lathe

1. Operate only with instructor's permission and after you have received instruction.

2. Remove jewelry before using the lathe. Because of the spinning parts, loose items may get caught and pulled.

3. Make sure you do not have any loose clothing that might get caught in the spinning parts of the lathe. Tuck in shirts, roll up sleeves, take of coats, jackets, hoodies, or other outer layers of cloths that are not needed.

4. Confine long hair that might get caught in the spinning parts of the lathe.

5. Use properly secured and adjusted guards at all times.

6. Always use proper eye protection and avoid distractions.

7. Make sure safety shield is properly positioned.

8. Check sharpness of tools and condition of handles before use.

9. Work must be properly centered and securely held between centers or mounted on a face plate.

10. Be sure that face plate screws are tight before turning on the lathe. Check frequently to be sure they do not become loose as you work.

11. The lathe should be at a dead stop when using calipers or for checking surface condition of the work piece.

12. It is unsafe to stand behind the lathe while it is in use.

13. Maintain a well balanced stance while using the lathe.

14. The lathe should be stared at the lowest possible speed and then adjusted to the correct speed for the work you are doing. This is the only adjustment to the machine that can be made with the power on.

15. When turning on power, you should be cautious not to stand in the line with the work piece.

16. Both hands should be used at all times to hold and control turning tools (like chisels or sandpaper).

17. The tool should be held firmly against the tool rest when turning.

18. All glue joints should be properly glued and dry before turning. Allow a minimum of 24 hours drying time in clamps when working with glued wood.

19. When turning between centers, the tailstock should be clamped and then the ram adjusted until the material is securely held, before the ram adjustment is locked.

20. Rotate the stock (wood) by hand at least one full turn before starting the lathe to check for clearance.

21. There should be at least 1/8" and no more than 1/4" clearance between the stock and the tools support/rest. Adjust the tool support/rest to the proper height for the tool being used.

22. The tool support/rest should be removed when sanding and/or finishing on the lathe.

23. When working with wood, use a small piece of folded cloth for polishing or applying finish.

24. When finished using the wood lathe: Turn off the power and wait for it to come to a complete stop. Remove the workpiece (wood). Return tools to their proper storage location. Clean up the work area with a vacuum or dustpan and brush.