safety instructions needed

devonwoody · 21 Jul 2008

I purchased a mini lathe the other week (axminster M330), turned a couple of pens and thought I would try my hand at turning some columns for a project I have got in mind. These columns , 40 needed (4 turned so far) are being cut from timber lengths of around 175mm long and 15mm thick.

My tool support is only 150mm in length and I get dangerously close to the 4 prong drive, so far no accidents but the other end the chisel has jumped or kicked off the end, luckily there is only the point to contend with, not a drive blade like the business end.

Quite frightening really.

So can anyone direct me to a good link re working lathes and safety in mind.

jpt · 21 Jul 2008

Best advice would be to get Keith Rowleys book Woodturning A Foundation Course there is also a video to go with the book

Secondly I dont like the rest that comes with these lathes so I use the Sorby modular system, it works very well.

john

Bodrighy · 21 Jul 2008

Hi

I tend to work from the end inwards at the chuck end.

If you do slip and hit the drive it is a bit of a shock but it will throw it downwards and apart from possibly chipping your tool it is not desperately dangerous. (DAMHIK

) Keith Rowleys book lists a unch of Rules that are worth looking at.

Just make sure that your rest is beyond the edge of the wood and don't try and cut off it

Pete

devonwoody · 21 Jul 2008

I've come across the Jet videos on "you tube" and they have given me more confidence.

Anonymous · 21 Jul 2008

Get the long toolrest from Axm...

meantime stay at least 1/2" (13mm) away from each end of your current toolrest until you very confident... exercise caution at ALL times.

Think table saw and stay within safety parameters... alternatively buy some plasters and iodine (pain memory helps reinforce memory :lol: )

TEP · 22 Jul 2008

Hi DW. If you are concerned about the tool slipping into the drive, cut your blanks longer so as you have no need to get close to the drive end. It just means measuring the length of your work while turning on the lathe. Of course this need only apply if the spindle finished dia. is very close to the drive size. If your spindle width is bigger than the drive it don't matter.