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Metal Lathe Safety
Bloominglabs Incorporated Metal Lathe Safety Poster version 2.0
You need to treat this tool with respect. It has a wide-open area with horizontal spinning parts and more than enough strength to pull you in or choke you to death if long hair is caught in it. There is a large red emergency stop button at waist height. This is designed to stop the machine automatically with your torso if you are pulled into it. Follow these basic safety precautions though and you will be fine. • Keep long hair tied back and out of the way, wear short sleeves or sleeves should be rolled up. • No gloves, necklaces, watches, rings, or other loose jewelry • Always wear safety glasses • Avoid reaching over the spinning chuck. • Keep your fingers clear of the rotating work and cutting tools. Don’t be tempted to break away metal spirals (ships) with your fingers. • NEVER leave the chuck key resting in the chuck. The chuck key can be a lethal projectile if the lathe is started with it still in the chuck. • Never use a file with a bare tang - the tang could be forced back into your wrist or palm. Inexpensive wooden handles are readily available for common file sizes and they can be made out of scrap wood easily.