Woodturning Lathe Safety Warnings - Record Power DML250 Original Instructions Manual

3. Woodturning Lathe Safety Warnings

Safe Operation
Familiarise yourself with the machine
• Machining operations using wood turning lathes have a history of serious
accidents. Most serious accidents resulted from the work piece being
thrown from the lathe whilst turning. Other accidents can be caused by
loose clothing being drawn in to the rotating work piece or hands becom-
ing trapped between the rotating work piece and fixed parts of the lathe.
2. Before switching the machine 'ON'
• Before attaching a work piece to a faceplate, always prepare it to be as
round as possible. This will minimise vibration whilst turning. For further
instructions please see the section of this manual entitled Intended Use
of the Lathe and Basic Woodturning Instructions.
• Adjust the tool rest to the correct height and distance from the work
piece and check that all fixings are secure.
• Check that the size of the work piece is within the safe working capacities
of the lathe as detailed in the manual.
• Select the correct speed according to the size and type of work piece.
The slowest speed is the safest speed to start any new work piece.
• Always rotate the work piece by hand before starting the lathe to ensure
it does not come into contact with the tool rest. If the work piece strikes
the tool rest during operation, it could be split and thrown from
the lathe.
• When using a faceplate always ensure the work piece is well secured with
screws of a suitable diameter and length.
• Remove any loose knots and bark from the work piece before mounting it
to the lathe.
• If mounting a work piece between centres, always ensure that the tail-
stock is correctly adjusted and fully secure. Check that the locking handle
for the tailstock barrel is fully tightened.
3. Whilst using the lathe
• Do not allow the turning tool to dig in to the work piece, which could
result in the work piece splitting or being thrown from the lathe. Always
position the tool rest at the correct height. For further instructions please
see the section of this manual entitled Intended Use of the Lathe
and Basic Woodturning Instructions.
• Before starting to machine a work piece that is off centre or not perfectly
round, always set the machine to the slowest speed and gradually
increase speed as the work piece becomes more balanced as material is
removed. Running the lathe too fast could cause the work piece to be
thrown from the lathe or the turning tool to be snatched from
your hands.
• Always store turning tools in a safe place away from the work area of the
lathe. Never reach over the rotating work piece to reach for turning tools
or accessories.
• Never attempt to adjust the position of the tool rest whilst the machine is
running. Always switch the machine 'OFF' and wait until the work piece
has stopped rotating before attempting any adjustments.
• Do not mount a work piece that contains excessive splits or loose knots
or bark.
• Keep firm hold and control of the turning tool at all times. Use extreme
caution when knots and voids are exposed in the work piece.
• Finish all hand sanding before removing the work piece from the lathe.
Do not exceed the speed used for the last cutting operation. For further
instructions please see the section of this manual entitled Intended Use
of the Lathe and Basic Woodturning Instructions.
• Do not attempt to remount a work piece that has been turned on a
faceplate unless you are deliberately turning eccentric work. You cannot
remount faceplate turned work and expect it to run true, as the timber
will have expanded or contracted.
• Do not remount a work piece that has been turned between centres if the
original centres have been altered or removed, unless you are deliberately
turning eccentric work.
• If re-mounting any work piece, always set the machine to the slowest
speed and gradually increase the speed as the work piece becomes more
balanced as material is removed.
• Use extra caution when mounting a work piece that has been turned
between centres to a faceplate, or when mounting a faceplate turning
between centres, for subsequent machining operations. Always ensure
that the lathe is set to the slowest speed before switching ON.
• Do not attempt to perform any machining operations when holding the
work piece by hand.
• Do not mount a reamer, milling cutter, wire wheel, buffing wheel, drill bit
or any other tool to the headstock spindle.
• Always ensure that the turning tool is in contact with the tool rest and
fully supported before applying the tool to the work piece.
• When the tool rest holder unit is not in use (e.g. when sanding), it should
be moved away from the headstock, and the tool rest removed.
4. Maintenance
• Before attempting any maintenance and particularly when cleaning the
machine, always remove any accessories and tooling from the machine.
• Always ensure that any accessories used on the lathe are kept clean and
free from rust and deposits of resin.
• Keep all turning tools sharp and in good condition. Check that the han-
dles are secure and not split or damaged.
5. This machine falls under the scope of the 'Health and Safety at Work etc.
Act 1974', and the 'Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
1998'. In addition the elimination or control of risks from wood dust is in-
cluded in the above regulations and the 'Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002'. We recommend that you study and
follow these regulations.
Further guidance is available from The Health and Safety Executive and
their website www.hse.gov.uk and from the authorised distributor in your
country (details on back cover of the manual).
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