Some important safety precautions to follow when using lathes are:
• Correct dress is important, remove rings and watches, roll sleeves above elbows.
• Always stop the lathe before making adjustments.
• Do not change spindle speeds until the lathe comes to a complete stop.
• Handle sharp cutters, centers, and drills with care.
• Remove chuck keys and wrenches before operating
• Always wear protective eye protection.
• Handle heavy chucks with care and protect the lathe ways with a block of wood
when installing a chuck.
• Know where the emergency stop is before operating the lathe.
• Use pliers or a brush to remove chips and swarf, never your hands.
• Never lean on the lathe.
• Never lay tools directly on the lathe ways. If a separate table is not available, use
a wide board with a cleat on each side to lay on the ways.
• Keep tools overhang as short as possible.
• Never attempt to measure work while it is turning.
• Never file lathe work unless the file has a handle.
• File left-handed if possible.
• Protect the lathe ways when grinding or filing.
• Use two hands when sanding the workpiece. Do not wrap sand paper or emory
cloth around the workpiece
The lathe cutting tool or tool bit must be made of the correct material and ground to the correct angles to machine a workpiece efficiently. The most common tool bit is the general all-purpose bit made of high-speed steel. These tool bits are generally
inexpensive, easy to grind on a bench or pedestal grinder, take lots of abuse and wear, and are strong enough for all-around repair and fabrication. High-speed steel tool bits can handle the high heat that is generated during cutting and are not changed after cooling. These tool bits are used for turning, facing, boring and other lathe operations. Tool bits made from special materials such as carbides, ceramics, diamonds, cast alloys are able to machine workpieces at very high speeds but are brittle and expensive for normal lathe work. High-speed steel tool bits are available in many shapes and sizes to accommodate any lathe operation.
