Safety First!

[TomG]

Since making that video a while back on drilling plastics, I've been thinking that many of us "seasoned veterans" grew up around machinery and have learned from others with more experience how to use it safely, but few hobbyists have that kind of background. In fact, many have no experience at all before acquiring machinery that is perfectly capable of causing them serious injury or worse. To help prevent that from happening, I've decided to produce a series of short (2-3 minute) safety videos directed at the hobby machinist. Most of them will be very basic knowledge that may seem like common sense to many of us, but is likely new material to those who really need it.

This first video covers how to safely use a file on the lathe.

Tom

[Mayhem]

Thanks Tom - Given the way my lathe is built, I actually run more risk of injury by trying to reach around the chuck. As such, I file left-handed. I also stand off to the side, so I am out of the firing line, should something go wrong.

I only just found out the advantages of filing the diameter and not just braking edges on the weekend. I was surprised with the finish I got on the handles I turned out of 1018.

[TomG]

You are right Darren, not all lathes accommodate this technique. I also heard from someone who is left handed and that was too awkward to be done safely. There are definitely exceptions to every rule and at some point you just have to fall back on common sense. Unfortunately common sense seems to be a rare commodity these days, which is why I decided to start making these videos.

Tom

[EdK]

(09-10-2013, 09:33 AM)TomG Wrote: ... not all lathes accommodate this technique. ...

Tom

Nor do all body profiles.

I'm too short to use the method you showed in the video so I do what Darren does and stand well to the right side of the spinning work piece.

Ed

[DaveH]

What can I say, those of you that have known me some some time will know that I don't think one should use a metal file on a lathe.
I think it is dangerous not only to oneself but to any one else in the vicinity.
Also I don't understand the need to use a metal file when emery cloth will probably do a much better job and in a safer manner.
Sorry guys

DaveH

[Highpower]

Nothing to be sorry about Dave. Live the way you want to live.

[doubleboost]

Nice video Tom
I am left handed so filing on the lathe is easy for me
I use a file a fair bit just to break edges
Like you I grew up with machines
If you don't feel safe using a file on a lathe DONT DO IT
As far as I am concerned emery tape is far more dangerous
Especially long bits never use a piece longer than the diameter of what you are turning
NEVER Poke your finger in to a hole with emery tape
John

[TomG]

Funny you should mention that John, I know a guy who mangled the end of his thumb using emery cloth. He broke the cardinal rule and wrapped the cloth around a workpiece an then gripped it between his thumb and forefinger. Of course it proceeded to wrap up on the part pulling his thumb in with it. Luckily it was only mangled a bit and not ripped off. The lathe didn't care either way.

I agree about not doing anything you that don't feel safe about.

Tom

[doubleboost]

I think wearing gloves is one of the biggest dangers with rotating machines
John

[TomG]

That's what I'm leaning toward next. Loose clothing is by far the most serious safety hazard out there. You can forget your safety glasses and lose an eye, but if your loose clothing gets caught by a machine you will be fighting for your life, if you even have the chance. You saw how quickly that piece of plastic got snatch up by my mill in that Plastic drill video, imagine if that was a gloved hand. A student was also killed at Yale university recently after she got her hair caught in a lathe, loose clothing, hair and jewelry rules are no joke.

I need to figure out an eye opening way to demonstrate the hazard to make a lasting impression. Along those lines, I had a college instructor actually slice a beef shank in two on a band saw to illustrate how quickly something so innocent can remove your arm. That's one safety lesson I NEVER forgot.

Tom

Tom