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Wood lathes

RegSenseSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetyMachine GuardingFocus AreaAgency PublicationCompliance DocsEnglishMachine Guarding HazardsWoodworkingUSA

While most tools rotate or move a blade or bit to cut, the wood lathe moves the work piece being cut. The wood lathe is used to turn stock into round objects by securing the stock between two centers: the headstock and tailstock (spindle turning), or by securing the work to the headstock only with a faceplate (facing). Spindle turning is used for long objects such as table and chair legs, while facing is used for cups, bowls and plates.

The stock rotates rapidly while the operator applies a single-point tool to the wood. The operator holds the tool on a tool rest and advances it along the length of the tool rest to shape the stock as desired.

Hazards

Due to its unique operation — rotating the stock being cut — the lathe presents several concerns. The primary hazards arise when using a hand tool against the rotating stock, and, in the close proximity the operator has to the rotating parts.

Serious injuries can occur if the tool becomes caught between the rest and the rotating stock, bringing the operator’s hands in with it. Also, hands, arms, clothing, hair, or jewelry may be caught on the rotating parts and pulled into the machine simply because of the close distance the operator is from the machine’s components.

Projected or broken work pieces can be another hazard if not secured between the centers or if the work piece is defective. Furthermore, chuck keys can project if left in the chuck. Flying wood chips from the turning operation also can pose a hazard on wood lathes.

Solutions

Cover all rotating parts and points of operation with shields.

Cover lathes used for turning long stock with long curved guards that extend over the top of the lathe. These shields, or guards, must protect the operator if stock comes loose and is thrown from the machine.

Make sure the tool rest is secure and set close to the stock (1⁄8-inch). Rotate the stock by hand to make sure it clears the tool rest before turning the lathe on. Guide the turning tool on the rest only — do not attempt to support the tool with your hands.

Make sure the work piece is secured and free of cracks, splits, knots, and other defects. Check for weak glue joints.

Remove chuck keys or adjusting wrenches. Develop the habit of never letting go of the chuck key or wrench when you are using it. Consider using a spring-loaded chuck wrench.

Check to make sure that the chuck is secured before turning the lathe on.

Never permit operators to wear loose clothing, long hair, jewelry, dangling objects, or gloves.

['Machine Guarding']
['Woodworking', 'Machine Guarding Hazards']
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