Revision as of 15:20, 19 August 2016

Summary

We have a woodworking lathe kindly donated to us on indefinite loan by Kim Spence-Jones. It is a quality machine in fair condition but it is capable of causing severe injury so it must only be used by those trained to operate it safely. The 'owners' are responsible for training new users and ensuring that it is maintained in a safe condition.

To do before it's usable:

• Fit emergency stop switch, -- DONE
• and safety cut-out on pulley guard. -- CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY
• Re-wire/tidy cable grommet/re-PAT-test -- DONE
• Clean off rust, and re-paint as necessary -- DONE
• Find permanent location and bolt down -- LOCATION FOUND, HEAVY BASE CONSTUCTED
• Risk assessment -- DONE
• Training course syllabus
• Add essential extra tools & accessories -- DONE
• Acquire Tormec wet grinder -- DONE

(The lathe is now usable by owners)

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Using the woodworking lathe

The lathe is a wood turning lathe capable of machining circular cuts in material up to about 30cm (12 inches) in diameter for bowls (20cm for spindles) and about 125cm (4') long. The lathe is solidly built so with care excellent results can be obtained. We currently have few lathe tools, which should allow most basic woodworking operations to be undertaken.

This lathe has five speeds, it cannot be run in reverse.

Safety

The workpiece is spun at high speed with great force. Clothing or hair caught in the workpiece will not slow the motor! Before starting take time to check there is nothing likely to be caught in the machine.

Chips can be thrown off the workpiece at high speed so eye protection is important.

Unbalanced workpieces can shake loose and fly in any direction. Take care when mounting your job.

To achieve real safety operator attitude is key. Trying to achieve unrealistic goals in limited time is the prime cause of accidents. Please take the time to plan your work and gain sufficient knowledge to perform it safely.

Dust from many woods can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and some woods have been identified as carcenogenic. There is a book in the library ("Wood for Wood Turners" by Mark Baker) which documents possible health risks for 150 different woods.

The live centre is sharp. When you're not using it, take it out so you don't spike yourself with it.

Owners

The owners are experienced users who have volunteered to ensure members know how to safely operate the lathe before they become approved users. Their next responsibility is to ensure the lathe is in a safe usable condition. Time permitting, they will advise users on how to make best use of the lathe.

So far the owners are;

• Kim Spence-Jones
• Matt Greenwood (Matt the Carpenter)
• Louis Kovalevsky
• Cadu Miceli
• Dan Tidhar
• Hsin-Ling Liang

You can contact the owner this address woodlathe@makespace.org

Training

To get the required training to become an approved operator please contact one of the owners.

The owners will help users make the best use of the lathe but it must be emphasised that learning to take full advantage of all the capabilities of it takes months of practice. The owners have limited time so members will need to take responsibility for much of their own training. More details about the training can be found at

• Woodworking Lathe Training

Instructions

Safety Advice

American Association of Woodturners' Safety Advice

Wood Lathe Safety Tips

Useful Links

Cambridge Woodturners

More to be detailed

Maintenance

To be detailed

Peripheral tools and accessories

Photo-list of current Woodworking lathe accessories.

Running the lathe will require many accessories, a suggested list will be developed

Associated documents

File:Wood Lathe risk assess.pdf