Equipment/Warco lathe
Class Red equipment: Do not use without specific training.
(More about equipment classes)
Contents
Summary
We have a Warco lathe type GH-1330. It is a quality machine with a lot of power so 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.
Using the lathe
The Warco is a metal turning lathe capable of machining circular cuts in material. The lathe is solidly built so with care micrometer level precision can be obtained. We now have a good selection of cutting tools and work handling apparatus so a wide range of different cutting operations can be performed on a wide range of materials.
Health and 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.
Sharp edged chips can be thrown off the workpiece at high speed so eye protection is important.
The chuck key left in the chuck when the motor is started could become a missile. Before starting the motor make sure the chuck, and anything mounted in it, will not hit anything.
Metal turnings have very sharp edges. Avoid touching them whenever possible and use the brush provided to clean up the swarf.
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.
The risk assessment is at Equipment/lathe/RA.
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;
- Roger Smith
- Robert Copcutt
- Jonny Waite
- Diana Probst
Training
THE LATHE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. ONLY APPROVED OPERATORS ARE PERMITTED TO USE IT.
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
Instructions
Maintenance
The lathe bed should be frequently brushed clean and re-oiled to minimize wear on the precision slides.
Three of the bearings have oil pots that need topping up occasionally.
The two drive belts need replacing if they get worn or damaged.
Peripheral tools and accessories
Running the lathe will require many accessories, there is a suggested list here:
Tools Available
There are a number of 250-201 tool holders which fit on the quick change tool post.
| Tool | Description | Steel Insert | Alu/Plastic Insert |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSSCR1/2"-3 | Neutral 45° end and side cutting edge angle for positive 45° SCMT inserts. | SCMT | |
| SSBCR1/2"-3 | |||
| SWGCR1/2"-3 | Right hand 90 degree end or side cutting edge angle for 80 degree WCGX insert | WCGX | |
| S-SWUCR3/8"J3 | |||
| SER1/2"-11 | External threading tool | ||
| S1/2J-SIR11 | Internal threading tool | ||
| MGEHR1/2"-02 | Cut off tool | MGMN | |
| S-SSKCR3/8"J3 | |||
| S-SSSCR3/8"J3 | |||
| SCLCR1212F09 | Right? | ||
| SCLCL1212F09 | Left? | ||
| SRDCN 1616h 08 | Radius lathe tool (property of Robert K.) | RCMT 0803 | RCGT 0803 |
| n/a | Knurling tool | n/a | n/a |
| n/a | HSS Cut off tool | n/a | n/a |
