Wood Lathe Safety Rules for Woodworking and Your Woodshop

• Always wear a face shield to protect your eyes when operating a wood lathe. Never wear a tie or loose clothing.
• The spur should be mounted in the headstock spindle and the cup center or (dead center) should be mounted in the tailstock spindle.
• Always tighten the tailstock clamp. Also, always remove the spur and cup centers from the lathe when they are not being used.
• A faceplate can be threaded onto the headstock spindle on the inside or the outside of the lathe. The outside placement of the faceplate would normally be used for large diameter projects. This setup would require a portable stand to hold the tool rest. Be sure the faceplate is screwed on tight.
• Be sure the stock is centered, and that the spur and cup centers are properly imbedded in the wood. Also be sure to apply oil at the dead center. This should be applied periodically as the work progresses
• Wood with knots, splits, or other defects should never be turned. All glued and clamped stock should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.
• Be sure all lathe adjustments are made prior to turning on the power. The tool rest should be adjusted 1/8" from the stock, and about 1/8" above the center. As the work progresses, additional adjustments will have to be made to maintain these distances. Rotate the stock by hand to make sure it doesn't hit the tool rest, before turning on the power.
• Always run all stock at the slowest speed until it is rounded.
• For stock over 6" use the slower speeds. For stock between 3" to 6" use the medium speeds. And last, for stock under 3" use the faster speeds.
• Keep the lathe tools sharp. Firmly hold the tool in position with both hands and apply a steady pressure. Never force the tool into the stock.
• Remove the tool rest for all sanding and finish operations. Failure to do so may result in injuring your fingers between the stock and the tool rest.
• Always turn off the lathe when it is not in use.

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