Lathe safety stuff

[Woodchipper]

Had this lathe for several years but decided to get energetic and share a couple of tips I formulated (like the big word?). I had a time with the quill and was uneasy about cranking it up and down. I made some marks with a Sharpie to remind me to be careful. Note in the lower right of the photo is a magnetic hook from HF with the chuck key on it. Why you ask? I almost started the lathe with the chuck key in the Jacobs chuck in the headstock! Not good. Yellow ribbon is visible plus keeps the key in the same place all the time.
The marks, left to right: This is where the chuck or live center comes out; the next red mark is a warning; next black mark is a halfway point; red mark is getting to the end; two black marks signal the end.
I find these marks to be especially useful when drilling pen blanks. Good turning to all!

 

[jrista]

I like the chuck marks. That's a great idea. I occasionally back out too far, particularly when using forstners, and the chuck comes just a little loose. If its still in contact with the wood, yeah, it can get pretty scary! So at the front of the quill there, the red is generally your "stop here" point, but the black is the actual point at which the MT comes loose?

 

[Woodchipper]

Yep, the left black mark is when the MT comes out. Once was enough. Red is "watch out!"

 

[WriteON]

Good thread. No such thing as too safe. I did start with a key in one time. I was lucky it has bad aim. I spray the keys RED.

 

[leehljp]

" I almost started the lathe with the chuck key in the Jacobs chuck in the headstock! Not good."

I have done that a few times on my Drill Press. It took about 5 or 6 times over several years before it became instinctive to double and triple check. I put a magnetic bowl on the side and put my chuck key in after use. This works for me now!

 

[randyrls]

Cindy Drozda says, "Safety is free, use it to excess!"
Oh; she is having a live stream on YouTube today at 2pm Eastern time.