Metal Lathe

Metal Lathe

Purpose

A metal lathe is used to shape pieces of metal by holding and rotating the workpiece against various cutting tools.

General Safety Guidelines

1. Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying metal chips. Use appropriate hearing protection and gloves as needed.

2. Clothing: Wear fitted clothing and tie back long hair to prevent entanglement in moving parts. Avoid wearing jewelry or loose items.

3. Work Area: Keep the area around the lathe clean and free of clutter. Ensure that the floor is clear of any obstructions.

4. Inspection: Inspect the lathe before use to ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning properly.

Operating Instructions

1. Set Up:

• Ensure the lathe is turned off and unplugged before making any adjustments.

• Secure the workpiece in the chuck or faceplate and check for tightness.

• Select and install the appropriate cutting tool. Make sure it is sharp and properly secured.

2. Speed and Feed:

• Select the appropriate spindle speed for the material and operation.

• Set the feed rate to ensure smooth and even cutting.

3. Starting the Lathe:

• Stand to the side when starting the lathe to avoid any flying debris.

• Turn on the lathe and allow it to reach full speed before beginning the cut.

4. Cutting:

• Use the carriage and cross-slide controls to bring the cutting tool into contact with the workpiece.

• Make gradual cuts to avoid overloading the lathe or damaging the workpiece.

• Use cutting fluid to reduce friction and heat buildup when necessary.

5. Monitoring:

• Continuously monitor the operation. Watch for signs of tool wear or damage to the workpiece.

• Listen for unusual noises which might indicate a problem.

6. Stopping the Lathe:

• Turn off the lathe and wait for it to come to a complete stop before making any adjustments or removing the workpiece.

• Never stop the lathe with your hands or by applying pressure to the workpiece.

Emergency Procedure

1. Emergency Stop: Familiarize yourself with the location of the emergency stop button and use it immediately if something goes wrong.