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Manual Lathe Safety

Safe operation of manual machines is detremental to being a fab member. All members will be expected to confidentally and safely run manual machines by the end of preseason, although that does not mean you cannot still ask for help, and double check what you are doing with someone else. The lathe is unique in the fact that the machines turns the stock and not a cutting tool. We use both clyindrical and hexagonal stock

  • Double check all machine settings before turning on machine (RPM, Feed Rate, direction, chuck is tight to spindle, tail stock is locked down).

  • Be sure stock is mounted securely in the chuck and rotate the chuck to inspect before turning on the machine.

  • Be sure the chuck is mounted securely to the spindle.

  • Always cut toward the chuck whenever possible to keep the stock from being pulled from the chuck.

  • Remove, tuck in, or roll up loose clothing to keep it from getting caught on the chuck or stock and pulling you into the machine.

  • Tie back long hair, and do not wear jewelry, watches or hoodies.

  • Always remove the chuck key from the chuck after tightening or loosening the chuck jaws.

  • Always engage the E-stop when tightening or loosing the chuck to prevent the lathe from accidentally turning on.

  • You MUST use tailstock to support your work if the work is sticking out of the chuck more than 3 times its diameter. For example, 1 inch diameter stock must not extend more than 3 inches out of the chuck. If the stock extends more than 3 times the diameter, center drill the stock and use the tailstock with a live center.

  • Always turn off or E-stop the lathe when making any major adjustments to the machine. You should know where and be able to activate the main power, E-stop, and brake with your eyes closed.

  • Adjust feeds and speeds based on material, tool, and diameter of the work.

  • When loosening tool in the tool holder ALWAYS move the wrench toward the handle and not toward cutter.

Manual Mill

The manual mill is to be used for square stock. Collets are used to insert and hold different size tooling.

  • Do NOT attempt to operate the milling machine until you have been properly trained and you are familiar and comfortable with it.

  • You must complete the safety test for the mill with a score of 100% before you are allowed to operate the machine.

  • Never wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating the mill.

  • Tie up long hair and remove hoodies if they have strings.

  • Do NOT change the the revolutions per minute (RPM) on belt drive machines while the spindle is stopped.

  • Make sure all guards are in place before operating the machine.

  • Get help to move heavy attachments like the vise, dividing head, and rotary table.

  • Always lift with your legs when moving heavy objects.

  • Make sure the holding device is mounted to the table and the work is held securely in the holding device.

  • Some mill bits can draw the material up and cause it to spin which can result in damage or injury.

  • If possible, remove sharp edges and burrs from the work before removing it from the machine.

  • Make sure the cutter is above the work and not in contact with anything before starting the machine.

  • Never touch off a stopped carbide cutter; it can crack the cutter.

  • To avoid being cut, move the cutter clear of the work when making adjustments or removing the work.

  • Keep hands, arms, and your head clear of cutters. They are extremely sharp and they can cut you, even when stopped

  • The machine must be at a complete stop before removing chips with a brush.