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Production > Lathes
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Lathes are used for shaping round
parts, such as
table legs. Two types of lathes are used in the
woodworking industry: automatic-feed and manual-feed.
In an automatic-feed lathe, the stock, mounted
on a carriage, is moved into contact with a multiple-knife cutter head that
runs the entire length of
the stock. The stock rotates at a low speed, while
the cutter rotates faster. Using a feed lever, the
operator feeds the stock into the cutter head and
maintains the proper pressure for effective cutting.
In a hand-fed lathe, the stock, mounted between
two centers, rotates rapidly while the operator
applies a single-point tool to the wood. The operator
holds the tool on a tool rest and advances it
along the length of the tool rest to shape the stock
as desired.
The primary hazards of lathes are contact with
rotating parts and contact at the point of operation.
Operators' hands, clothing, or jewelry may be
caught on the rotating parts and pulled into the
machine. The danger is greater with hand-fed
lathes, because the operator works in such close
proximity to the rotating stock and the cutting tool.
With automatic lathes, the operator can contact the
rotating parts if he or she reaches into the work area
to adjust components while the machine is running.
Flying chips are also a hazard on lathes.
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Potential Hazard:
Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
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For automatic wood-turning lathes with rotating
knives, cover the cutter head with a metal shield or hood that
completely covers the
knives and material, except at the contact points, when the
machine is in operation [1910.213(o)(3)].
A hinged shield permits adjustments when
needed.
- For manual lathes, cover the cutter heads as
completely as possible with a hood or shield
[1910.213(o)(2)].
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Cover lathes used for turning long stock with
long curved guards extending over the top of the
lathe [1910.213(o)(4)]. Such guards prevent the stock from being thrown
from the
machine, should the stock come loose.
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- On hand-fed lathes, guard the tool and point of operation with a plexiglass tool guard, as shown in Fig. 1.
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Enclose the power transmission with a fixed
guard [1910.219].
Work Practices
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Make sure the tool rest is set close to the
stock. Work only in the area covered by the
tool rest; do not attempt to support the tool
with your hands. Adjust the tool rest when
the lathe is not running.
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Fig. 1 - Plexiglass guard on lathe
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Potential Hazard:
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Rotating parts - Clothing, hair, or hands may be caught by and
pulled into the cutter or the rotating stock.
Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- For manual lathes, cover the cutter heads as
completely as possible with a hood or shield
[1910.213(o)(2)].
-
Cover lathes used for turning long stock with
long curved guards extending over the top of the
lathe [1910.213(o)(4)]. Such guards prevent the stock from being thrown
from the
machine, should the stock come loose.
-
Install a brake for bringing the stock to a
complete stop after the power is shut off.
Work Practices
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Never permit operators to wear loose clothing, long hair, jewelry, or gloves.
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Potential Hazard:
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Flying chips - Wood splinters and chips may be thrown by the
cutting action.
Possible Solutions:
Work Practices
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Make sure tools are properly adjusted and
used in a proper manner.
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Do not use stock that has checks, splits,
cracks, or knots.
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Allow glued joints to dry before working
on stock.
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Potential Hazard:
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Kickback - The work piece may be thrown out.
Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
-
Cover lathes used for turning long stock with
long curved guards extending over the top of the
lathe [1910.213(o)(4)]. Such guards prevent the stock from being thrown
from the
machine, should the stock come loose.
-
Install a brake for bringing the stock to a
complete stop after the power is shut off.
- On hand-fed lathes, guard the tool and point of operation with a plexiglass tool guard, as shown in Fig. 1.
Work Practices
-
Make sure tools are properly adjusted and
used in a proper manner.
-
Do not use stock that has checks, splits,
cracks, or knots.
-
Allow glued joints to dry before working
on stock.
-
Hold tools firmly in both hands.
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