Metal Lathe Introduction

This is the content required for an introduction to our metal lathe - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Safety

Dangers

• rotating chuck
  • can easily catch loose clothing, jewellery or hair
• loose work pieces can be thrown at high speeds
• no prevention of turning on after loss & restoration of power (keine Anlaufsicherung)
• small debris can be thrown towards the user
• cluster of shavings ('rats nests') can be caught by the chuck -> very sharp; quickly rotating object...
  • turn off the lathe and remove the shavings before continuing
• shavings (especially steel) are very sharp & hot
• parts of the machine/workpiece can become hot
• autofeed will cause a crash if left unattended!

Precautions

• wear short sleeved clothing or tight fitting sleeves
• tie long hair together
• don't wear any kind of jewellery (e.g. rings) as they may get caught in the chuck or trap shavings
• wear Personal Protection but not gloves, as they might get caught in the rotating parts
  • a face shield in addition to goggles is recommended
• make sure to secure the workpiece properly in the chuck
• make sure the tool bit is secured properly in its holder
  • use the appropriate chuck for each workpiece
• never leave the machine unattended, especially when working with autofeed
• regularly remove shavings around the chuck (when machine is turned off)
• keep transmission covers closed during operation
• compound slides move 0.2mm per 1/10 of a revolution (1 indent)
  • radius reduces twice as much

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:

Turning a Piece with and without Autofeed

• turn a part to size
  • outside diameter
  • inside diameter
• drill a hole

Waiting List

This introduction takes longer than many others and usually can't be done spontaneously during regular opening times. If you would like to receive it, please add yourself to >> this list << and we will find a good time once a few members are on it!