Lathes

The shop is equipped with six engine lathes of various sizes. Shop users are required to request personalized instruction before first-time use of one of our lathes. There is simply no way to detail every prudent operating step in a written manual of manageable size. Users need to be alert for hazards that result from a failure to properly position and secure both the work piece and the cutting tools on engine lathes. Always remove the wrench promptly to prevent the risk of sending it flying when the spindle starts up. The foolish practice of leaving the chuck wrench in the chuck while you tend to other affairs will expose you to the possibility of injury and the certainty of verbal reprimand if you are found out. As with milling operations, very high forces are at play in cutting operations on engine lathes. The following safety procedures must be observed:

• Be sure that the lathe spindle is stopped before loading or adjusting new tools.
• Remove chip fragments only when the machine spindle is stopped.
• Never remove long stringy chips with your bare hands
• Avoid splashing cutting fluid on the floor. Promptly clean any spills.
• Analyze any chatter. Chatter is a sign that something is loose, or speeds/feeds are excessive.
• Know where the spindle brake is located