Here are some safety rules to follow when using a metal lathe:
-Personal protective equipment
Wear certified safety glasses, ear protection, and sturdy footwear. You can also wear a dust mask to protect yourself from the dust produced by filing and sanding. Avoid wearing gloves, loose clothing, jewelry, or other dangling objects. If you have long hair, pull it back or use a hair covering. Never wear loose-fitting clothing or jewelry while operating a lathe.
-Remove entanglement hazards
Keep the floor free of obstructions and tie up any loose clothing or sleeves.
-Secure the workpiece
Center-drill the work deeply enough to support it while it's turning, and then secure and clamp it.
-Use the lathe safely
Make sure the lathe has a start/stop button and an emergency stop button within easy reach. Follow the job specifications for the speed, feed, and depth of cut. Always stop the lathe before making adjustments, and don't change spindle speeds until the lathe has come to a complete stop.
-Maintain the lathe
Regularly clean and wipe down the external moving parts of the machine, including the carriage, cross slide, and tool post. Check for and clean away any coolant or swarf under the carriage and tailstock.