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tools:metal_lathe:clearance

Metal Lathe Clearance

Members who are already proficient in the subject matter may apply to receive a clearance by demonstrating a core set of skills and knowledge that allow them to safely and effectively use the equipment.

Most tools in the shop require clearance before solo use. Each tool is different and most are expensive and/or delicate.

During a Proficiency Based Clearance Instructors will provide Protohaven specific customs and rules for the equipment but will not provide technical instruction on the operation of the hardware, or software.

If a member needs to gain additional knowledge or skill they should take a Basic Skills Class to learn the required skills.

The items that will need to be demonstrated to gain the Proficiency Based Clearance are:

General Shop Rules

Be safe

  • Understands safety clearances are required as bare minimum.
  • Understands equipment must never be left unattended.
  • Understands why equipment must be reset after use.

Take care of the tools

  • Will not alter or use equipment beyond limits.
  • Will notify when maintenance is needed.

Keep the shop clean

  • Understands importance of cleaning up after oneself.
  • Will return borrowed tools to original location.
  • Understands anything left outside of your paid monthly or overnight storage may be removed and disposed.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Knows whether synthetic materials may be worn during use.
  • Knows whether long sleeves can be worn beyond elbows during operation of equipment.
  • Knows whether loose clothing & hair may be worn down.
  • Knows whether open-toed shoes may be worn.
  • Knows whether safety glasses and hearing protection are required during operation.
  • Knows whether safety glasses are required when near someone else operating equipment in the workshop.
  • Knows whether additional PPE is required (e.g. apron, face shield…)

Tool Specific Instruction

Point out the following tool features

  • Maintenance Tag
  • E-Stop
  • Spindle on/off, foot brake (if applicable)
  • Spindle direction control
  • Spindle speed controls
  • Headstock, spindle
  • Chuck, chuck jaws, chuck key
  • Collets & draw tube
  • Bed and ways
  • Saddle/carriage
  • Carriage handwheel
  • Crossfeed/cross slide handle
  • Compound handle & angle adjustment
  • Toolpost lock & rotation handles/nuts
  • Travel locks and limits
  • Tailstock handle, locks
  • Turning, facing, and boring tools

Identify & mitigate common hazards

  • Heavy things - chucks & workpieces
  • Sharp things - cutting tools, chips, burrs on work piece
  • Spinning things - chuck jaws, work piece, lead screw
  • Hot things - chips, work piece, tools

Allowable Materials

  • Can name three materials allowed on the lathe
  • Can name materials that are not allowed on the lathe

Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup

  • Demonstrates proper removal and mounting of chuck (cleans nose, correct force)
  • Demonstrates proper work-holding in 3 jaw chuck
  • Demonstrates proper feed and speed selection
  • Demonstrates proper cutting tool selection
  • Demonstrates proper mounting of cutting tool in toolpost
  • Demonstrates turning and facing
  • Demonstrates center drilling with tailstock
  • Demonstrates cleaning the lathe

Knowledge and Technique

  • Knows how and when to support stock with long stick-out
  • Knows use of turning, facing, and boring tools, correct orientation & stick-out

Tool Tutorial

tools/metal_lathe/clearance.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/07 18:34 by smartin015