Jet 1442 lathe pain

[Fishandchips]

I am quite new to woodturning but have identified my first accident before it happens.

The spindle lock button on my lathe is just above my start button.

I just know one day I am going to be releasing a chuck and go for the spindle lock and hit the start button. Pain!

Anyone done it already?

Can anyone warn me of the most obvious but likely accident I am probably going to have.

I will bump this thread when it happens, might be 6 weeks, might be 6 years but I will bump it.

Really happy with the lathe though.........

 

[marcros]

could you put a cowl over the start button, so it isnt too easy to press without thinking? sorry, not familiar with that lathe.

 

[KimG]

Hmm, you pull the switch to turn the lathe on, bump it in to switch it off, so the action required to activate both is opposite.

I have a 1642 and did once leave the index pin in and hit start, it just strained against the stopped shaft a second or two, by then I had hit the stop switch. Also on my lathe the spindle lock is spring loaded so I have to push against it to get it to engage, surely yours is the same?

I really don't think you need to be anxious over this one Fish.

 

[chipmunk]

+1 for Kim's view.

If you're worried then get into the habit of turning off the power when changing the chuck but to be honest once you get into the swing of things it'll be far less dangerous than brake and accelerator pedals being close together on a car.

Jon

 

[boysie39]

I would agree with Kim and Jon , if you are worried about that you are not going to enjoy working on your lathe when you discover all the other things that are waiting for you . :twisted:

A little care , quick reflexes , and the ability to run like hell are useful tools to have ,BUT if you use proper care and attention there is no need to think you are going into battle every time you approach your lathe .

Think positive and enjoy your turning .Many years of happiness to you .

 

[Richard Findley]

The 1442 is a great little lathe. I had one for about 6 years and it was still going well when I sold it. The scenario you describe never happened to me so I shouldn't worry about it and just enjoy your turning. There's plenty of other ways of injuring your self. Best bit of H&S advice, be careful!!

Richard

 

[woodfarmer]

On my metal lathe I rigged up a foot operated stop switch. to shut off power all i had to do was step on it.

It occurs to me if you in trouble you might not have a spare hand available!

 

[Paul Hannaby]

How about this scenario - you are trying to release the chuck so you are holding the chuck key in the chuck to use as a lever to release the chuck (wrong thing to do but many people do it!). You go to press the spindle lock and instead start the lathe. Unless you can let go or pull the chuck key out pretty quick, it could be painful.

 

[Fishandchips]

Paul that's exactly what I meant.

So I have stuck a drawing pin to the start button that does now make me think before pressing start.

Thanks for the comments guys, the trouble is with any machinery it's more dangerous when you get confident as you get complacent. Well I do anyway.

I have turned a few pieces and will post pics in another thread over the weekend.

Garry

 

[gary knights]

i was going to get a jet?

 

[Fishandchips]

It's a good machine Gary, I like it anyway.

I did eventually remove the spindle lock button, simple really just 2 screws.

To lock the spindle now I just insert a steel pin into the case for the spindle. Worse case scenario I start the lathe with the pin in, better bent metal or burned out motor than broken knuckles.

Removed the drawing pin too ;-)

 

[KimG]

My 1642 is the third lathe I have owned and Gary, and it is by far the best, they are excellent machines.