I recently read an article in a wood turning magazine that wood turning is a dangerous hobby I don't believe this is true, and my reasoning is as follows.

 

Electrocution

 

If you are in any doubt as to whether your lathe is safe I suggest you take the following steps. Invite your mother in law around for dinner and suggest that while she is waiting she gives your lathe a quick clean with a damp cloth. Retire to the house and settle down with a good wood turning mag. If you hear a loud scream from your workshop turn off the power to your lathe taking great care to avoid slipping on any spilled water. Immediately call an electrician to check your electrics before further use of your lathe.

 

Eye Protection

 

I dont believe this is necessary as your chance of something flying off your lathe and blinding you in both eyes is very remote. If you are unlucky enough to be blinded in one eye Boots do a very good range of eye patches. You can even get stickers to stick on the patches. This will keep the kids amused for hours.

 

Objects flying off lathe

 

Occasionally objects will fly off the lathe if the speed is significantly high. This is nothing to worry about, it happend to everyone sooner or later. Another cause is when an object flies to bits due to splitting. When you are turning sometimes you will hear a click clicking sound. This is usually an indication that a split is starting to appear. You can get rid of this by turning up your radio or wearing ear defenders.

 

Dust control

 

Not necessary. Many experts claim that hardwood dust is an irritant and carcinogenic, personally I don't believe it is any worse than smoking fifty or sixty Woodbines a day. If you are really concerned a carefully placed hair dryer is a very effective way of blowing the dust away. It also keeps your hands warm in the winter.

 

These are just my views and not necessarily the views of the rest of the committee.

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