Woodturning Safety

Safe, effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of procedures for using this tool. Read, thoroughly understand, and follow the label warnings on the lathe and in the owner/operator’s manual. Safety guidelines from an experienced instructor, video, or book are a good source of important safety procedures. Please work safely.

Warnings

• "Safety is your responsibility," by Rob Wallace, Woodturning FUNdamentals, September 2015 
• "Safety Matters: From the Eye of a Survivor," by Lynne Yamaguchi, American Woodturner, June 2014 
• Assess Your Risk & Comparison of Kinetic Energy Values, from "Safety Matters From the Eye of a Survivor" by Lynne Yamaguchi, American Woodturner, June 2014 

Getting Started

• Safety Guidelines
• Lathe Speed
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protection Equipment

Safety Books

Safety Guidebook for Woodturners

Safe, effective use of a wood lathe requires study and knowledge of procedures. To avoid injury and make your turning experience as satisfying as possible, the AAW has prepared this complimentary booklet to help you understand and use safe practices.

Safety for Woodturners

A 64-page printed book. Build strong skills at the lathe while helping you learn best woodturning practices.

View/Download for Members

Purchase Book

 Safety is YOUR responsibility.

• Use a full face shield when ever the lath is turned on.
• Tie back long hair, do not wear gloves, and avoid loose clothing objects that may catch on rotating parts or accessories.
• Always check the speed of the lathe before turning it on. Use slower speeds for larger diameters or rough pieces, and higher speeds for smaller diameters and pieces that are balanced. Always start a piece at a slower speed until the work pieces is balanced. If the lathe is shaking or vibrating, lower the speed.  If the workpiece vibrates, always top the machine to check the reason.
• Check that all locking devices on the tailstock and tool rest assembly (rest and base) are tight before operating the lathe. 
• Position the tool rest close to work, almost touching the wood. Check tool rest position often and as wood is removed, turn off the lathe and re-position the rest. 
• Rotate your workpiece by hand to make sure it clears the toolrest and bed before turning the lathe “on.” Be certain that the workpiece turns freely and is firmly mounted. A handwheel on the outboard side of the headstock simplifies this process of spinning the lathe by hand before turning on the switch. 
• Be aware of the turners call the “red zone” or “firing zone.” This is the area directly behind and in front of the workpiece - the areas most likely for a piece to travel as it comes off the lathe. A good safety habit is to stop out of this zone when switching the lathe to the “on” position. When observing others turn stay out of the area.
• Hold turning tools securely on the toolrest, holding the tool in a controlled and comfortable manner. Always contact the tool rest with the tool before contacting the wood.
• It is safest to turn the lathe “off” before adjusting the toolrest or tool rest base (banjo).
• Remove the tool rest before sanding or polishing operations.
• Never leave the lathe running unattended. Turn the power off. Don’t leave that lathe until it comes to a complete stop.