Teaching Safely

Running a class

Teach safety by example. Talk through safety with the group, then reinforce it one-on-one. Start every lesson with a safety reminder.

In every class:

• Everyone at a running lathe wears a full face shield.
• Long hair tied back, no gloves, no loose clothing.
• Demonstrate starting at a slow speed and speeding up only when the piece can take it.
• Check locks on the tailstock and tool rest before starting.
• Keep the tool rest close to the work and adjust it with the lathe off.
• Turn the work by hand before switching on.
• Keep watchers out of the red zone.
• Rest the tool on the tool rest before it touches the wood.
• Remove the tool rest before sanding or polishing.
• Never leave a running lathe.
• Dust masks or respirators when sanding. Hearing protection for noisy work. Closed shoes.

Download: Safety When Instructing on the Lathe (2020)

Making toys that are safe for children

When you turn toys for young children, such as tops, dolls, rattles, and ball-and-cup games, make sure they’re safe to play with. Imagine what a curious, clever child might do, and guard against it.

• Fix small parts, like buttons, so they can’t come off. Loose parts are a choking hazard.
• Fix metal parts, especially rare-earth magnets, so they can never come loose.
• Use child-safe, nontoxic finishes.
• Guard against choking. A toy, or any part that could come off, must be too big to swallow. KidsHealth.org suggests at least 1¼ inches (32 mm) across and 2¼ inches (6 cm) long. A small-parts tester (“choke tube”) checks this. A toilet paper tube works in a pinch: if the toy fits inside, it’s too small.

More information: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and KidsHealth.org.