Thread: chuck gards on lathes

Originally Posted by pipeclay

Seems there maybe 2 things a bit amiss in that scenario,defeats the purpose slightly if the interlock has been by passed,not sure how workcover/authorities would look at that.

Well, the minimum requirement by the last OHS inspection (late last year) was for existing machines to have the following
- sufficient space around them as some were a bit close together
- a chuck guard fitted
- clearly visible and easily accessible emergency stop switches.
There was no requirement to fit interlocks to existing machines.
Our senior technical officer, wise fellow that he is, knows that sooner or later an interlock may be required so he ordered guards be fitted that already have interlocks, but are not active.
The other reason for this is that internally we are also supposed to not just meet minimum standards, but be best practice, which says interlocks are fitted to all machines - well they are fitted just not active. I agree that it could be a bit of a lawyers paradise if something does go wrong, but I am no longer in charge, I just have access to the facilities.

The other with the training and work habits of the operator being tempted to remove swarf by hand.

I agree, like others tis a nasty temptation I have - I definitely don't advocate it.
BTW the last time I was trained on anything to do with workshop machines was in high school more than 40 years ago.

Originally Posted by BobL

I reckon I might have to have a crack at making one for the Hercus.

Bob,
I made one for my 260. It's not interlocked to the motor wiring. Just a splash guard really (not that I use coolant). I guess it might save my arm if I'm ever silly enough to reach over the lathe while it's running
Chris

Originally Posted by jack620

Bob,
I made one for my 260. It's not interlocked to the motor wiring. Just a splash guard really (not that I use coolant). I guess it might save my arm if I'm ever silly enough to reach over the lathe while it's running
Chris

Nice, did you bend the acrylic yourself?
From the photo it looks like it reduces the swing marginally?

Bob,
I bought a short off-cut of acrylic tube and sliced it down the middle on my table saw. It's glued to the Ali angle with Selleys All Clear. The plastic piece is Delrin with 2 flats milled on it to mate with the angle.

It does reduce the swing a bit. The 6" 4-jaw chuck fits no problem. I have to remove the whole assembly (only 2 screws) to use the faceplate. I haven't decided yet whether it was worth the effort to make it. Like all safety guards I suppose- they are a PITA until the day they save you from injury.

I modelled it on the original Hercus guard. Their's sits quite a bit higher than mine which might be better. Although mine would do a better job of keeping coolant off your stomach.

Chris

Thanks Chris.