Eating Dust

**silentC** · 21st January 2004, 10:53 AM

Since I raised the height of my lathe by making a new bench for it: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...threadid=7010, I now get a face full of sawdust.

I think this is because the tool rest doesn't allow me to get high enough on the job. The top of the tool rest is below the centres and to keep the bevel rubbing, the angle of the gouge is quite steep. Is this likely to be the problem and do I need to extend the tool rest so I can get higher on the job, or is a mouthful of woodchips par for the course in woodturning?

**DarrylF** · 21st January 2004, 08:05 PM

There's always going to be some cut that is going to result in chips in your face. With practice you can minimise it, and even eliminate it with enough practice probably - but if you're not wearing a full face sheild you're nuts

I wear one of these:
http://www.msa.net.au/image.cfm?image=blackeagle.jpg
Fairly cheap, work really well, quite comfortable to wear. Obviously it'd be nicer with an air filter, but until one hits the top of the wishlist...

**silentC** · 22nd January 2004, 07:59 AM

That'd frighten the children... hey not a bad thought.

I admit I've been cheating death up until now but after the first few chips went up my nose, I started to think I might need something more than a three day growth to cover the face.

I'm sure I've seen pictures of people woodturning without the Darth Vader look, how do they do it? Are you sure the tool rest isn't too short? Does the top of yours extend above the centre line?

**DarrylF** · 22nd January 2004, 08:16 PM

I'm pretty sure neither of us are good enough to 100% avoid chips in the face

It's gonna happen at least sometimes. The right stance & technique and you can avoid it most of the time.

My tool rest can move above centre line - needs to for inside hollowing on occasions - but for general outside bowl & spindle work it needs to be below centre line, by at least the thickness of whatever chisel you're using. The tip needs to be at or below centre.

The big concern though is something flying off the lathe and smackin' you in the head

Something bigger than a chip anyway. I've had blanks split, and bits fly off at a rate of knots and smack the face shield several times. I've also had a couple of blanks come loose - heading away from me thankfully. I've been really glad to be wearing it many times.

**silentC** · 23rd January 2004, 07:58 AM

Maybe I should keep my mouth shut while I'm turning, too

OK, thanks Darryl. I'll go buy myself a Darth Vader visor and get with the programme.

Cheers,
Darren

**Sprog** · 26th January 2004, 01:33 PM

You might want to consider the Triton Powered Respirator.

Now that would definately scare the kids

but they are certainly nice to wear when you are making dust.

Triton Powered Respirator

Thread: Eating Dust

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Eating Dust

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions