A Couple of Safety Items

[westender]

A couple of things stand out over the years in terms of shop safety.

Don't use your hands as a holding fixture, especially on a drill press. If the drill catches you could be S.O.L.

Don't use a box wrench around a Bridgeport. If left on the drawbar in a moment's forgetfulness, it can sail across the shop and really hurt someone.
I saw this myself (not the guilty one) and have used a 3/4" x 7/8" open end ever since. If the jaws spread, buy a new one.

Make sure the drive belt of the tool post grinder is on low speed for external work. By the time you realize its wrong, it's too late, and then you'd better hope you DID remember your face shield. A tool maker friend said after the fact "I knew I screwed up as soon as I turned it on". He got lucky. One big piece hit his overloaded pocket protector. Another was stopped by a large western belt buckle. leaving a big dent. All he got was the wind knocked out of him.

Tom

 

[Swifty]

After working in a toolroom for over 30 years with 5 Bridgeports, we probably had about 3 spanner throws a year, all ring spanners. Fortunately no injuries, just some embarrassment for the operator and a lot of ribbing.

Paul.

 

[Davo J]

That drill press one will get guys all the time. I usually have a bolt with the thread sticking up to rest the job against when doing hand held stuff.

My HM52 mill has a square draw bar so there is no way to get a ring spanner on it, which is a good thing.

Another one is to not wait until you feel the heat when grinding HSS, by then it's too late as it has pretty well already burnt your fingers.

Everybody knows about the lathe chuck key being left in, if you have a habit of doing it put a spring on the key so it will jump out if left in.

Dave

 

[moanaman]

One of my pet hates and see it all the time on Utube, is men operating machinery with long sleeved coats on and the sleeves down. ROLL THEM UP. My old Fitter & Turner during my school years would have a real hizzy fit if any of the students even entered the workshop with long sleeves down.

 

[westender]

One of my pet hates and see it all the time on Utube, is men operating machinery with long sleeved coats on and the sleeves down. ROLL THEM UP. My old Fitter & Turner during my school years would have a real hizzy fit if any of the students even entered the workshop with long sleeves down.

Never mind short sleeves, check the U-Tube video named in the title box.
Doesn't this qualify for a Darwin(Charles) Award?

Tom

 

[Noitoen]

Never mind short sleeves, check the U-Tube video named in the title box.
Doesn't this qualify for a Darwin(Charles) Award?

Tom

Ok, lesson learned. Next time wear short pants

 

[Rivergypsy]

Just seen the video - definitely Darwin award territory. What a total dumb *$%!

 

[aarggh]

It's bad enough that accidents can happen, for a guy to be that dumb though, amazing! He's lucky someone thought to hit the stop, otherwise I'd hate to think what he would have been left with. cheers, Ian

 

[Rivergypsy]

I won't post pictures, but if anyone's feeling like a wake up call, then Google 'lathe accident' or 'milling machine accident', and go to the images. If anyone can see what machines can do, and then not treat them with the utmost respect...

 

[aarggh]

I think I'll pass Rivergypsy! Over the years I've seen all manner of stupid acts, and terrible accidents. And suffered a few myself along the way! I've learnt you can never be too careful. I've seen guys lose the tips of their fingers on planers, one guy had a docking saw ride up on the timber and took half the hand off. Another time one guy put his hand in a dust cover, pretending to be sucked up the dust chute, not realising there was a 6" x 6" 4 blade side planer head in there! I've never seen so many people go so white, so fast! Scary stuff! At the door company my wife and I worked at, there were some hot shots who routinely thought it hilarious to shoot the nailguns at other staff. Until one got hit pretty bad that is!

cheers, Ian

 

[westender]

Ok, lesson learned. Next time wear short pants

Yes, but with long socks.

Tom

 

[westender]

It's bad enough that accidents can happen, for a guy to be that dumb though, amazing! He's lucky someone thought to hit the stop, otherwise I'd hate to think what he would have been left with. cheers, Ian

I hate to see anyone get hurt, but some folks don't need to reproduce.

Tom