Safety in the Workshop

Woodturning is a captivating craft, transforming raw timber into beautiful, functional, and artistic
pieces. The hypnotic whirl of a lathe, the satisfying curl of shavings, and the emergence of a new
form are deeply rewarding. However, like any activity involving powerful machinery and rapidly
rotating materials, woodturning carries inherent risks. Prioritising safety is not merely a
recommendation; it’s a fundamental requirement for a long and enjoyable journey in this craft.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Your First Line of Defence
Never approach a running lathe without the appropriate PPE. This is non-negotiable.
•Eye and Face Protection: Woodturning generates dust, chips, and sometimes even larger
projectiles if a piece of wood breaks apart.
•Safety Glasses: These are a minimum, but ideally, you should wear a full-face
shield. A face shield protects your entire face from impact, while safety glasses
only guard your eyes. Ensure they are EN 166 rated for impact resistance. EN 166 is being replaced by a new International standard EN ISO 16321-1:2022 and should apply to new purchases.
•Respiratory Protection: Fine wood dust is a serious health hazard. Prolonged exposure
can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma and even certain cancers.
•Dust Mask or Respirator: A high-quality dust mask (N95 or higher) is essential for
filtering out fine particles. For regular turning, especially with sanding or exotic
woods, a fitted respirator offers superior protection.
•Air Filtration System: A shop air filtration system helps clean the ambient air,
reducing overall dust levels.
•Hearing Protection: Lathes, especially when turning unbalanced pieces or at high speeds,
can generate significant noise.
•Ear Defenders or Ear Plugs: Protect your hearing from long-term damage.
•Appropriate Clothing:
•Avoid Loose Clothing: Baggy sleeves, ties, or dangling jewellery can easily get
caught in the rotating workpiece or lathe components, pulling you in with
dangerous force. Opt for short sleeves or tightly rolled-up long sleeves.
•No Gloves: While counter-intuitive, gloves can be incredibly dangerous if they get
caught in the spinning wood or chuck. Your hand will be pulled in.
•Sturdy Footwear: Protect your feet from dropped tools or falling wood with
closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots.

2. Lathe Setup and Preparation: Laying a Solid Foundation
A stable and properly prepared lathe is crucial for safe operation.
•Secure Mounting: Ensure your lathe is stable, level, and securely fastened to a workbench
or the floor. Added weight can improve stability for larger projects.
•Clean Workspace: Keep the area around your lathe clear of clutter, tools, and shavings. A
clear path reduces tripping hazards and allows for unimpeded movement. Regularly
sweep up shavings, especially those from wet wood or wax, which can make the floor
slippery.
•Tool Rest Position: Always position the tool rest as close as possible to the workpiece
without touching it. This provides maximum support for your turning tool and minimises
the risk of a “catch” where the tool digs in.
•Workpiece Security: Before turning, ensure the wood blank is securely mounted in the
chuck, faceplate, or between centres.
•Hand Rotate: Always hand-rotate the workpiece a full 360 degrees to confirm it
clears the tool rest and any other lathe components before turning on the power.
•Chuck Key Removal: This is a common and incredibly dangerous oversight. Always
remove the chuck key immediately after tightening or loosening the chuck. A
chuck key left in place can become a deadly projectile when the lathe is switched
on.
•Speed Selection: Start at a slow speed, especially with large, unbalanced, or rough blanks.
Gradually increase the speed only after the piece is running smoothly and balanced. If the
lathe vibrates excessively, reduce the speed or re-evaluate the workpiece’s balance.

3. Turning Techniques: Control and Awareness
Your turning technique directly impacts your safety.
•Sharp Tools: Dull tools require more force, increasing the chance of a slip or a “catch.”
Keep your turning tools consistently sharp.
•Firm Grip and Tool Rest Support: Hold your turning tools firmly and always keep them
supported on the tool rest. Leverage the tool rest to control the cutting action.
•Controlled Cuts: Take light, controlled cuts. Trying to remove too much material at once
can lead to catches, tool kickbacks, or the workpiece breaking loose.
•Stay Out of the “Line of Fire”: When starting the lathe or working with an unknown piece
of wood, stand to the side, out of the direct path of any potential projectile.
•Avoid Overreaching: Maintain good balance and footing. Don’t overreach when turning;
reposition yourself and the tool rest as needed.
•Listen to Your Lathe and Wood: Pay attention to unusual sounds or vibrations. These are
often indicators of a problem that needs immediate attention. Stop the lathe to
investigate.
•Never Stop the Lathe with Your Hand: Allow the lathe to come to a complete stop on its
own. Never try to slow or stop a spinning workpiece or chuck with your hand.

4. General Workshop Safety: Beyond the Lathe
Safety in woodturning extends to your overall workshop environment.
•Lighting: Ensure your workshop is well-lit, especially around the lathe, to clearly see your
work and potential hazards.
•Electrical Safety: Inspect power cords for damage. Avoid using extension cords unless
absolutely necessary, and ensure they are appropriately rated.
•Fire Safety: Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible. Wood dust is flammable, and oily
rags from finishing can spontaneously combust. Allow finish-soaked rags to dry flat
outdoors before disposal.
•No Distractions: Woodturning requires your full attention. Avoid distractions, and never
operate machinery when tired or under the influence of substances.
Woodturning offers immense creative satisfaction. By consistently adhering to these safety
guidelines, you can ensure that your time at the lathe remains a productive, enjoyable, and most
importantly, safe experience. Remember, safety is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time
checklist.