M30
07-13-2007, 03:46 PM
Hi,
I'm very new to CNC and machining. Recently an opportunity has presented itself to me to utilize a machine shop with a HAAS TM-1 mill, lathe, band saw, drill press, etc. The circumstance is quite unusual, the owner rarely uses the shop anymore and rarely has time to show me how to use the equipment. My day job is completely unrelated so I am basically on my own and in the shop alone after hours.
Since I don't wish to die, I've been reading up on as much safety information as I can before I even touch this equipment. In searching the web, all I can find bits and pieces. In some cases it is simplified as "use common sense". Common sense only works if working with these tools is commonplace for someone - it's not to me.
This safety forum here is a great place to start, but it does not have a well organized or complete list of safety concerns and practices. So, what I would like to try, for the benefit of everyone, is to start a safety thread that concisely lists safety tips.
If there is a fair amount of participation, I will periodically take these tips and compile them in to a Acrobat PDF document. I would like to suggest the following copy-paste template to make that task easier and make the information complete:
Category: <The safety area of concern>
What: <What to do to be safe>
Why: <What could happen if you don't>
Mitigation: <What to do instead or rule of thumb if applicable>
Here are some examples:
Category: Lathes
What: Do not allow unsupported stock to protrude excessively past the headstock.
Why: The centrifugal forces at high RPM can cause the stock to whip causing severe injury or death.
Mitigation: Use a tail stock for lengths more that 2x the diameter of the stock.
(I'm not sure about that 2x rule of thumb, but it's just an example.)
Category: General Safety
What: Do not use compressed air to clear away chips or swarf.
Why: Metal particles can easily be inhaled or enter the eyes of the operator or bystanders. Particles can also be forced between bearing surfaces of machinery causing premature wearing.
Mitigation: Always use a brush or a cloth to remove swarf.
Hopefully this is not too ambitious of a goal... just trying to contribute.
Cheers. :)
I'm very new to CNC and machining. Recently an opportunity has presented itself to me to utilize a machine shop with a HAAS TM-1 mill, lathe, band saw, drill press, etc. The circumstance is quite unusual, the owner rarely uses the shop anymore and rarely has time to show me how to use the equipment. My day job is completely unrelated so I am basically on my own and in the shop alone after hours.
Since I don't wish to die, I've been reading up on as much safety information as I can before I even touch this equipment. In searching the web, all I can find bits and pieces. In some cases it is simplified as "use common sense". Common sense only works if working with these tools is commonplace for someone - it's not to me.
This safety forum here is a great place to start, but it does not have a well organized or complete list of safety concerns and practices. So, what I would like to try, for the benefit of everyone, is to start a safety thread that concisely lists safety tips.
If there is a fair amount of participation, I will periodically take these tips and compile them in to a Acrobat PDF document. I would like to suggest the following copy-paste template to make that task easier and make the information complete:
Category: <The safety area of concern>
What: <What to do to be safe>
Why: <What could happen if you don't>
Mitigation: <What to do instead or rule of thumb if applicable>
Here are some examples:
Category: Lathes
What: Do not allow unsupported stock to protrude excessively past the headstock.
Why: The centrifugal forces at high RPM can cause the stock to whip causing severe injury or death.
Mitigation: Use a tail stock for lengths more that 2x the diameter of the stock.
(I'm not sure about that 2x rule of thumb, but it's just an example.)
Category: General Safety
What: Do not use compressed air to clear away chips or swarf.
Why: Metal particles can easily be inhaled or enter the eyes of the operator or bystanders. Particles can also be forced between bearing surfaces of machinery causing premature wearing.
Mitigation: Always use a brush or a cloth to remove swarf.
Hopefully this is not too ambitious of a goal... just trying to contribute.
Cheers. :)