Playing with my lathe!!!

[Gerald]

When you set the wood in the lathe, turn the wood by hand to make very sure it does not hit the tool rest. Then "bumb" the on switch to test how it turns. And.....stand to the side when you do this to keep out of the way incase something bad happens.

Keep your tool rest close to the spinning wood, if the wood is more than a 1/2 inch from the rest, stop and adjust. Start out using a small width tool to make the first "ruff" cuts to get close to round. Always keep your tools very sharp. Dull tools are dangerous. Hold the tools firmly...one hand on the tool rest and the other on the handle. Keep your tools pointing slightly upward and just above the center line.

Always be sure the lathe is set to the lowest speed to start with. Good lighting is a must.

Enjoy your wooded working, but always be safe.