- Joined
- Nov 16, 2012
- Messages
- 5,596
Yes, there are ups & downs to it all. My old Atlas had open belts (as most of the folks lathes on this list) and the gear cover readily exposed gears just by opening the side cover. I couldn't tell you how many old-time lathes I've seen pictured here with the on-off switch mounted on the front of the bench right at waist height -bad accident waiting to happen!
On the lathes we're talking about, the ebrake and panic switch are worthwhile things. The side cover switch... not sure sure about that. Anyone who operates with open gears is taking chances -at the very least something could fall off the top of the gearbox and land in the gears. I always have the side cover on unless I'm changing gears and when that is going on, the wall power switch is off and panic switch engaged.
One of these days, I'd like to make a more convenient side cover for mine. Taking the whole thing off every time you want to change a gear is a pain!
Ray
On the lathes we're talking about, the ebrake and panic switch are worthwhile things. The side cover switch... not sure sure about that. Anyone who operates with open gears is taking chances -at the very least something could fall off the top of the gearbox and land in the gears. I always have the side cover on unless I'm changing gears and when that is going on, the wall power switch is off and panic switch engaged.
One of these days, I'd like to make a more convenient side cover for mine. Taking the whole thing off every time you want to change a gear is a pain!
Ray
Hey mike
I'll have to confess that the very first thing that I done to my lathe before even running or cleaning it was to by pass the cover switch by tying the two wires together. I know that I am going to here it from other safety concerned people lol.
I will have to admit there are some safety switches on some things that are important, most are with kids in mind.I am only speaking of myself and for myself, but to me safety switches are for idiots to help the manufactures against law suits. That's just my two cents and by the way if you feel more comfortable with a safety switch by all means......
I bought a jd riding lawn more a few years ago that was loaded with safety switches,I just could not stand hitting a bump and the motor stalling because the seat bounced up a little and not being able to crank w/o the brake being depressed ect ect...Basically Safety switches have there place on some things and others well that's up to the individual.
JB