Great Falls machinist injured in lathe accident

[JustBen]

Saw this in my suggested videos and thought of this sub forum. Even a 40 year veteran machinist can make mistakes. Jacket got caught in the lathe and it sounds like he was alone in the shop. They mention he held his body back from being pulled in further for 20 minutes but it got his arm pretty good.

 

[coolidge]

Scary. I NEVER wear clothing that could get tangled in a machine, really bad idea.

 

[mmcmdl]

He's lucky to be alive , my ex-coworker is not .

 

[GeneT45]

He's lucky to be alive , my ex-coworker is not .

Indeed. I can't believe they got the part about "until the motor gave out" right. My lathe (smaller than the one shown) is 7HP and it's not giving out over anything as puny as flesh and blood... When I first got it - and again when I got my shaper - I stood before each machine and mentally noted "Gene, if any part of you gets in the way of this thing, it's never even going to notice." It's a sobering thought worth revisiting periodically. He's definitely fortunate to have survived.

GsT

 

[Winegrower]

Really sad. I need some of those stickers that say something like "This machine can cut through aluminum, steel, flesh and bone. It doesn't care which."

 

[markba633csi]

It doesn't even have to be a powered machine per se- I stopped for a moment when changing my plugs and wires the other day to consider my Cherokee hood and what it would do if it fell on my hand- sobering thought
I was extra careful that day...

 

[GeneT45]

It doesn't even have to be a powered machine per se- I stopped for a moment when changing my plugs and wires the other day to consider my Cherokee hood and what it would do if it fell on my hand- sobering thought
I was extra careful that day...

A former co-worker, who was also a former mechanic (and a smart guy, not some ignoramus) was working on his jeep one evening, when in a moment of carelessness his ability to count was reduced to 8. It's doesn't just happen to dummies...

GsT

 

[markba633csi]

Ouch. One would hope they were clean cuts and the digits could be re-attached

What's the story with the lathe accident? Did the motor finally overheat and stop? Or was he able to reach the stop switch?
Not real clear on that part

Methinks multiple E-stops might be a good idea
Need a sound operated shut-off that listens for the sound of screaming (or bones breaking)

 

[Martin W]

I feel bad for him. Been working in the trade for 40 years. Hope he can recover.

 

[61zmoguy]

From the news report he was working alone. He managed to get the lathe stopped and held it for 20 minutes before the motor quit. I'm thinking the belt was slipping Once it stopped he got unwound from the lathe and called for help. I have been watching the local news for updates.