It's cold out there.

[Daver]

I'm pretty new to machining, and still learning on my minilathe. Are there any tricks, hazards, or other things I should be aware of working in a cold garage? It's about 6 degrees outside and about 30 in my garage.

 

[pdentrem]

Condensation, frostbite, cold feet. Try to stop airflow from outside to retain as much heat as possible.

But your beverage stays cold!

I currently use a small ceramic heater mounted up near the ceiling pointed at the floor. Heats the machines and me.
Pierre

 

[upTheHill]

this works well, put it under the bench your working at.
http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-HZ-...d=1356297658&sr=8-28&keywords=electric+heater

but like someone else said, heating and cooling will create condensation and start rusting everything

 

[OldMachinist]

Turn the spindle on at low speed and let the headstock warm up a little to get the lubrication warmed and flowing before putting a load on it.

 

[Daver]

Turn the spindle on at low speed and let the headstock warm up a little to get the lubrication warmed and flowing before putting a load on it.

This was more the kind of info I was looking for, thanks!
(Not that I'm not concerned with humidity/rust, but that won't be a problem)
I have a smallish halogen lamp right above my work area and it does a great job of warming my hands when needed!

I also noticed my digital calipers weren 't working quite right, think the batteries will be happier if I take them inside when not being used.

Anyone got any other little tidbits?

 

[pdentrem]

Watch for dimensional errors due to the different temps. Having a couple of rags to handle the cold metal can help keep your hands and fingers stay limber longer.

 

[kd4gij]

DO NOT wear gloves while running the lathe.:nono: Not safe at all.hew: