Lathe chuck shield project

[ksierens]

Just finished a shield for my Craftsman 101.21200 (mk2) lathe and wanted to share. It was the first time I bent any Plexiglas, but it was really easy. Just made a form out of 3 2x8's and headed it up to 350 for about 5 minutes. I also bent up a smaller one for a shield on my mill. I made the bracket so it resembled the carriage stop, and made it so that the shield could be removed by just pulling out the pin. I also realized that I could use it as an indicator mount, so I added a 1/4"x20 threaded hole on the top of the bracket. The smaller shield can also be clamped to the lathe shield to extend the coverage. When I was figuring out what size to make it, I made it so it would also fit around the spindle of my Benchmaster mill, but when I added the side piece, I realize it would not work on the mill. Well I guess that means I will have another project to make one for the mill too!

 

[Charley Davidson]

Very nice project, one I'll do when I get back to my shop

 

[Dan_S]

ksierens,

That thing looks beautiful, you did an excellent job on the Plexy/Lexan bending. If you want even more protection, you might want to make a traveling shield like this one of mine. It helps protect you from chips when you get away from the head stock (turning long shafts).

http://www.dans-hobbies.com/2009/01/22/lathe-chip-shield/
http://www.dans-hobbies.com/2009/01/24/finished-lathe-chip-shield/

 

[ksierens]

Great idea, and great looking project! One problem is my tool post is aluminum, but I am sure I can come up with something