Using lathe index and forgetting

[William Rogers]

I may be the only one. I use my lathe index quite often and quite often forget to disengage it and hit the start, Squeal. Thought of different way to keep from doing this and finally figured out if I use the index I set the emergency stop. This has already prevented a few squeals.

 

[Bryan Field]

You aren't the only one! I put a sticky on my lathe to check the index lock before I turn the lathe on.

 

[Brian Gustin]

I don't have that problem because I am in the habit of rotating the wood or piece by hand before flipping the switch, to make sure it clears tool rest or anything else so as to not damage the project (or lathe, tool, toolrest, banjo, etc) So naturally if the spindle lock , or index latch, etc, are engaged, I'll be sure to notice anyhow.... (I learned to check clearances when I went to re-adjust a multi axis and turned lathe on with my pinky finger on the tool rest without even thinking about it! Talk about pain! Blackened fingernail fell off after a couple months, almost a year to grow back over the nail pad...)

 

[Bernie Hrytzak]

I may be the only one. I use my lathe index quite often and quite often forget to disengage it and hit the start, Squeal. Thought of different way to keep from doing this and finally figured out if I use the index I set the emergency stop. This has already prevented a few squeals.

Yes, I do that about 3 times a year, so we are refreshing the rubber surface!

 

[robo hippy]

Well, I don't use the index thing, but do use my spindle lock. My AB has it wired so I can't turn it on if the spindle lock is engaged. Not sure if that works also with the index thing.

robo hippy

 

[William Rogers]

@robo hippy I also have the Robust and the index does not lock out the power. I have been making a bunch of those lantern tea lights and I use the drill wizard for the holes with the index locked. I always try and remember to spin the chuck, but forget most times when it is obvious nothing will hit.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I may be the only one. I use my lathe index quite often and quite often forget to disengage it and hit the start, Squeal. Thought of different way to keep from doing this and finally figured out if I use the index I set the emergency stop. This has already prevented a few squeals.

I engage the emergency stop, too. Except when I forget and polish the belt.

 

[John K Jordan]

I don't have that problem because I am in the habit of rotating the wood or piece by hand before flipping the switch, to make sure it clears tool rest or anything else so as to not damage the project (or lathe, tool, toolrest, banjo, etc)

I think this is by far the best habit to get into, for the reasons you mentioned plus some others. (I like to take a last look at the grain orientation and figure, inspect for any recently uncovered defects, and such.)

Some also have the habit of turning the speed down before turning the lathe on (for even other reasons) and then turn the speed up.

JKJ

 

[hughie]

Lol been there often, my belt tension is gravity as the motor is on a swing arm. OK I get a bit of a squeal but no harm done.

 

[John K Jordan]

my belt tension is gravity as the motor is on a swing arm. OK I get a bit of a squeal but no harm done.

I read of some putting too much tension on drive belts of Jet 1642 and wearing out spindle bearings. From Jet: the weight of the motor provides the right tension. I've done this on my Jet and PM lathes for years now.

 

[hughie]

I read of some putting too much tension on drive belts of Jet 1642 and wearing out spindle bearings. From Jet: the weight of the motor provides the right tension. I've done this on my Jet and PM lathes for years now.

I think the tension would have to be darn tight to do in the bearings. But my motor weighs 5-6kgs or maybe more and the gravity arm is around 13-14 inches and likewise its been this way from day one which would be nearly 20 years now.