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...)