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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Willunga
    Posts
    114

    Default Unexpected danger from an AXA toolpost!

    Hi all,

    I thought the I might share this in the hope that it is something that we might all learn from...

    Recently I was machining a bronze casting for a 7 1/4 model locomotive chimney cap. This is a large hunk of bronze bored to fit over a 63mm stainless chimney and then with most of the outer surfaces compound curves. I spent a long time machining the curves with HSS tools that I ground to form. Doing the job involved a lot of tool changes but as I have an AXA quick change tool holder this presented no particular problem. I made these changes without stopping the spindle, something I have done on many hundreds of occasions.

    On one occasion I released the tool carrier by giving the lever a flick with the palm of my right hand, the locking lever then spun around until it came into contact with the face of the chuck where it was hit by a jaw. This broke the lever off and sent it flying past my left ear. Something that I by no means enjoyed.

    Fortunately there was no major damage and I was able to machine and re-thread the handle to fit.

    I will however keep this well in mind from now on and either stop the lathe or move the carriage away before changing a tool carrier.

    We live and we learn, if we are careful and fortunate.

    Regards

    Ian

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
    Age
    64
    Posts
    4,887

    Default

    Should it be titled unexpected danger from not stopping spindle?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,540

    Default

    Maybe have a look at your set up. I just tried this with my QCTP and the lever goes from around 2:30 through to 7 o'clock when I'm standing in the normal operating position.
    The way you have described it does sound hazardous - maybe install a stop to limit travel?

    Michael

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    South of Adelaide
    Posts
    1,225

    Default

    Never change tools with the spindle running, one slip and you are risking serious injury.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Willunga
    Posts
    114

    Default

    Thanks Michael that is a good suggestion.

    Regards

    Ian

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Bittern, Australia
    Posts
    13

    Default Danger Will Robinson

    I remember in my apprentice days working on a lathe behind the "gun" turner. He replaced the tool post spanner with a piece of high tensile bar welded to a socket with the idea of speeding things up. While doing a tool change he whacked the said bar with the palm of his hand, this swung around and caught in the rapidly spinning 4 jaw chuck. Consequence: The momentum and force tore the whole compound and tool post from the cross slide which then went into orbit over his head and landed behind him on the floor. Luckily no injury except to his pride. This occurred on the afternoon shift and by morning the damage to the torn out bolt circle was brazed up and all put back together.
    The guys nickname was tearar$e! He probably did that!
    Borriss

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Athelstone, SA 5076
    Posts
    4,255

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Should it be titled unexpected danger from not stopping spindle?
    you took the words out of my mouth

    Its been drummed into into us from woodwork and metalwork in grades 6 and 7 to stop rotating devices before adjustments....that rule still applies today

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