1. The speed of the lathe is particularly important because wood materials can actually blow apart due to running too fast. Always have the teacher set the speed for the project.

2. When setting up a turning in the lathe, make sure the wood is solidly mounted and all locks are secure. Many lathe accidents result when wood jumps off the machine.

3. Inspect the stock for bad glue joints, loose knots, or severe checks. Any of these defects could cause an accident.

4. Keep the tool rest close to the work at all times – 1/8 inch (5mm) is ideal. As you turn the project and the gap between the wood and the tool rest increases, so does the chance of the chisel catching. Adjust the position of the tool rest as needed (and only when the lathe is off).

5. Rotate the stock by hand before turning on the lathe. This will let you know if anything is going to bump when you turn on the power.

6. Hold the chisel close to each end, not in the middle. Your front hand should control the cut by riding against the tool rest. Your backhand should steady the chisel by holding the handle next to your body/hip.

7. Remove the tool rest from the lathe when sanding or finishing your project so there is no danger of pinching your fingers.

8. Use a wood block wrapped with sandpaper when sanding pen blanks. Move the sandpaper back and forth mindful not to load the sandpaper.

9. Use the smallest scrap of material possible when applying polish to the pen blanks. Excess material could get caught in the headpiece of the lathe and cause the lathe to break. Ask your teacher if you’re unsure of the size. If material does get caught in the lathe, turn the lathe off immediately and notify the teacher.

10. Put all scraps of material with polis on it in a covered metal container.

11. Clean up and woodturnings or other materials around the lathe. Remember all cloths with polish go into a covered metal waste can.