Fire Extinguishers

[Tony Zinzola]

Just reminding those of you that don't have anything to make sure you get some fire extinguishers in your shop. I nearly had a fire today.

I had been turning shafts for about 4 hours while doing other things. I looked over and there was smoke pouring out of my lathe. I couldn't tell if it was the motor or the switch at first, but I got it narrowed down to the switch going on me.

Seems like every weekend, it's something else that sets me back a few days. Plenty of places to shop around here, but I don't know where I can get a switch tomorrow. Will have to order one from Graingers most likely. Everything they had at home depot and lowes were too small.

I guess I need another lathe or three when I get back from Japan. I don't know where I"ll put them. Maybe my wife will let me replace the dining room table with a couple. Could always lay a piece of plywood over the top of them when we want to eat.

 

[JoeyInCali]

Thnx for the reminder Tony.
Glad nothing major happened.
My woods cost more than my car.lol

 

[joe c]

Tony I got a switch in Nashua at the eletrical warehouse supply store off of lake street.check the yellow pages for some places near you. glad to hear everything is ok the same thing happened to my machine last year.
Joe

 

[Cue Crazy]

Just reminding those of you that don't have anything to make sure you get some fire extinguishers in your shop. I nearly had a fire today.

I had been turning shafts for about 4 hours while doing other things. I looked over and there was smoke pouring out of my lathe. I couldn't tell if it was the motor or the switch at first, but I got it narrowed down to the switch going on me.

Seems like every weekend, it's something else that sets me back a few days. Plenty of places to shop around here, but I don't know where I can get a switch tomorrow. Will have to order one from Graingers most likely. Everything they had at home depot and lowes were too small.

I guess I need another lathe or three when I get back from Japan. I don't know where I"ll put them. Maybe my wife will let me replace the dining room table with a couple. Could always lay a piece of plywood over the top of them when we want to eat.

Yeah It's strange how easily a fire can start sometimes too. Not always what you expect. I remember one time, I was cutting something, and apparently I was using a dull bit, or doing something wrong, and It got really hot or was kicking sparks off. Down on the oak base board of My deluxe were some wood chips that had accumulated, and they started to catch of fire pretty quickly before I put It out. I have a couple of small burn marks on that oak base now as a reminder. When You consider all the flamable stuff in a shop, even a small, somewhat, mild fire could quickly turn into a really bad situation.

Hey Tony, run a search on the part # of your switch if It's marked. You never know, sometimes the surpluss places have switches really cheap. May save a few bucks if you luck up By chance.


I feel Your pain on the space, I'm in the same situation. My dining room was taken up a long time ago. It now houses 2 computers, a shelf, file cabinet, and other things like that. My table saw, and a compressor are also stored in here. No room in the shop, and I have an extra room for storage, although I've maxed It out already. I'm about to get another lathe for tipping HC's, and don't know where I'm gonna put It. I have 2 or 3 wood lathes stored that would make good cleaners, but no room to set those up. Not to mention the other tools I have stored that I have to drag out each time I need to use them. Can't wait till I have the space to set everything up in one room.


Greg

Edit, Just a thought I had, but you could look in the yellow pages for electric motor suppliers or someone that rebuilds them. They may be able to supply You with a switch that will work, or send you in the right direction if not. Also someone in the HVAC bussiness may have a source closer to home.
If You were really pressed for time, and desperate to find one locally, then calling any place that might deal with motors in there line of work could provide a closer source to purchase them. ofcoarse there's always a chance they would have to order It also.