Sharp Swarf

[SmikeParticipant @smike]

Whenever I use my milling machine I end up with lots of needle like mild steel swarf that usually ends up sticking in a finger when I clean the table etc.

Does anyone have any tips on cleaning machines that would reduce this problem? I think I’ve heard of thin plastic like gloves that cannot be punctured by swarf etc?

Cheers, Mike. 

[SmikeParticipant @smike]

Needle like Steel Swarf

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I just brush my machines down with a 1″ paintbrush so your hands don’t come into contact with teh swarf. Still get the odd metal splinter when handling the work though.

 

Keep the brush just for that job and normal dustpan type brush for the bench/floor as its likely to pick up dust from Emery cloth etc.

 

Jason

Edited By JasonB on 09/10/2010 10:25:11

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

I clean my machines with a small tub type vacuum cleaner, it can only be used for this because every thing gets oily in the end. Still get splinters. Definately keep your hands away if you can.

 

Once saw the hands of a female industrial driller who used to sweep the brass drillings away with the side of her hands, (before elf and safety), they were a wet mess, all brassy in colour

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

The magnet in a bag trick helps to grab small ferrous swarf which escapes the brush.  Just turn the bag inside out to remove the swarf neatly trapped ready for disposal.  If its a strong magnet you need a strong bag, cling film will do for small weakish ones.

 

Brass is the worst as it seems to have self injecting properties enabling it to crawl under your skin.

 

Clive 

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Hi Mike

I have one of these :- http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-workshop-magnet-prod20901/

which works very well. However Clive’s version offers a cheap and tidy solution!

 Regards

 Norman

[Author]

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