Polishing Machine

Polishing Machine (Modified Union Lathe)
Model	Adapted from the headstock of a Union Graduate wood lathe
Sub-category	Metalworking
Status	Good working order
Last updated	2 September 2024 08:23:59
Training requirement	no
ACnode	no
Location	Cage
Maintainers	Metalshop team

A polishing/ buffing machine used for cleaning metal surfaces and bringing them to a high polish

Adapted from the headstock of an old union graduate wood lathe

A bag of mops and polishes is located on the back of the machine. Unfortunately none are labelled so trial an error have to be used to find the aggressiveness of each grade of compound. Personally I've found the large red block works well for roughing and the small green one good for fine polishing in brass

An M20 adaptor spindle has recently been made which allows a wire brush to be mounted to the machine, helpful in the initial stages of cleaning and prepping for painting. The polishing spindle can be easily re-inserted by changing the grub screws. Wear gloves and eye protection when using the wire brush as it will shed bristles during use

Risk Assessment - Stationary Grinders

This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Grinding metal with stationary grinders such as bench grinders, belt grinders, linishers, tool & cutter grinders

Signage

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Understanding Risk Rating

LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity

MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended

HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards	Who May be Harmed and How	Severity	Control Measures	Likelihood	Risk Rating
General Power Tool Handing	Users, bystanders	High	Members are competent to carry out work. Tools and cables are visually inspected before use. Damaged tools are withdrawn from service for repair or replacement. All members will wear personal protective equipment as specified for the task. Specified Eye protection must be worn at all times when carrying out this activity.	Medium	Medium
Hot work	Users, bystanders	High	It should be ensured that there is no combustible material in close proximity to the work. Suitable protection should be provided for any combustible items that cannot be moved and for combustible construction such as wooden worktops. A check should be carried out on all of the surrounding areas to minimise the possibility of ignition by heat transfer. Fire extinguishers are provided at the space. Hot work should be stopped a reasonable time before leaving the space. A thorough inspection of the area should be undertaken once the work is complete after completion. Where necessary, a further check should be carried out before leaving the space.	Medium	Medium
Flying debris	Users, bystanders	High	Members are competent to operate the grinder and will wear safety goggles provided when grinding. Where necessary, suitable screens must be positioned to protect others from flying debris.	Medium	Medium
Waste management	Users, bystanders	Medium	Grinding debris will be segregated, where possible, by starting with a clear collection area and clearing on completion. Metal debris will be hot and should be directed into a suitable bin.	Medium	Low
Workpiece movement	Users, bystanders	Medium	The grinder must be suitably positioned at a comfortable working height. It must be secured in place to prevent movement by grinding pressure or vibration	Medium	Low
Noise / Vibration	Users, bystanders	Medium	Members are provided with and wear suitable hearing protection when using the grinder. They will also comply when working in designated hearing protection zones. Minimise the time members are exposed to vibration i.e. members  should take breaks during long jobs.	Medium	Low