Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Guards are often removed by machinists, but if the guards are constructed
from clear materials and open and close easily, they add safety but do not
interfere with the work being done. The guard will, at the same time, also de-
flect swarf and any coolant that is being used.
Guards fitted to the milling machine should not be removed while it is in
use. Unless unavoidable they should not be removed for adjustment and lub-
rication of the milling machine. (Please note that guards are not including in
the photographs in this topic to make for ease of photography.)
Chip guards
Milling machine manufacturers do not usually supply chip guards, so adding
one should be considered. Chip guards with magnetic bases are available,
although they can attract steel swarf to the magnet so put the magnetic base
into a plastic bag to aid swarf removal.
A simple home-made guard for the milling machine can be made from a
piece of plywood or similar. It just needs to be a rectangular shape and simply
rests in the front T-slot. Several home-made guards of different heights to suit
the job should be available. Add a cut-out in the middle of the guard to fit
over the body of the machine vice as necessary. It will protect you from flying
swarf, and from swarf spinning around when you are drilling holes. It takes
seconds to fit and seconds to remove. Please do make some and use them.
