MasterCraft 055-4504-8 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

MINI WOOD LATHE

IMPORTANT:

Please read this manual carefully before running this mini
wood lathe and save it for reference.

model no. 055-4504-8

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions. Read all
instructions and follow them when using this product.

NOTE:

If any parts are missing or damaged, or if you have any questions, please call our
toll-free helpline at 1-800-689-9928

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Quick Start Guide

Specifications

Safety Guidelines

Know Your Mini Wood Lathe

Assembly Instructions

Operating Instructions

Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Exploded View

Parts List

Warranty

4

5

6-10

11-13

14-18

19-20

21

22

23

24-25

26

• After the lathe is started, turning the knob
clockwise will increase spindle speed (to
the maximum RPM). Turning the knob
counter-clockwise will decrease spindle
speed (to the minimum RPM).

• Adjust the knob until the desired workpiece
rotation speed is reached.
see page 19

• When installing the faceplate (1), thread it onto
the end of the headstock spindle and hand
tighten.

• Place the wrench (2) over the flats on the
faceplate.

• Insert the tip of the push-out rod (3) into one
of the slots in the side of the headstock
spindle.
see page 17

1

model no. 055-4504-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor

Speeds

Switch

Distance between centres

Swing-over bed

Drive spindle

Drive spindle through hole

Tailstock spindle through hole

Tailstock spindle travel

Headstock spur

Tailstock centre

Overall dimensions

Weight

120 V AC, 60 Hz, 3 A, 1/3 HP

500-3500 RPM

Removable key type

12" (30 cm)

8" (20 cm)

1" (2.5 cm) 8 TPI thread

3/8" (10 mm)

3/8" (10 mm)

1 1/2" (4 cm)

Spur centre, Morse #1 taper

Ball bearing cap centres, Morse #1 taper

30 5/8 x 4 13/16 x 13 1/2" (77.8 x 12.2 x 34.3 cm)

43 lb (19.6 kg)

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SPECIFICATIONS

4

QUICK START GUIDE

2

1

2

3

1

3
2

4

WARNING!

To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, do not plug in the mini
wood lathe until you have read and understood the following rules.

DANGER!

Potential hazard that will result in serious injury or loss of life.

WARNING!

Potential hazard that could result in serious injury or loss of life.

CAUTION!

Potential hazard that may result in moderate injury or damage to equipment.

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7

SAFETY GUIDELINES

6

SAFETY GUIDELINES

SAFETY GUIDELINES

This manual contains information that relates to PROTECTING PERSONAL SAFETY and PREVENTING
EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. It is very important to read this manual carefully and understand it thoroughly before
using the product. The symbols listed below are used to indicate this information.

Note: The word “Note” is used to inform the reader of something the operator needs to know about the tool.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

These precautions are intended for the personal safety of the operator and others working with the operator.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in a permanent loss of vision, serious personal or even fatal
injury, property damage and/or tool damage. Please take time to read and understand them.
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert, and knowing how your mini wood lathe works.

• READ and become familiar with this entire instruction manual. Learn the tool’s applications, limitations,
and possible hazards.

• AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. DO NOT use power tools in wet or damp areas, and DO NOT expose
them to rain. Keep work areas well lit.

• DO NOT use power tools in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.

• ALWAYS keep your work area clean, uncluttered and well lit. DO NOT work on floor surfaces that are

slippery with sawdust or wax.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM the work area, especially when the tool is operating.
NEVER allow children or pets near the tool.

• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL to do a job that it was not designed to do.

• DRESS FOR SAFETY. DO NOT wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewellery (rings, watches) when

operating the tool. Inappropriate clothing and items can get caught in moving parts and pull you in.
ALWAYS wear non-slip footwear, and tie back long hair.

• WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK. The lathe operation produces dust.

• ALWAYS remove the power cord plug from the electric outlet when making adjustments, changing parts,

cleaning, or working on the tool.

• KEEP GUARDS IN PALCE AND IN WORKING ORDER.

• AVOID ACCIDENTAL START-UPS. Make sure the power switch is in the Off position before plugging in the

power cord.

• REMOVE ADJUSTMENT TOOLS. ALWAYS MAKE SURE all adjustment tools are removed from the lathe
before turning it on.

• NEVER LEAVE A RUNNING TOOL UNATTENDED. Turn the power switch to the Off position. DO NOT leave
the tool until it has come to a complete stop.

• NEVER STAND ON THE TOOL. Serious injury could result if the tool tips or is accidentally hit. DO NOT store
anything above or near the tool.

• DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil-resistant, rubber-soled
footwear. Keep floor clear of oil, scraps, and other debris.

• MIANTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean and in good working order. Follow instructions
for lubricating and changing accessories.

• CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check for alignment of moving parts, jamming, breakage or any other
conditions that may affect the tool’s operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced before use.

• MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF. Use padlocks and master switches, and ALWAYS remove the starter
keys.

• DO NOT operate tool if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication that could affect your
ability to use the tool properly.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR THE MINI WOOD LATHE

• DO not operate the lathe until it is completely assembled and installed according to the instructions.

• FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, read the entire instruction manual before operating the lathe.

• ALWAYS WEAR eye protection.

• DO NOT wear gloves, necktie or loose clothing.

• TIGHTEN all locks before operating.

• DO NOT mount a split workpiece.

• USE the lowest speed when starting a new workpiece.

• READ the warning label attached to the lathe.

• WHEN TURNING A WORKPIECE, always rough the wood to round form at slow speed. If the lathe vibrates

when running, there is a risk that the workpiece will be thrown or the tool jerked from your hands.

• ALWAYS ROTATE the workpiece by hand before turning on the motor. If the workpiece strikes the tool
rest, it could split and be thrown out of the lathe.

• DO NOT allow the turning tools to bite into the wood. The wood could split or be thrown from the lathe.

• ALWAYS POSITION the tool rest above the centreline of the lathe when shaping a piece of stock.

• DO NOT operate the lathe if it is rotating in the wrong direction. The workpiece must always be rotating

toward you.

WARNING!

• Use the proper extension cord. Make sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry

the current required by the tool. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
loss of power and overheating of the tool.

• Use the extension cord only for intended purpose. Do not pull the extension cord to remove it

from the power socket.

CAUTION!

In all cases, verify that the outlet in question is properly grounded. if you are not sure, have a
licensed electrician check the outlet.

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9

SAFETY GUIDELINES

8

SAFETY GUIDELINES

• BEFORE ATTACHING a workpiece to the faceplate, always rough it out to make it as rough as possible.
This minimizes vibrations while the piece is being turned. Always fasten the workpiece securely to the
faceplate. Failure to do so could result in the workpiece being thrown from the lathe.

• POSITION your hands so that they will not slip onto the workpiece.

• REMOVE all loose knots in the stock before mounting it between the centres or on the faceplate.

• DO NOT LEAVE A RUNNING LATHE UNATTENDED. Leave the work area only after the motor has come to

a full stop.

• HANG your turning tools on the wall beyond the tailstock end of the lathe. Do not lay them on the bench
so that you must reach over the revolving workpiece to select them.

• KEEP A FIRM HOLD and remain in control of the cutting tool at all times. Take special precautions when
shaping a section of stock in which knots or voids are found.

• COMPLETE the hand-sanding of all workpieces before removing them from the lathe.

USE SAFETY GOGGLES AND EAR PROTECTION:

ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION THAT CONFORMS WITH CUL REQUIREMENTS. FLYING
DEBRIS can cause permanent eye damage.

The tool is loud and the sound can cause hearing damage. Always wear ear protection to help
prevent hearing damage and loss. Failure to comply may result in moderate injury.

USE DUST MASK:

Some dust created by sawing contains chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals come from lead-based paints,
crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products, arsenic and chromium from
chemically treated lumber. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated
area with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS:

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current
to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.

Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor
can result in a risk of electric shock. The conductor with
a green outer surface, with or without yellow stripes, is the
equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement
of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the
equipment-grounding conductor to a live terminal.

Check with a qualified electrician or service technician if
the grounding instructions are not completely understood,
or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.
Use only three-wire extension cords that have three-prong
grounding plugs and three-pole receptacles that accept the
tool's plug, as shown in Fig. 1. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS:

• Make sure the extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
that is heavy enough to carry the current that your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a
drop in line voltage, which will result in loss of power and overheating. The table on the next page shows
the correct size to be used according to cord length and nameplate ampere rating. When in doubt, use
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

• Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord, or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it. Protect your extension cords from
sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

• Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must consist of not less than #12 wire with a
20 A time-delayed fuse or a #14 wire with a 15 A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the
power line, make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the
current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

Fig. 1

Three-prong plug

Grounding prong

Properly grounded outlet