07-02-2021, 05:14 PM
Whilst training at college I was assigned to use the Little John lathe in the corner by the workshop supervisor. This had the variable speed control on the top. Needing to use a four chuck instead of the three jaw in place. I turned to the supervisor and asked "How do you remove the chuck" not knowing how to lock the spindle. However as I asked I had run it up to full speed and then straight back to complete stop. The chuck unscrewed itself, bowled along the lathe bed, bounced off the tailstock, and spun off across the workshop. Much to the horror of the other students. Completely calm the supervisor said "Well that's one way!"