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Bowl explosion

That’s when it happened to me. I’m glad the piece that went flying didn’t hit me since the piece had sharp edges! I’m sure it missed because I had my face guard on. :rolleyes:
 
Kennith Gosnell said:
Turning a pecan bowl and taking one last cut before removing. Put a small dent in my face shield. These are the only parts i have found so far.
Click to expand...

Did you determine if the wood was defective or was there some extra force, perhaps from a small catch?

I might glue together the piece found and display it as a reminder to wear the face shield!

JKJ
 
Smart guy with the face shield. I posted recently about the smashed lip/nose I received from an ash bowl. I don't feel like typing the details again, but I wasn't even making my last cut. I was literally done with sanding the bottom on the Longworth chuck, and took my face shield off for a close inspection just as I moved my right hand to turn it off (but inadvertently rolled my finger across the speed knob (and I had also forgotten to change the belt from high to low!), at which point disaster struck before I could react. I got very lucky with just a busted lip, some bleeding and swelling, and hurt pride, but I learned my lesson: lathe spinning equals face shield in place, even if I'm "done."That mistake could have easily resulted in an ER trip and reconstructive surgery.
 
Suggestion
AI can be a useful source of information to turners
I asked the question what would happen if a bowl 10inch diameter 3 inch thick rpm 1000 came off the lathe
In addition to list of possible injury's and first aid measures the web site provided this information

Please note I am not attempting to promote a site but simply exposing members to a source of information which may be useful


What to do (recommendations)​


  1. Check balance & secure mounting — true the blank, use a good faceplate/spigot, and make sure it’s well centered before any high-speed work. Use tailstock support for roughing when possible.
  2. Use progressive speeds — start slower for roughing (to remove heavy cuts and reduce vibration), raise speed for lighter finishing cuts if desired. For a 10" bowl many turners commonly work in the ~600–1,200 rpm range depending on lathe, mounting, and comfort; 1,200 is toward the upper end for that diameter.
  3. Inspect the blank for checks, cracks, bark inclusions or voids — if present, reduce speed or don’t spin that fast.
  4. Sharp tools & light cuts at higher RPM — reduce cutting engagement; use lighter passes to avoid catches.
  5. Personal protective equipment & safe stance — always face shield, no loose clothing, and stand a bit to the side when starting the motor.
  6. Avoid sanding heavy stock at full speed — it heats the wood and the sandpaper; use moderate speeds for sanding or very light pressure.
  7. If you feel excessive vibration, noise, or looseness — slow down or stop immediately.
 
Last edited:
AI stated
  • When it comes off, it can fly in any direction, often tangentially to the point of release.
  • example 17 inch blank 1 inch thick 1840 rpm (you could use other parameters)
  • That’s roughly the same energy as a .45 caliber handgun round or a sledgehammer swung full-force — but distributed over a large, fast-spinning disk.

    💥 Step 2: Likely effects if it struck a person​

    If that 17-inch piece came off:
    • To the head or chest: almost certainly fatal. The impact could crush the skull, fracture ribs, and cause massive internal injuries.
    • To limbs: severe trauma — shattered bones, deep lacerations, possible amputation.
    • To bystanders several feet away: still dangerous; fragments or the disk itself could travel tens of feet.
  • Wood can also shatter on impact, sending high-speed splinters (like shrapnel).

 
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