I've been wondering if any of you use the cage that came with your lathe? Or maybe there is a better aftermarket protective cage available? I've tried the one that came with the Harvey T60-s, but it seems to be right in the way.
-
February 2026 Turning Challenge: Cookie Jar! (click here for details) -
Congratulations to Chad Eames for "Red Tines" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 23, 2026 (click here for details) -
AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
-
Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.
Using a cage
- Thread starter John Hicks
- Start date
My PM3520C came without the cage. The eight PM3520B's we have at the college all have cages, and get used by students and instructors quite a bit for big or out-of-balance pieces. Personally I don't like the cages (for the reason you mentioned), but they have their purpose.
Cages came with the Jet 1642 and PM 3520B I had. I never used them because the only thing they seemed to do well was catch shavings. I put them aside but still had them when I sold the 3520. I still have the 1642 which I much preferred over the 3520, although I no longer use it.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2004
- Messages
- 9,323
- Likes
- 6,129
- Location
- Lakeland, Florida
- Website
- www.hockenberywoodturning.com
None of my lathes have cages. I have demoed and instructed on lathes that come with cages hundreds of times. Only a few had the cages attached and those were being used a shelves or light supports.
So haven’t used one.
I do find that most clubs and symposiums now have shields to protect the audience.
These are often in the way for hollowing bowls. One of my setup procedures is to dry run for the camera person all the various moves I will make during the demo which shows if the handle will hit the shield or the shield will block the best camera angle. Most shields have some adjustments. In any event the dry run let’s us solve the problem without audience participation.
So haven’t used one.
I do find that most clubs and symposiums now have shields to protect the audience.
These are often in the way for hollowing bowls. One of my setup procedures is to dry run for the camera person all the various moves I will make during the demo which shows if the handle will hit the shield or the shield will block the best camera angle. Most shields have some adjustments. In any event the dry run let’s us solve the problem without audience participation.
I have a Jet 1642 and have the cage on. It's main purpose is dust collection. I put a cover on it with my 4" dust hose on the back side and use it for helping keep an airflow pulling stuff toward the back of the cage. It can be in the way sometimes so I might flip it up when turning a large natural edge but try to keep it in place to help with dust and debris collection.
I’ve heard that if you are used to using it, you don’t notice it any more. Have you found that to be the case?
Seems so. I don't really notice it unless like I said it interferes with a natural edge bowl. When I first furn the bottom the bark side facing the headstock can sometimes protrude enough to catch it on the edges. It is handy to see much of the dust from turning or sanding being sucked up into the back of it. Helps me feel better about it being down. If it were just for safety I doubt I would be that diligent to remember.