How not to use a lathe - or how to loose an arm

[gocsick]

The lathe work in this trumpet restoration video is making me pucker…

https://youtu.be/7mg86LqNrFQ?si=-wLwh_F7PbTtsDsm&t=231

And yes, I know Dan is incredibly talented and does great work… but I 100% would have been fired from any job I had for running a lathe like this. If I or any instructor saw any students in the university machine shop attempting this they would immediately be removed. Off balance workpiece press fit onto a mandrel, then reaching in for hand operations no thanks. Also way too little clearance for sanding on the front side of the bell between the flare and the lathe chuck. NO THANKS, I like my hands.

[MiBrassFS]

You make a very valid point, but…

I think that most people would be surprised to learn the conditions in which those who repair their instruments work. This is an occupation from 100+ years ago. If you want your instruments repaired, sometimes you may have to look the other way and be glad someone is willing to do the work!

I really can’t think of another way to do what Dan’l was doing AND get the same results. A bell with an already bent tail is naturally going to be off balance. You can’t unbend the tail, you can’t cut it off.

[bloke]

[MiBrassFS]

That might be fun… to watch!

[TheBerlinerTuba]

I think the angle of the video and the 2 x speed is contributing to the "dangerous" impression. Dan actually has a lot of space between him and bell
Most of us in germany who make or repair bells would do the same.
And lastly, I've worked with Dan in the past and I can say he is extremely safety conscious.