I am a little different than most here being a machinist and toolmaker and for over 40 years worked with metal, much of it on lathes of all sizes. I always used safety glasses and sometimes used a face shield but that was very rare, usually only if using a "tool post grinder." When I started very few people ever used a face shield and no one ever heard of some sort of a guard on a lathe. Now after having a wood lathe for about 10 years at home I do things the same way. I guess it is just what you learn and are comfortable with. Jim.