Which statement is NOT considered a safe practice when operating a vertical milling machine?

Climb milling on a mill without backlash control is considered unsafe because it can lead to unintended movement of the workpiece. In climb milling, the cutter engages the workpiece at the top and moves downward, pulling the material into the cutter. If there is backlash in the machine's feed mechanism, the cutter can dig in and create a dangerous situation, potentially causing the machine to jerk or the workpiece to shift unexpectedly. This can lead to accidents, including injuries to the operator or damage to the machine and workpiece. Hence, it is crucial to only perform climb milling on machines specifically equipped with backlash control to ensure stability and safety during operation.

In contrast, safe practices such as using a brush to clear away chips, stopping the machine before taking measurements, and never reaching over a revolving cutter are all standard safety protocols meant to protect the operator and maintain a safe working environment. These practices prevent accidents and ensure that operators can work efficiently without compromising their safety.