"Joseph Gwinn" wrote

Why is it necessary to make the guard as tight as possible?

I don't think it's necessary, just desirable to keep the stray coolant from
spraying out from under the cover. I haven't used a guard on a lathe in
decades but think about one when I ponder flood coolant. I'll be adding a
chip/splash shield on the rear of the pan soon. The flood coolant follows
and then I presume the chuck guard. Let us know how it all works out. Post
pics if possible somewhere.
Tom