Ignoramus6767 writes:

My question is, is it dangerous to do what I tried to do.

If you keep the chips/swarf picked up and away from the work, and are
prepared for the current chip to ignite, then go ahead.

What you don't want is a pile of wooly swarf catching a spark. Wheeee!

My old boss used to keep a drip pan full of old cooking oil or motor
oil under the lathe when doing this... the oil would exclude any air
and prevent a flash...then if the main piece ignited he didnt have to
worry about the shavings