What height to mount a lathe?

[Briangoldcoast]

Hi again everyone,
To sketch up the stand for the new AL250g (10 x 20) I need to decide on a working height.
The centreline of the tailstock/chuck is 300mm above the baseplate.
I remember reading somewhere there is a method of calculating a good working height that relates to your height but I can't recall the details.
I'm 180cms so is there a way to calculate the height to the tailstock/chuck centre from the floor?
Thanks again in advance for your help.

Question 2 while I'm at it.
I guess I will need a test dial indicator. I have seen some for as little as $30 with a reputed accuracy of .005mm although I'm literal enough to wonder what that means exactly.
I would appreciate some advice on what to buy and where to get it please.
I can't see me using it a lot once I have everything shipshape, but that may be my naivety
regards Brian

[nearnexus]

Hi again everyone,
To sketch up the stand for the new AL250g (10 x 20) I need to decide on a working height.



Everyone is different, plus you have to allow for the depth of the lathe.

The basic rule I've always gone by is that the lathe cross slide shaft should be level with your elbow.

So measure floor to elbow height, subtract the shaft to lathe base distance, and that should be right.

For me (6'1") it's about 1 metre height for my Chinese lathe base.

Rob

[Stustoys]

Hi Brain,

For question 2 you might want to have a read of this.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/dial-test-indicator-comparison-172347/
I think that pretty much covers both sides.

Stuart

[rodweb]

I've just made a lathe stand for my AL320G. I just checked for you. I am 178 cm high and the top of the compound is 116 cm from the floor. I did post some pics of it on the projects thread but the build is fully described here

Rod's Lathe stand project (http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,8628.0.html)

Might give you some ideas.

i think there is a bit of latitude in work heights. I kept it close to the height of the H&F stand but as I added adjustable feet so it is set up a bit higher than the original now but I was going to drop it a bit to shorten the screw out legs for more rigidity (not that it is a problem now).

As far as dial indicators go, I started with the H&F cheap kit with the stand and then purchased a better one from H&F for about $70 on special. It is so much nicer than the cheapie. You have plenty to spend you money on so I would suggest you spend around $70-$100 on one excluding the stand.

I later purchased a Chinese lever dial test indicator from eBay (YSTool) which was pretty cheap but it is quite adequate. I think on my next order from CTC Tools, I will get a more accurate DTI good for 0.002mm

I'm on the south side of Brissy so not that far from the Goldy. If you want to come and look at my stand, send me a PM.

[Briangoldcoast]

Thanks nearnexus and stutoys and rodweb for your useful help.I will go and measure again and do some height calculations.
After reading the thread on dial indicators stutoys, I certainly realise that they are more a can of worms than asking which car manufacturer makes the best car. But seriously I am wiser now thank you.
Great pic thread rodweb, and i will send you a PM and see if I can fit into your work times. I may need to go to Brisbane on Monday.
warm regards to you all
Brian

[j.ashburn]

Good morning gents,was an acceptable for the lathe x slide be at the same height as the top of your vice with your elbow resting on the vice.Ergonomically is the acceptable norm.Some shops have the bench or vice close by for convenience or clutter.,so is an ease of movement with out re adjusting your stance,like the indoor industrialist who should have her 2 pace work triangle in her rightful place.:D Sheds are for boys.