Thread: Mounting one's lathe

Hi Big fish

I do not think there is a magic formula for the hight but it is a case of what is comfortable for you. I had a work bench already so was a matter of mounting the lathe and then make adjustments from their if it felt to low add some spacers under the lathe if it was to high make a platform to stand on I used a piece of rubber matting witch added hight and comfort for long turning sessions.

If I was going to build a bench I would go to as many lathes on benches as I could and measure them and go from there .

Good luck let us know how you go.

I was watching the Mike Darlow DVD and he suggests the center of the lathe is just above elbow height for comfortable turning. I'd probably look at attaching the bench to the workshop floor to reduce vibration also. Everyone says heavier is better - all about reducing vibration.

G'day Alan,

What ever size/height you make it (the bench) try to leave a LARGE gap under the bed so your shavings fall to the ground .... maybe not such a big deal with your midi ... but makes cleaning MUCH easier.

Originally Posted by dhurrang

G'day Alan,

What ever size/height you make it (the bench) try to leave a LARGE gap under the bed so your shavings fall to the ground .... maybe not such a big deal with your midi ... but makes cleaning MUCH easier.

If you find that raising that bit extra for the shavings is to much you can do as I have seen, is drill holes through the bench and then you can place rubbish bins under the holes. But just do not make the holes to big that they will weaken your bench.

It has been covered before, I'll find the threads.

Generally about elbow height but some like it higher & some like it lower.
I have mine about 100mm (4") about the elbow 'cos I find it easier to see what I'm doing.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

'cos I find it easier to see what I'm doing.

Does that mean you are a blind ol' B like me?

Thanks for the response so far.

Another question... How many of you work seated at the lathe?

Some threads worth reading.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/lathe-height-75114

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/lathe-ergonomics-73988

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/vl300-lathe-height-adjustment-41108

And a couple more.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/lathe-ergonomics-operating-height-65373

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/height-lathe-64635

Originally Posted by bigfish

Does that mean you are a blind ol' B like me?

I am now using +1.5 readers built into my safety glasses.

Originally Posted by bigfish

....Another question... How many of you work seated at the lathe?

D'oh! I just closed the search window.

There are a few people who turn sitting down & we also have a few wheelies on here who turn as well.

I'll go back to that search window.

Here is the post for the wheelies.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/wheelchair-49888

If you are having trouble seeing, have a look at this thread too.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/light-lathe-42709

This might give you some ideas

My Mini Lathe Bench

Hi Alan...

Guess your anxious to get that lathe up & running!

The stands the other guys have suggested are great, but not very portable if you ever want to do a demo somewhere else other than in your shop.

This is the cabinet that i came up with for the Carba-Tec mini. Made from Maple, it has storage below for tools, accesories, first-aid kit (sorely needed by me!!), and has a 2x4 attached under the bottom so that it can be clamped into the "Workmate". So, if portability is a factor, something like this just might fit the bill.

Good luck with your turning & post some pics of that first project from the Midi

Cheers,

Ed

Great list of links, Cliff. Thanks.

Ed, use of the WorkMate like that is also handy for small benchtop tools that don't need or deserve dedicated supports because of infrequent use; especially in crowded shops (aka sliding-block puzzles). e.g. Belt Sander, Small Jointer, maybe even a Router Table (pending).

Cheers,
Joe