Thread: Turning from a wheelchair

Hi there ticklingmedusa, thanks for all that info.

I also find that I rest my left elbow on the bench or head stock for stability.

I have a fan set up to the left of the headstock to blow the dust etc away from the work over the tailstock and out thr door of the shed. Keeps visitors on their toes.

Yes I have bought a top model chair (about $2000) and inflate the tyres to 70psi or what ever the local service station can provide. I have an extra foam cushion on the chair and it is very comfortable.

I use the one chair for everything. From working in the shed and garden to going out shopping etc so it is starting to show a few scratches etc. I just spend time cleaning it up now and then. It does not seem economical to have a work chair and a good chair.

I have a air blower that plugs into the 240v mains and use this to blow all (most) of the dust, chips etc from me and the chair. They still get carted inside the house and this does not go down well with SWMBO.

I use the grinder straight on. It is mounted just above elbow height and on the lefthand wheel is a variable angle sharpening jig.

Thanks again
Macca

Macca I remember an article in Woodturning, July 2006 about Tony Wilson, he demostrates for the Silverdrive Lathe Company and is also confined to a wheel chair. The only email I have is [email protected] Maybe if you got in touch they may be able to get Tony to email you, worth a try.
Darren

Macca, tough situation to be in but good to see yr still enthusiastic about turning. I saw the article previously mentioned and the guy just seemed ot arrange his lathe and tools to suit chair access, not too much trouble and probably better than the one armed turner i saw one time.

Some that may help is the traditional japanese style tuners alwasy turn sitting down. The lathe hangs out over a wooden platform about 3 feet high and they have a kind of seat attached to it.

Its seems just a low bench for the lathes and some sptregilaly placed plywod racks for tools etc might do it..

good luck!

Referring to the message from “cedar n Silk” If you want to contact Vicmarc you can write to:
[email protected] and address the message to GEOFF.
Should you use SKYPE (cheep phone system through computer) you could call them at:
+61732843103.

Another suggestion which has nothing to do with lateral moves. I think you might find some advantage in using gouges, chisels and scrapers with a short handle rather than a standard one. On your lathe the effort developed to hold your irons is such that the lever of the blade is quite sustainable with a shorter handle.

Good turning<O</O

I have been reading this string with some interest, I am a bi-lateral amputee and at the present I do well on prostheses but there may come a time... etc.

About 18 mo ago I had some minor surgery on one of my legs which made me stay off my legs for about 6 weeks. During that time I fabricated a nice Fireplace Mantle for my D-I-L while rolling in an old folding wheelchair, not the fancy gad-a-bouts that many have. Wasn't easy, but what is? I was able to use the TS , BS, Scroll saw, etc. Joiner and Planer from sitting in my chair. Did not attempt the Lathe because it is set up for standing. Inconvenient is as difficult as I can discribe. Sure I got less done and took longer and LOML had to come and fetch for me or heft a part for me. But I got it done and it turned out nicely.

I can invision having to revert to sitting whilst lathe activities fill my time, and for that I will reconstruct the lathe to accomidate the chair allowing full access. The height of the lathe bed as well as access below is the key. Get rid of the notion that lathes have to be weighted down to be able to turn and design a splayed stand that will allow the chair. Make it adjustable as you will need some time to find the comfortable position.

Then look toward the Dentist outfit. Where he has all his tools and goodies on mobile arms that swing from a piviot point and allow you to select the necessary devices without having to wonder about your shop. You could fabricate some similar device.

43 years w/o all my body parts has taught me that these things are not a handicap but rather just bothersome and we must make ammendments to accomidate the things that are in the way.

Originally Posted by bookend

An alternative to the bar could be a small to large pulley arrangement or a built in speed adjuster at the motor that could wind the seat back and forth in a similar way to the way we pull curtains back and forth on their cords. Obviously, a reverse gear would be a must.

I hope this is not too stupid and or expensive.

Graeme, I may have you beat on the stupid part.


From Cliff:
> Like tilting the lathe towards you a bit, why not tilt you towards the lathe a bit?


Along those lines, take a look at www.blueskyhg.com/products.aspx?Prod=3&Manu=8 , specifically, look at the Blue Sky Cocoon (Black with Red/White accents). Yes, these are for hang gliding. These pics are from my instructor's place. He makes these harnesses himself, of course you wouldn't need a parachute pouch in yours. I don't think the prices would be prohibitive, keep in mind that these are used for hanging a mile above the earth. For what you'd be looking for, I'd guess one could be made for about $100.

What I want to add to this discussion is that there are other options rather than a chair. However, at this point I can't see the viability of them. But I do post this for brainstorming purposes. Maybe someone can see this and it will spur other ideas.

Hope this helps.

OT: FWIW, Just because you are in a wheelchair, doesn't mean you can't enjoy hang gliding. They DO have tandem flights that are a blast.

Rance

Hickory, all I can say is 'wow'.

....

Instead of thinking about moving the turner, why not consider moving the lathe?

At least in the case of spindle turning: moving the lathe left and right to mimic moving from one foot to another.

(Well, that's my brain drizzle for the day).

Along those lines, take a look at www.blueskyhg.com/products.aspx?Prod=3&Manu=8 , specifically, look at the Blue Sky Cocoon (Black with Red/White accents). Yes, these are for hang gliding. These pics are from my instructor's place. He makes these harnesses himself, of course you wouldn't need a parachute pouch in yours. I don't think the prices would be prohibitive, keep in mind that these are used for hanging a mile above the earth. For what you'd be looking for, I'd guess one could be made for about $100

Rance,
its interesting that you mention hang gliding. Todays ultralight chairs
have many hardware & other components that are borrowed from that sport. My chair today weighs in at just over 20 pounds. When I started
this game the original was close to 60.
If I had a harness like that I could store more wood up in the rafters .
My brother is a rock climber / hang glider... and has helped me set up numerous cockamammie devices around here.

Hickory,
I've always respected and admired your innovative ability, if I ever make it to your part of the country I sure would like to chat with you.

I use the one chair for everything. From working in the shed and garden to going out shopping etc so it is starting to show a few scratches etc. I just spend time cleaning it up now and then. It does not seem economical to have a work chair and a good chair.

Macca,
I have also been a single chair wheelie for a long time.
A second set of wheels is a good option along with quick release hubs.
My day job is marine aquarium keeping at a public museum .
I often get hosed or splashed with seawater when I move big fish or sharks and
like the song says "rust never sleeps". My frame is titanium but
all the bloody fasteners are steel. I finally splurged and bought a second
ride last fall. I'm saving it for dances and my retirement.
peace,
tm

Hickory, if I ever make it to your part of the country I sure
would like to chat with you.
tm

John, if you ever make it to his part of the country, you'd better plan one of your stops for here. <!-- / message -->

John, if you ever make it to his part of the country, you'd better plan one of your stops for here.

Youre already programed into my mapquest.com routefinder Al.
tm




<!-- / message --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Theres a volunteer group in Vic called TADVIC who make technical aids for people with disabilities.

I expect there would be a similar group in each state.

Sorry but I don't have any contact details but I expect most Occupational Therapists should have contact details

Just did a google and found the TADVIC website
http://www.tadvic.asn.au/

Here's a link page to the various TAD groups around Australia.

http://www.technicalaidact.org.au/LinksToOtherTADS.htm

Although this set up for me is used for pen turning a look at your set up tells me your lathe bed is similar to mine.I bored a hole thru the bench and fitted an adjustable tube and vacuum cleaner fitting to now an Aldi bagless vac under.From the seat which is the raised typing type with a back it is comfy for me,I welded the frame and all to suit me.This removes my dust problem. Peter

great idea,
tm