Bench size for wood turning lathe

[OldWood]

I've recently obtained an ML7 in basic good condition but in need of some TLC.

It is not mounted on a bench - can someone give some idea of the dimensions of a suitable bench. I've got a piece of old 11 X 3 " pine I was thinking of using as the top.

Cheers
Rob

 

[twister]

Hi Rob,
not sure about the bench size, but if yu're giving it some TLC you may find this link usefull http://www.lathes.co.uk/myford-ml7/

Twister

 

[docusk]

I'd say the bed needs to be wider than that, thickness is fine. Most important thing is to have strong supports (legs) and not too far apart.
Width would be crusial if you have a lathe that requires complete rotation of the headstock incl motor to do big bowls, like the Record models.
I ran a topic last month when my new lathe had vibration problems.
Do a search for my name and you'll find superb advice from a selection of people, all very useful.

docusk

 

[Wanlock Dod]

Rob,

I recently made a bench for a Record DML, I made the top and a lower shelf a bit like torsion boxes (around 5 inches thick) and filled the voids with sand. This seems to be working well, although if you've already got a big bit of timber it would seem sensible to use it.

Cheers,

Dod