Lathe location

[RogerS]

In this thread I've raised the question, as part of my workshop tour, of where to site my lathe. Any suggestions are very, very welcome.

 

[Russell]

Location depend on type of lathe and type of turning. If you doing large hollow forms you need space around the head stock for tool swing. Long hole boring requires access of 3 feet from the tail stock to get a long hole auger in. Out board turning ( non swivell head) will require access around the end of the head stock. In reality location is always a compromise unless you just have a turning workshop only.

 

[joekid]

is it possible to drill/auger hole through 15 inch spindles,

 

[PowerTool]

is it possible to drill/auger hole through 15 inch spindles,

Yes - just looked in the Axminster catalogue;the two they do are 800mm (600mm working) and 900 mm - 15" is only 375mm,so well within scope

Andrew

 

[RogerS]

Still can't make up my mind where to position it. By the window? By the wall? On a standalone bench? Bolted to the wall? Made from concrete blocks?

I don't mind admitting that I am starting out on this very vertical slope.

 

[Russell]

By a window is good for natural light but make sure its toughened glass you never know things can fly off. What is important is that the lathe is on a solid vibration eliminating stand. If you are using wood put metal plates under the lathe where its contacts the wood. After time the wood will bruise and movement can start at these points. For my self I prefer free standing and not connected to a wall to allow the lathe to be moved when necessary. However using a wall gives extra rigidity which may be needed. I have a swivel head nova DVR and need to allow good access around the head stoke so a arc around the lathe of about 4 foot of space when turning is required to be comfortable.

Hope this helps

 

[ike]

Would a moveable wire mesh screen be useful positioned in the line of the workpiece (maybe mounted off back of lathe bench?)?.

Doesn't have to be full height/width of the window. Toughened glass looks a much pricier option for those windows.

You could build a nice sturdy 'A' frame bench stand and add a sandbox underneath for extra vibration damping. Advantage of being solid but still moveable if you fit some of those foot operated castors?.

Helluva nice looking lathe BTW - (I clocked it when at Trev's)

cheers,

ike

 

[Losos]

Hi Roger,

I'm roughly on the same part of the slope as you also

To get going I choose to put my lathe next to a wall. I made a substantial, albeit rough, A frame based stand with some 18mm MDF on top and mounted the lathe on that. (Mine is a very cheap & cheerful clone from far east intended as a beginners bench top model)

It could be moved in future if necessary, meanwhile the wall makes a good place for shadow board with tools and task lighting.

Am I correct in thinking you have one side almost all windows? I like the 'full height' idea, I couldn't do that in my barn, nor could I have windows anywhere except on one side.

FWIW I would go for the position by the window, don't build a brick stand, I found the A frame stand is OK for now (Yes, in a few years it may start to vibrate a bit, but you'll likely have another, better, location worked out by then

Edited for spelling errors

 

[PowerTool]

Tricky one - next to a window would be good for light;next to a wall is good for tool hanging.Of course,you could make a wheeled trolley for portable tool storage,and have the lathe in the middle :wink:
Mine's bench-mounted,next to a wall - after two or three re-organizations,I now have the grinder next to the lathe,chisels wall-mounted,and all abrasives/finishes in the cupboard under the bench.
Everything I need is within arms length,and with good lighting I prefer this layout to having a window.

But it's a personal thing - wherever you choose,you will find something that needs changing when you start using it all

Andrew