Lathe stand

[Staffan Hamala]

I bought a used lathe this weekend, and plan to build a better stand for it.

My first thought was to build a saw bench type stand, with angled legs, like this:
Saw-Bench-Finished-300x225.jpg

The angled legs should stabilize the lathe. I don't believe you need to make it that heavy if you make the legs angled. I'm thinking of adding a shelf below (like on the saw bench picture), and maybe a few drawers.

After some seaching on google, I found this stand:

drawer29.jpg

Found on this URL:
http://www.owdman.co.uk/howto/howto2.htm

The author writes: "I would highly recommend this design for a lathe as it is very solid and stable. It also gives plenty of foot room".

That's what I think as well.

Have anyone else built a stand like this?


Edit: I found this stand built using similar ideas:
http:// forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?13138-Lathe-Stand&p=97934#post97934

[Michelle Rich]

I think the flaired legs will make it hard to get into the lathe..you will be bending akwardly, if you add a shelf.

[Thom Sturgill]

A flared leg design is what Jet/Powermatic, etc cast into their steel. Hold the front edge of the lower shelf back a little if needed. The lower shelf allows space for ballast when needed (sandbags) for a badly unbalanced piece. Several people have built boxes filled with sand for the lower shelf. The upper shelf allow for too storage but catches a lot of shavings so the split design lets most drop to the ground, though the solid top would do much the same anyway.

Personally, I have found that a workbench with adequate drawers and tool racks, placed so that it is behind me while turning works the best.

[David Dobbs]

To much stuff in the way. Plus it all going to catch dust an shavings

[Staffan Hamala]

I don't think there's too much stuff in the way.. At least not in the second picture. I will make something without a shelf to begin with, and add one later if I need one. I might add some drawers under the bench top, but nothing that will interfere with my feet.. :-)

Yesterday, I found another similar stand, made by Derek Cohen:
AStandformyJetMiniLathe_html_m698e7c99.jpg

More information can be found at:
http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ShopMad...MiniLathe.html

I've bought some wood, and have cut the pieces yesterday. I will glue the top today or tomorrow. I'll post a few photos when I'm finished.

[David Dobbs]

You asked, I just call it how I see it. The last pic move the leg out to the left 8 to 10 inches. Plus put a knee brace in each end.

[Staffan Hamala]

You asked, I just call it how I see it. The last pic move the leg out to the left 8 to 10 inches. Plus put a knee brace in each end.

I now see what you mean. Thanks. I'm almost finished now, but I plan to mount the lathe more to the right to make sure there's nothing in the way of my feet.