Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Whats the relationship between your height and your lathe's centers?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Enchanted land of beer, cheese & brats
    Posts
    1,314

    Question Whats the relationship between your height and your lathe's centers?

    Howdy I'm new to turning and pick up a bench mount lathe a few months ago. I am now in the process of building a bench for it and was wondering... Is there a rule of thumb one follows arrived at the correct height?

    As a mock up I have the thing sitting on my table saw with 2×4 blocks under it and that seems right to me... I don't need to bend at all to have the tool right. This makes the centers at about 46-1/2 to 47". I'm 6'3". It seems tall when looking at it, but feels alright. Thoughts.

    What's your centers at? What your height?
    Last edited by Judson Green; 09-07-2014 at 1:32 PM.
    I got cash in my pocket. I got desire in my heart....

  2. #2
    Well, if it feels right, it is right. But if you're new to turning you don't really know yet what will feel right long term. And you may like the height different depending on the kind of turning you do (or what shoes you wear). So if possible build in a bit of adjustment above and below the height of your elbow.

  3. #3
    You may get a variety of responses depending on turning style and whether folks turn mostly spindle work, bowls or forms. Here are some threads you may want to review -

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...eight-Question

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...-advice-needed

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...the-bed-height

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...e-Stand-Height

  4. #4
    lathe center should be about elbow height. this allows you work comfortably without leaning over too much.

    sometimes for detail work, I'll but another thick mat on the floor so that I stand about 1.5" higher than normal. Doesn't sound like much, but it does help.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Central Ohio
    Posts
    858
    The relationship between my height and my lathe centers is rocky. They haven't been speaking. But you can't trust my lathe when it's been drinking...
    Ridiculum Ergo Sum

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •