I heard somewhere that the spindle height on a lathe should be at elbow height when your arms are bent at 90 degrees; like when your holding a tool on a rest. Is this correct? Does it matter?
...Mike
I heard somewhere that the spindle height on a lathe should be at elbow height when your arms are bent at 90 degrees; like when your holding a tool on a rest. Is this correct? Does it matter?
...Mike
Michael Gibbons
I think I like opening day of deer season more than any udder day of the year. It's like Christmas wit guns. - Remnar Soady
That bear is going to eat him alive. Go help him! That bear doesn't need any help! - The Three Stooges
Yes I have read that here on this site and it sounds logical.
Thats the starting point.
a lot depends on what type of turning you plan to do. as for example, doing hollow forms if the lathe is a bit higher makes for more comfortable turning, for turning spindles elbow hight works pretty good.
Have Chainsaw- Will Travel
yep, helps keep the back from straining and helps keep you balanced to move around while on the bevel, all my equip is at 38 to 42 in from floor so I don't have to stoop too much( I'm 6'3"). my lathe sits at 41 in( 49 at the ts center).
John 3:16
Good place to start. Perhaps a tad above, to allow a bit of flex in your elbow. Most cutting is done slightly above or below centerline, so set up a mock toolrest, get the business end of the tool at a comfortable height for your elbow, and modify accordingly. Note how much easier it is to raise the lathe versus the operator, and err on the low side if in doubt.