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Thread: Lathe question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Imlay City, Mich
    Posts
    807

    Lathe question

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Columbia, SC
    Posts
    44
    Yes I have read that here on this site and it sounds logical.

  3. #3
    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

  4. #4
    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

  5. #5
    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.

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