Lathe Working Height

[Russ Kaiser]

Rather than buy the cabinet for my new lathe I am building a bench. Luckily the manual I downloaded as all the critical dimensions. I am starting to sketch it out and and I am wondering how high I should make it.

I had my 7x14 mini-lathe on a high bench that put the turning centerline at about the level of my mouth. The new lathe is a 12x37. Since the new lathe as 5 more inches of swing, I was going to put the CL a couple inches lower, but not much, probably 56 to 57 inches above the floor. I am interested if anyone has put a lathe that size, that high, and if they did, were there any drawbacks. I have looked at some used lathes this size on their original stands and they seem to be quite a bit lower. Being just 5'10", I didn't think they were making sure 4'8" machinists would be comfortable working on them. I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Thanks,

[Perfect Circle]

I like my Lathe... The chuck C/L to be about 42"-48" or so off the ground.
It is more comfortable for my arms to have a slight bend in them and I'm able to look down over my work for a better view....and if something happens the part is not right in your face.
Best Of Luck~!

[dsdmax]

working height ... i am about 6'2" and initially thought i would like a higher working height for me lathe (g0602). my bench puts the lathe center line about chest high - MISTAKE!!!

With a floor standing model the CL is about waist high and that is MUCH easier to work with - IMO. On my list of things to do is move my lathe to a lower bench/table.

everything will be easier especially: changing chucks (better leverage the lower they are) - reading dial indicators (the face is generally pointing straight up in my setups)

[Russ Kaiser]

Thanks for your input PerfectCircle.

I checked and the factory stand is 26 inches high and the CL of the lathe is 18 inches from the bottom of the chip tray. That puts the CL at 44" which is near the bottom of PC's sweet spot. It also puts the bottom edge of the apron hand wheel at about 28 inches off the floor, so moving it a full circle would require a little bending on my part if I was standing; probably perfect for working from a stool though.

I guess I should have stated that I am in the habit of working standing up. Obviously if I put my lathe as high as I stated, working from a stool would not be possible.

Russ

[Russ Kaiser]

Thanks as well, Dsdmax.

I can see where reading indicators and leverage for changing chucks would be something I should consider. Having things lower would also make it easier to take readings with a caliper.

[Perfect Circle]

Not a Prob...and I agree with dsdmax's info too....there are many benefits from having the lathe lower..you will find it is much more easy to work on a lathe this way.
Good Luck~!

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Personally, I design to a height of 1 meter (40") After leveling and isolation pads are under the machine, it rises to 41-42". But I'm prejudiced, I'm 5'-5" tall (short?)LOL

Dick Z

[kawazuki]

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW Personally, I design to a height of 1 meter (40") After leveling and isolation pads are under the machine, it rises to 41-42". But I'm prejudiced, I'm 5'-5" tall (short?)LOL Dick Z

Arrrrgh! 1 Metre = 39 inches (39.370 and change to be exact)

[Russ Kaiser]

Originally Posted by kawazuki Arrrrgh! 1 Metre = 39 inches (39.370 and change to be exact)

LOL, you're flaming a guy that is 5'5" for rounding a meter to 40 inches.

I find it interesting that we use the English system of measurement here in the states and now you Englishmen are some of the biggest advocates of using that dubious and ill-conceived French system. Go figure. I still can't wrap my head around meters and don't get me started on degrees Celsius.

On another note, how many of you guys park your butt on a stool when you are running your lathes?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Maybe use a stool on a bench lathe. Did you ever see what happens when somebody tangles their feet in the stool legs/foot rests and then proceeds to face plant in the rotating parts? Messy!

Dick Z

Yes, I know a meter is 39.37". As to lathe centerheight, 40" "is close enough" unless you use some sort of 1 meter height auto-loader or ? Really doesn't matter in the world of relativity and solar flares. LOL

Smile more.

Dick Z

[kawazuki]

Originally Posted by Russ Kaiser I find it interesting that we use the English system of measurement here in the states and now you Englishmen are some of the biggest advocates of using that dubious and ill-conceived French system. Go figure. I still can't wrap my head around meters and don't get me started on degrees Celsius.

French it may be (reason enough to loathe it) but I was brought up with imperial in junior school and metric in high school and don't forget our pre-decimal money system so I should be more screwed up than most but...............the whole world (with one big exception) uses metric for measurement in building, engineering and science and if you can count to ten everything is a multiple and interconnected. Add to the fact that most US 'imperial' measurements are smaller than any other and it gets really confusing hence why everyone else likes a single standard You have 100 cents to the $ - you're half way there

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Converting to the metric system has been promoted here in the USA since Thomas Jefferson in the 1790's.

I work in either system, no problem. BUT, I prefer the metric system. 100 KPH just sounds faster than 62 MPH.

320 KPH on A81 south of Stuttgart is a blast!!!!!!!

Dick Z