Lathe Build / Spindle Bore? Yes No?

[made2hack]

Hello all,
I've been searching some past posts and of course also the competition at PM. However, their posts all devolve into childish rants about "Do you even turn between centers, bro?". And most posts here seem to be about enlarging the spindle bore.

So I figured I would ask here since this is more of a DIY and I am building the lathe from scratch.

The question is, should I have a spindle shaft with a bore? Or just a solid shaft? I was thinking of going as large as 40mm or so ID but then maybe I thought that somewhere around the 25mm - 30mm will be sufficient (around 1" or 1 1/4").

Do you find that you use the spindle bore to your advantage often? Or barely use it? Would you recommend building a lathe with spindle bore or without?

Thanks in advance

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[Jim Dawson]

I have never built a lathe, but I use the spindle bore all the time on my lathes. I would find it somewhat limiting if the bore was not available.

[made2hack]

Hi Jim,
Good to know. Is the bore limited by the length of the head stock assembly? Or does it shoot out the end past the gears and what not?

[Jim Dawson]

Normally the spindle bore goes all the way through.

[kawazuki]

I don't use the spindle bore very often but when I did need it - machining an axle halfshaft - damn thing was too small! So yes I'd always have one and as big as you think you'll ever need - don't forget, then you'll be limited by chuck bore!