pastorpaul
WoW Member
The Original Hawkeye Hillbilly
Posts: 95
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Post by pastorpaul on Mar 31, 2010 6:09:42 GMT -6
With the warmer weather here and some minor fixes to do on the cradle I made four years ago, I am getting ready to set up my Grizzly mini-lathe. This is just a temporary set-up, until I can finish getting the shop the way I want it and have a permanent home for it.
My three options are: on my movable workbench for a lathe center height of approximately 47" (seems too high for comfortable working; a built-in workbench with limited access because of my table saw location for 45" (still seems a bit high); a rolling cabinet of drawers for a height of 39 inches.
I'm leaning toward the rolling drawers, but would appreciate some input. I thought I had a basic wood-turning book, but either haven't found it, or didn't have it to begin with. I'll need to hit the library to get familiar with turning again.
PP
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Post by sachbvn on Mar 31, 2010 6:20:40 GMT -6
PP,
I believe what was recommended to me was elbow height - that is the headstock/tailstock should be at elbow height while just standing there.
If you plan to sit while you work - that's a whole different thing.
Zac
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Post by TDHofstetter on Mar 31, 2010 8:57:40 GMT -6
I've got one lathe - my old Sears one-tube - mounted on a 48" benchtop 48". I'm tall, nearly 6'3". It's a LITTLE high for me, but the bench was there & nothing else was readily grabbable to mount it on. For a less height-excessive person, it'd be uncomfortable. 39" seems more practical for you, definitely.
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Post by Ruffnek on Mar 31, 2010 11:41:50 GMT -6
Paul,
It ain't rocket science. Like Zac wrote, ideally, mount it where the spindles are near elbow height. If your bench is too tall, build a low platform out of 2x4's and plywood. If it's too low, block up under the bench feet.
If it's just a temporary location like you stated, where/how you mount it is even less critical.
If you really want to turn, there's only one way to start. Bolt that puppy down to something, mount some wood on it and spin it. If you have turned before, it will be like riding a bicycle...it will come back to you pretty easily.
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pastorpaul
WoW Member
The Original Hawkeye Hillbilly
Posts: 95
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Post by pastorpaul on Apr 12, 2010 7:22:00 GMT -6
My only rolling options are the workbench and the storage cabinet. Of the two, I think only the workbench has locking casters. I do have a portable table that is sturdy enough to support the lathe, and puts my arm at just about the optimal height. I just have to clear some room for storing the lathe when not on the table.
I have to pick up a center finder, and check out a turning book from the library (unless I can find the one I was sure I own, but can't find), and I am ready to start doing some turning. Just chucking up some wood and going to it may be a good way to get back into turning, but I have a project that needs to get done quickly and I need to relearn techniques and what chisels are for which type cuts.
PP
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pastorpaul
WoW Member
The Original Hawkeye Hillbilly
Posts: 95
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Post by pastorpaul on Apr 27, 2010 19:43:11 GMT -6
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Post by Ruffnek on Apr 28, 2010 6:45:44 GMT -6
I don't know what having a distant relative as a rocket scientist has to do with mounting a lathe because that is definitely not rocket science, as I stated. Paul, if you really want to turn, then, as Nike says, Just Do it. Put a piece of wood on a faceplate or between centers, set the tool rest as close as it will go without the wood hitting it and turn on the lathe. Now, take a gouge, a scraper, a skew or whatever and start making shavings. If you have done it before, it will rapidly come back to you. If you haven't done it, then it's great fun learning. |
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Post by maxwellsmart007 on Apr 28, 2010 13:04:03 GMT -6
I started with pine, just so the cost of learning bevels and how to aviod dig ins wouldn't be so expensive...didn't take long before I moved up to hardwoods!  Andrew |
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pastorpaul
WoW Member
The Original Hawkeye Hillbilly
Posts: 95
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Post by pastorpaul on Apr 29, 2010 22:35:14 GMT -6
I have a whole pallet of wood; many pieces that are scraps. I should have some good practice stuff in there. If not, I think I've got a few sources for some free wood.
PP
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pastorpaul
WoW Member
The Original Hawkeye Hillbilly
Posts: 95
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Post by pastorpaul on May 4, 2010 0:25:18 GMT -6
I don't know what having a distant relative as a rocket scientist has to do with mounting a lathe because that is definitely not rocket science, as I stated. Guess you didn't see my smileys at the end. You never want to tell a Goddard that something isn't rocket science, when we have one of the most famous rocket scientists in our family... not to mention our strange sense of humor. |
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Post by sachbvn on May 4, 2010 10:24:14 GMT -6
In that case - about 10 minutes ago I made big rocket science in the toilet!
Zac
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Post by Ruffnek on May 4, 2010 10:43:09 GMT -6
In that case - about 10 minutes ago I made big rocket science in the toilet! Zac Pffffffffffffffffttttttttttt!!! I just took that sip of coffee, too. ;D |
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Post by sachbvn on May 4, 2010 15:37:41 GMT -6
Lol, laughter is great ain't it?
Zac
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Post by Ruffnek on May 4, 2010 18:15:44 GMT -6
Yes it is. |
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