Metal lathe; preferred mounted height?

[1982fxr]

I'll start a new thread when I pick it up but I finally bought a lathe. A 10x36 atlas. I'd like to put it on this Craftsman butcher block bench and keep the Kennedy underneath.

The bench isn't the greatest, but if I can keep my arbor press on one end (forgot to measure overall length of lathe), I'm hoping the weight of the lathe being bolted down will be steady enough for a while?

Height: I'm worried it might be a little high. The butcher block is right at my belt buckle. If I lower the bench I have to lose the Kennedy.

I'd like to get it right the first time because nobody here at the house is strong enough to help me move it.

Thoughts on the height issue and sturdiness of the bench?

 

[larry_g]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415070&highlight=spindle+height

I answered your question in the above thread. the thread may also answer some other questions you may have.

Congratulations on the new tool

lg
no neat sig line

 

[1982fxr]

Thank you

Any advice on a particular drip pan?

 

[81turbota]

Height will be fine. You’ll want the lathe at elbow height, at least I do.

I have a South Bend 10k, also a 10x36, mounted on a wood bench. For drip/chip tray I stole one of the wife’s baking sheets and mounted it on magnets.

It’s not a rigid setup. I tried reinforcing it with a sheet of 1” plywood and it didn’t do much. If I was to do it over I’d go with a conventional underdrive setup.

 

[Robby321]

I have a Smithy for the last 25 years. Built the bench (solid core door) while I was building the shop/garage. My bench is belt buckle too. No probs!

 

[1982fxr]

Man this bench is going to leave a lot to be desired.

Part of it's rigidity is because I wedged it best I could up against the wall. I can see now that I'll have to pull it out to mount the motor on back so that won't help plus I'll have to relocate the arbor press.

This is going to cost me valuable floor space but it is what it is.

This bed is longer than what I was really after but they don't come up much out here and I was sick of waiting. A factory motor under stand would be awesome. Dinky *** garage but at least I have one, I guess.

 

[larry_g]

.

This bed is longer than what I was really after but they don't come up much out here and I was sick of waiting.

Don't worry now. As soon as you get it settled lathes will start falling out of trees all around you. Remember this is only your first lathe.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Packard V8]

The Craftsman/Atlas Lathe Operation Manual says the bench should be 32"-34" high, but it really depends on whether you're 5'4" or 6'4" or somewhere in between.

jack vines