Right height

[PChristy]

Turners - what do you recommend for the right height for turning on your lathe - Scroll saws should be at elbow height - is that about right for the lathe

 

[Rob]

Re: Right hight

That's what I've read, the spindle should hit about your elbow. I've never actually measured mine though.

 

[TracyP]

Re: Right hight

Good question Phillip. I will have to watch this thread. I now have turner's elbow (if there is such a thing) from turning a large vase this weekend. Ask my brother next time you see him to show it to you. It is big.

 

[WoodWrangler]

Re: Right hight

Elbow, or whatever is comfortable.

My comfort place seems to be about 1" above my elbow.

 

[PChristy]

Re: Right hight

That's what I've read, the spindle should hit about your elbow. I've never actually measured mine though.

I was wonwering if this was right because my back sure has been hurting - I don't know if it is from working or from the turning - I will check it this weekend and see what I have - I don't know what I am going to do if my son ever starts turning - he is 6'5:swoon:

 

[TracyP]

Re: Right hight

I was wonwering if this was right because my back sure has been hurting - I don't know if it is from working or from the turning - I will check it this weekend and see what I have - I don't know what I am going to do if my son ever starts turning - he is 6'5:swoon:

Get him a stool so he can sit down,:gar-Bi

 

[PChristy]

Re: Right hight

:rotflm:

Get him a stool so he can sit down,:gar-Bi

 

[WoodWrangler]

Re: Right hight

He's too tall to turn on one lathe .... you'll have to double-stack the lathes for him!

 

[PChristy]

Re: Right hight

He's too tall to turn on one lathe .... you'll have to double-stack the lathes for him!

If I had the shop space and the funds to get him one I sure would do it:icon_thum

 

[DaveO]

I'm 6'3" and I had my HF lathe set at about 43½" at the centers. It's a short lathe, I got there with 3 layers of twobasixes or 4½" of solid high quality pine. My new ShopFox lathe came in at that height less a ½" and has felt comfortable to me.
I would shoot for centers at elbow height as a good place to get started.


Dave

 

[erasmussen]

I just went and checked mine. with the wheels and all its at 46".
wonder if I could do better if I lowered it some:icon_scra
But then I wouldnt be able to move it:no:

 

[Trent Mason]

I know it is supposed to be elbow height. Mine is still sitting on the floor. I'd like to build a mobile base for it, so hopefully that will raise it up a little. My back gets worked enough at work, turning a bowl is just the icing on the cake. :swoon:

 

[NCTurner]

Jan Woodturning Mag had a write up on this.

"Stand with feet apart and relaxed, lift your right arm from your elbow only to a position level across your body. Measure from the distance from your elbow to the floor. The lathe center should be at this height"

To tall make a platform, to short raise the lathe.