Wes Bischel
Member
- Messages
- 896
Hi all,
I could use a bit of input on a lathe bench I’m contemplating. Hopefully I can explain my thoughts and some of the issues I’m working with/around without getting too tongue tied - so to speak. Though I’ve been noodling this concept for some time, I figured I better get some input before making the first cut. It is much easier to change a drawing than redoing a whole set-up! I also realize the set-up isn’t without compromises, but I think it’s workable and ideally there are no fatal flaws. I am interested in your thoughts and hearing any pros or cons. Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Oh, and I’m still honing my skills with Sketchup, so you will invariably see some boo-boos. Hopefully nothing that will get in the way of communicating the concept.
Background:
- My shop is extremely small, and I already have 50lbs in a 2lbs bag.
- I turn on occasion, so the lathes are not the focal point of my shop. They need to be pushed to the side when not in use.
- Since space is a concern, I am hoping to use the area under the lathes for storage.
- I have two lathes – a “wood” lathe and a metal spinning lathe. (OK, I have 5 lathes, just these two are under consideration here.)
- The lathes in question are a Karle metal spinning lathe, and an old Hardinge lathe I’ll be using for wood turning.
- The Karle lathe and bench with steel legs came as a set from the factory – for the education market. (shown)
- I haven’t been able to use these two lathes because I don’t have them set-up in the shop.
- Since both lathes use motors that are separate from the beds (unlike midi lathes for example) they will need to be mounted onto a bench.
Concept – Dual Lathe Table
- Place two lathes on the bench, back to back.
- Build a cabinet to house the motors and create storage for the lathe accessories etc. (replacing the metal legs.)
- Drawers or pull out trays behind the doors (not shown – I’m still working on the drawing)
- I show a divider between the lathes. I’m thinking of clean-up. Also potential for holding more stuff near the tailstock ends!
- Put casters on the cabinet so the whole unit can be moved against the wall, and rotated to access one lathe or the other.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Wes
I could use a bit of input on a lathe bench I’m contemplating. Hopefully I can explain my thoughts and some of the issues I’m working with/around without getting too tongue tied - so to speak. Though I’ve been noodling this concept for some time, I figured I better get some input before making the first cut. It is much easier to change a drawing than redoing a whole set-up! I also realize the set-up isn’t without compromises, but I think it’s workable and ideally there are no fatal flaws. I am interested in your thoughts and hearing any pros or cons. Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Oh, and I’m still honing my skills with Sketchup, so you will invariably see some boo-boos. Hopefully nothing that will get in the way of communicating the concept.
Background:
- My shop is extremely small, and I already have 50lbs in a 2lbs bag.
- I turn on occasion, so the lathes are not the focal point of my shop. They need to be pushed to the side when not in use.
- Since space is a concern, I am hoping to use the area under the lathes for storage.
- I have two lathes – a “wood” lathe and a metal spinning lathe. (OK, I have 5 lathes, just these two are under consideration here.)
- The lathes in question are a Karle metal spinning lathe, and an old Hardinge lathe I’ll be using for wood turning.
- The Karle lathe and bench with steel legs came as a set from the factory – for the education market. (shown)
- I haven’t been able to use these two lathes because I don’t have them set-up in the shop.
- Since both lathes use motors that are separate from the beds (unlike midi lathes for example) they will need to be mounted onto a bench.
Concept – Dual Lathe Table
- Place two lathes on the bench, back to back.
- Build a cabinet to house the motors and create storage for the lathe accessories etc. (replacing the metal legs.)
- Drawers or pull out trays behind the doors (not shown – I’m still working on the drawing)
- I show a divider between the lathes. I’m thinking of clean-up. Also potential for holding more stuff near the tailstock ends!
- Put casters on the cabinet so the whole unit can be moved against the wall, and rotated to access one lathe or the other.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Wes