Lathe Benches

[xraymtb]

What are people's views on lathe benches? Open framed, lathe only (like the pressed steel ones that come with many lathes) so the chips fall through? Or solid topped, heavy benches with storage and space for a grinder etc?

Moving on Friday and trying to maximise my 8ft x 8ft new workspace :-(

 

[Bodrighy]

I have a big 6' x 4' heavy bench I scrounged from a furniture factory. Both my lathes are on it and there is loads of room underneath for all sorts of bits and bobs. Personally I think most of the stands that you can get for lathes are inadequate unless they are really heavy duty and can be bolted down to the floor.

Pete

 

[CHJ]

Personally in a small shop I prefer a solid (heavy) smooth top bench with underneath storage. **

When placed against wall and front of bench is fitted with doors or a simple cloth curtain then it's easier to clean up shavings.

** makes a good surface for temp. laying down of tools, just make sure you have adequate clearance underneath lathe bed for clean-up or access to clamping bolts, height of top surface may need to be lower than first envisaged and lathe placed on packer blocks.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I was spoiled initially, having a steel cabinet under the Myford lathe. I built a stand from fence posts for the Record lathe, with a cabinet underneath for storage. This current rig is bolted to the garage floor so starting off turning uneven stuff doesn't frighten me.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I use the Record Power lathe stand

It's pretty substantial as is but I've added two shelves which are homes for chucks and other heavy accessories - it's not bolted down and it's never moved to date.

Regards Mick

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

+1 I also have the same as Mick. I've just the one shelf upon which I have my tools and its also never moved. I keep 3 buckets on the floor directly beneath the headstock and then along a bit which catch about half the shavings.

 

[-Matt-]

Built mine with steel angle and box section (all welded, no bolts to shake undone) which was fine for about 10 months until I decided to upgrade it and so chopped it about a bit, rebuilt it stronger to build in a set of cupboards underneath.

(Bit of a rubbish pic sorry)