Hi Tony,
I needed to build my own lathe bench to ensure the correct height for the axis between centres for my height, the bench fittings manufactured for the lathe being too low.
I built two square pillars, from standard 18"x9" concrete building blocks, an appropriate distance apart, spanned across the pillars and the gap between with a 1" thick board of sealed MDF, then bolted the lathe down, through the MDF, into the concrete. Result: lathe at exactly the right height for me on a 100% solid bench, with no vibration whatsoever even with unbalanced stock. I also use variable speed as Gary describes which I think is a distinct advantage.
The space between the pillars has provided a useful built-in cupboard for lathe accessories (raised off the floor a bit to leave room for my toes), and the benchtop provides the resting place place for tools, etc., whilst working at the lathe.
Pressed steel ends from the manufacturer to construct a bench for my lathe cost £99 - timber has to be supplied in addition. Total cost of my solid, immovable bench - 30 quid! But no good at all, of course, if you want or need a portable lathestand. FWIW
Cheers,
Trev.