Est. 1998 — 28 years of woodworking knowledge
Ideal height for mini-lathe
George in Celina
>I am re-arranging my work spaces including the work surface where I keep my lathe. I am a couple inches short of six foot tall and was wondering how high a work surface should be for working on my jet mini-lathe. Thanks.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
Shawn - in ID
>A good rule of thumb is to start with the spindle at the height of your elbow and perhaps adjust from there based on personal preference.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
John Crissman
>My two cents -
I have found that elbow height at rest is too low. I would suggest that you place your right hand on your left shoulder and then mark the height of your shoulder. It is less bending, less eye strain.
Also, put a good type of shop mat in front of your lathe. Nice on the feet.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
Shawn - in ID
>I guess I should have mentioned that my preferred height is about 3 inches above my elbow height.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
Fred in NC
>I have to agree.... because I turn small items in the Mini Lathe... so I like to have them closer to my eyes. Mine is 2" above sea level... or elbow level, if you will
Fred
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
George in Celina
>Thanks for the replies.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
Dick Hines
>My big lathe is at 50" and I am going to put my mini up on cinder blocks becouse the stand is to short. Like the mini for small stuff but makes my back hurt.
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner
>George, you might consider a low stand at elbow height while sitting. I did a low stand just for the fun of it. Remember you are working on small stuff on this lathe an do not need great leverage. My stand is built so it works as a cary case also.
Good turning and be safe
Bill
Re: Ideal height for mini-lathe
George in Celina
>Interesting thought, especially since I have been have problems with my feet and there are some old armless barstools gathering dust in the shop. Thanks.
