Platform (not political) HELP

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Bill Howatt

>What about making an "egg-crate" frame the required height out of 1/2" or perhaps 3/8" max dry softwood which is quite light. You can then just use a piece of 1/4" ply on top which isn't too heavy.

Bill

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Sam Simpson

>Hi Y'all,

Jim, I'm told that Sir Elton John no longer uses his platform soled boots. His might be to expensive to own, but others are available, and they are coming back into fashion right about now:)

No seriously, the only right way is to have her stand on the pile of shavings that are left behind from your own efforts. That way your are guaranteed two things. 1 enough lathe time for yourself - 2 not having to clean away the shaving before she comes to the machine.

Ah! no I've got it! Instead of making a platform (that will need to be moved) to elevate the misses. You make a trapdoor on hinges. That way you set the lathe to the right height for shorty, then when it is your turn, you lift the trapdoor and step down into the hole.

But what I am really thinking is? Two machines! Isn't it inevitable that you are going to need two machines? Seems like everyone else needs two or more machines. You are missing a great opportunity to add to the cast iron collection.

Regards Sam Tongue in cheek Simpson.

maybe 2 plastic aerobics steps.

Basil

>Just measured the wifes' aerobics exercise step bench thing that she doesn't use anymore but always leaves in the way. It's sturdy plastic and came with a rubber mat glued to the top. If you saw the legs off flush with the platform box, it's 4 1/2" high. 2 of those sawed off and bolted together would be 30" x 60", strong and very light.

If it weren't for having to eat burnt biscuits for the rest of my life, I'd be glad to give you half enough exercise step benchs to do the job.

Basil

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Ron in Drums PA

>How about just a wooden pallet?

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Rob Ceraso

>Jim,

I have seen shipping skids made out of lightweight plastic that are just about the right height and have a solid top surface. If you take a ride around the local industrial park, skids are usually left out for the taking. Maybe you could find one of the plastic variety.

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

JL work

>Something temporary - if she get's bitten by the bug, she may want her own lathe. I vote for a frame of 1" x 4" in a grid pattern with skins (top and bottom) of 3/8" plywood. It would be fairly light and total close to what you want.

Re: Platform (not political) HELP *LINK*

Jean Michel

>Hi Jim,

I'd go for the simpler solution of getting another JET... It would not cost much more than the lumber you need for the platform that is only asking for a disaster to happen... Falling with a pointy skew chisel is scary enough for me.

Imagine the fun you'd both have turning on your lathes at the same time, teaching your better half while she practices your moves at the same time...

This is the method I used here and it works for me plus it gives me a spare lathe for the odd part that needs to be done to continue on the piece that is on the second lathe...

HTH, better be safe than sorry.

Jean.


My Humble Site

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Wood Spinner

>Use a Mechanics tool stand base. I put a layer of plywood on top and set the lathe on that. When you want to use it you move it to your stand. Just don't forget to put it back when you are done. She just might get a little possesive. Glad you got her into turning. I tried on my wife and a no go.

Good turning and be safe

Bill in Casa Grande, AZ

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)

>Since I assume you are the stronger of the two, make a stand on wheels that fits her height. When you are ready to turn, roll it up onto a platform that brings it up to your required height. This way, you will have to move heavy platforms, not her.

Alternatively, bolt the lathe to a piece of plywood. Using wing nuts, attach the lathe's plywood base to a stand designed for her or to a second stand designed for you. Since the lathe is heavy, you will need to return it to her stand as soon as you are finished turning. Think of it as having always to leave the toilet seat down for her. It is just one of those things we do to make life easier for all.

John

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Ruth in So. Cal

>Jim. stay with your original idea and add wheels. Make one or two of them locking. Also, maybe buy one of the mobile bases for moving tools and sitting your platform on that. If it gets in your way, you may be strong enough to just flip it on it's side. Put some kind of handle on the side so your wife can flip it back on the ground if you are not alone.

r

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Les Robison

>I am 6'3" and have my lathe set up for my height. However, I also teach. I built a platform out of 1/2" plywood and have three 2x4 (each end and one in the middle). It can easily me modified by changing the 2x4s to 4x4s, etc. to adjust to the sutdents height. It is easy to tilt into a vertical position and can be dragged to the side when not in use. You could also allow one of the cross pieces to extend about 1/2" and that would allow you to get a hand truck under it once it is vertical. No lifting required!

I built one for my daughter

Jim K in Trappe PA

>who is 12 years old, and she gets it out and puts it away with no problem. I used cedar 4x4 and 3/4" plywood. Took well over ten minutes to design, cut and assemble, but I think it will pay off!

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

RonZ

>I'm short [5'5"] and needed to make a platform for myself for my Vicmarc VL300. I used 2x4s to make a frame with the 2" side standing up and I ran a single 2x4 in the center for support and put 1/2" plywood across the top followed by an air rug rubber mat. I'm not light at all and it supports me. The caveat being that the platform is the width of the lathe and about 30" wide. I made it large enough so that I can move around while I turn. Anyhthing smaller and I'd be afraid of falling off or would be spending turning time kicking a smaller platform around.

Re: Platform (not political) HELP

Jim Rutten

>Thanks everyone for the help!