Lathe Stand

[lwalker]

After over a year of lusting for a lathe, I've decided that sometime, Real Soon Now, I'm going to get a HF 8x12 lathe (hey, it's what I can afford :-) So I'm planning a stand and want to know if there's anything important that might not be obvious.

My plan is to build the workbench out of 2x6 lumber, screwed into one of the basement walls for stiffness. I'm sure it would be rigid enough, but I'd hate to be half done and then think of a useful feature I should have built in earlier. e.g., I have a 2x4x1/16" steel sheet: would putting that on the benchtop make it easier to clean up chips, or would it be better to put it on the back wall (exposed studs) to avoid splashing?

Any advice will be carefully considered. Thanks.

Lyndon

[SGW]

I think the main thing to be careful of is bench height. Set it up so the carriage handwheel is at the level of your elbow -- so your forearm is horizontal when you're turning the handwheel -- and you'll be about right. If the bench is too low your back won't like it.

I used a piece of 1/4" tempered Masonite for a benchtop surface, which has worked out well.

[Rex]

I like my machines mobile so I can move them out to clean behind them or retrieve a dropped tool, or to get access to the backside for maintenance or setup. Consider putting it on good casters that will lock, and include levelers.

[Herm Williams]

I would suggest a metal cover for the benchtop and a metal back. When you turn the shavings fly all over, that backpanel will keep the shavings on the bench. The metal on top of the bench will keep the top of the table from getting torn up. I had a bench made from inch ply wood basicly a box. keep a couple of 3/4 rods to roll the bench out from the wall. build drawers under the bench to hold your tools and parts.
my two cents worth
re

[JCHannum]

The sheet steel is a good idea under the lathe, as it makes for easy cleanup, and doesn't soak up the oils and coolants sometimes employed in machining. However, I prefer a wood material for a workbench top.

I would suggest using the sheet steel under the area of the lathe, and the balance as a backsplash, and a masonite top on the work area. The advantage of using masonite is that it is easily replaced when it gets beatup from use.

Visit your local kitchen supply and get a baking sheet that fits under the lathe for a removeable chip tray.

If this is to be the main workbench in your shop, attaching it to the wall and/or lagging to the floor gets my vote. Machining and metal working require many operations like filing, hacksawing and simple beating and pounding that need a good solid foundation. Having to chase the bench around while doing this is nonproductive.

[lwalker]

Thanks guys. Wasn't expecting so many replies so quickly :-) I'll look into the Masonite top (I'm not even sure what masonite is!). This bench will only be for the lathe. The drill press & other hand tools & power tools are on another workbench across the room.
Thanks for the tip on height: I was wondering about that, but forgot to ask.

[Willy]

SGW's tip about bench height is right on the money,probably the most critical aspect of living with your new bench.I built mine with a 2X8 top capped with 1.25" plywood and a layer of heavy sheet metal on top.It is nice and solid and when it comes to a bench solid is good.The sheet metal is also nice,it's easy to keep clean,swarf doesn't stick to it,and it will protect the wood forever.