"Accomodations"

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CSue

CSue

Local Chapter Leader
Joined
Jan 16, 2007
Messages
2,368
Location
Laveen, AZ, USA.
I know I'm not the only one of the hundreds of people on this site. But I haven't seen a "workshop setup" like mine. So I'm going to post it here.

I have some muscle problems from a "cottage cheese brain." So when I decided to start turning things on a lathe, I had my cousin cut 18" from these table legs. I use the lathe from a chair or wheelchair - whichever I need at the time.
 

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Don't worry Cathy, it could be worse, you could have my problem!!!:eek: I can't work or even think while sitting!!!! I guess it blocks the blood flow to my brain!!:rolleyes:
 
I bet there are many disabled turner's out there who have made their shops to fit their disability..keep turnin'
 
That setup might allow me to turn more. I have neuropathy in my feet so I can't stand for long periods. I try to sit while I'm sanding to extend my turning time.

What's your 'cottage cheese brain' from? (If you don't mind me asking).
 
cathy, neat setup. i was an ergonomics technical specialist for 3 years and did a lot of workstation design. you have a great setup from what i can see. how high are the lathe centers from the floor. i am rearranging my shop since i finally got the canoe out and would like to make a sit down station. it would save my back and legs from getting tired so fast. anything else you could share about turning from a sitting podition, like what to watch out for, best ways to do something, etc..., would be appreciated. thanks much...................bear
 
It kills me to stand all day turning, I am not sure how some of you guys do it. I have those cushion mats and they don't seem to help. I do like your setup though.
 
I spent almost a year in a wheelchair, my main mode of transportation today is a walker or on a good day a cane. I have stool that I sit on in from of my lathes. One lathe in front that I am working on and I can swivel to use the one behind me.
 
If anyone is wealthy & disbaled (I'm sure not) Oneway has a new sit down lathe..about 3 grand I think, but worth it if one has the cash, I bet
 
artistwood said:
cathy, neat setup. i was an ergonomics technical specialist for 3 years and did a lot of workstation design. you have a great setup from what i can see. how high are the lathe centers from the floor. i am rearranging my shop since i finally got the canoe out and would like to make a sit down station. it would save my back and legs from getting tired so fast. anything else you could share about turning from a sitting podition, like what to watch out for, best ways to do something, etc..., would be appreciated. thanks much...................bear
Click to expand...

The "floor of the lathe is 29.5" from floor. Mandrel height it 33" from floor.
I know one of the things I watched out for at first was things like blowouts because my face is alot closer to the work than if I was standing.
My tools have much shorter handles. The big handled tools are too awkward. Wearing a dust mask is essential because your "right there."
 
Cathy Sue, I need crutches to walk due to a bad fall I had 5 years ago so I know what obstacles you have to overcome. I like your setup but I went the other way with mine. Instead of lowering my lathe I raised my butt! I have a full sized lathe so I bought a tall swivel chair to sit at while turning. I also have a chair on wheels (not a "wheelchair") that I use to get around the shop with. I love hearing about how other people with disabilities overcome them and "keep on truckin'".
I know how hard it can be at times but stay strong, I've got your back.:wink:
 
Rick, I've been trying to raise my butt ever since one of my "friends" called me a "chubby gnome with glasses!" Alas, my butt still sits atop my short legs??

Cathy, I admire people who refuse to be limited by their limitations!!
 
rjwolfe3 said:
It kills me to stand all day turning, I am not sure how some of you guys do it. I have those cushion mats and they don't seem to help. I do like your setup though.
Click to expand...

You might try the Gel mat. I have a friend who has one and says it is really great, but expensive.
I have fibromyalgia and often the leg cramps making standing difficult so I also have a stool that I can sit on to give my legs a break when they start hurting. I also have my lathe on a rolling stand that has an adjustable height, which has allowed me to lower the height to where sitting on the stool is comfortable and the changing between standing and sitting lets me be at the lathe longer.
Cathy is right about being close to the dust. I wear a Triton because otherwise I pay for it the next day.
 
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