Lathe working height

[RHossack]

If this topic has been discussed before I apologize.

I'm going to make a portable work bench for my new lathe so I can move it around and outside in good weather.

How do you determine what height should the lathe be at for comfortable working?

 

[markgum]

I've been told that the center should be elbow high. That is where I have mine; and I like it.

 

[leehljp]

I agree with Mark.

 

[holmqer]

Elbow height works good, it minimizes strain on back and shoulders when holding tools and keeps the turning at a good distance to see well yet not so close to be really in your face.

 

[TellicoTurning]

Originally posted by holmqer

Elbow height works good, it minimizes strain on back and shoulders when holding tools and keeps the turning at a good distance to see well yet not so close to be really in your face.

I'm not so sure about the "see well yet not so close" part... as I get older, my arms keep getting too short..

Elbow height is good though..

 

[Sylvanite]

Mine is about 6" below elbow high and I tend to hunch over when turning. I really need to block it up. I agree with eveybody else - elbow high is the conventional wisdom.

 

[wm460]

Elbow hight is just right for me.

 

[palmermethod]

Originally posted by markgum

I've been told that the center should be elbow high. That is where I have mine; and I like it.

Me too.

 

[Ligget]

Elbow height for me too, yes I am 6` 2"(if I could stand straight) so my DVR is raised by putting house bricks under each lathe leg.[:I]

 

[Rifleman1776]

You answered your own question. "comfortable" is the right height. My old lathe was too low for my comfort and I had to hunch over slightly to work. That was awful on the back so I raised it 4". I'm only 5'7" and can't understand how the six foot plus guys work at a low lathe. My new lathe is just right. Do wat works for you.

 

[1JaredSchmidt]

I'm 6'2" and I work at my lathe that is just under elbow height. I have to bend just a little but it works!