Spindle height

This is my first post here. I've haunted rec.woodworking for years though. I have a cheap lathe I'm learning to use. I have several books from the library which are a big help but none mention the correct height for the spindle. From the pictures it appears that somewhere around elbow height is right? Mine is about 6" below my elbow. Am I worrying about nothing or should I raise the lathe? Thanks. Art

Reply to
Artemus
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Just went out and checked--mine is exactly tip of elbow height when my elbow is flexed. It was initially a little low and I screwed the legs to two 2 x 4's (going front to back) then glued the 2 by's to the concrete floor using silicone caulk. It can still flex some with large unbalanced loads but does not walk across the floor.

You might try two 4 x 4's instead and see how it feels. If you turn stooped over it is more tiring.

Welcome to woodturning.

Reply to
Gerald Ross

Gerald is right, you need to raise your lathe to where the spindle is at the point of your elbow when your arm is bent. As Gerald also said, welcome to woodturning - do yourself a huge favor and find a woodturning group to be a part of. Mine is 100 miles away, but the monthly drive is well worth it.

Deb

Artemus wrote:

Reply to
Dr. Deb

others will say "at elbow height" - but if you are reasonably comfortable with it where it is, don't worry about it. Raising it up won't do much to help you learn, but it could help your back not ache. What's more important is to find lots of cheap wood and make stuff so you can decide if you like this hobby or not.

Reply to
Bill Noble

On Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:57:15 -0700, "Artemus" wrote: Find what's comfortable for you.. I set mine up so that when my elbow is at a little less than 90 degrees i can hold a chisel in my hands and it's cutting edge is slightly above center on the spindle..

Reply to
Mac Davis

Thanks for the responses. I'll play around with the height and see about any local turning clubs. Art

Reply to
Artemus

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