Tool Length

Now is it just me, or does size really matter ?

(OK Enough of the jokes)

Turners, are of all different shapes and sizes, so it makes sense we all have different needs with tools. Whilst turning a bowl the other day, it came to me that I would be comfortable with a tool about 5 inches longer than that which I had. This prompted me to look at the ergonomics of the tool in question and my posture, so rather than use the tool, I put it down, closed my eyes and assumed the posture I would take for using the tool as if I were to be explaining it to another person, but without a tool to hand. Amazingly it was 5 inches longer than the tool I had been using. I noticed also that my right arm was perpendicular to that of the tool shaft. I then did the same experiment with several other tools, right down to my micro set, where for me I found the tool needed to be about 2 inches longer to allow me to hold the tool comfortably. I am assuming that these natural positions for holding the tools, and that may provide the least fatigue for the body, and most comfort.

Have you closed your eyes, pretended a tool in your hands, then opened your eyes and measured the distance from outside of left to outside of right, then added a bit for the overhang of the tool rest?

Maybe I need to re-handle all my tools just to suit me, but before I do, has anyone else noticed this? Looked at the ergonomics further? I know there are those out there who would say that tool manufacturers do, but I would disagree. They have looked at it from their point of view, probably using the designers body as the template.

Ergonomics are a wonderful concept, but how many of you remember the requirement in the late 80's early 90's that a computer monitor should be at eye level, with the body sitting upright? Now take a look at the modern LCD panel that seems to have taken over the world, most users have them back on the desk with screen tilted up so their head is forward and down, straining their neck, throwing out all those ideas for improving things for the user.

Reply to
John
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Hi John What are we turning ?? Certainly I also like a long handled tool when roughing out a bowl, but that's hardly what I would use turning a goblet or box, so yes there's an advantage with a longer handle most times, but it's not always feasible. I drilled a few 1" round steel rods for handles, all have 2 sizes for different size tools, I used them like that for a while, but added a reenforced plastic pressure hose to then later, as the tools felt cold in the winter time, and I find them more comfortable now for the added thickness and also for it not giving me cold hands in the winter. I have a couple of photo albums where you can see my posture while turning large bowls, have a look if interested.

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Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Reply to
l.vanderloo

Reply to
robo hippy

In message , " snipped-for-privacy@rogers.com" writes

Hi Leo , its no specific item being turned, it can be from a 1 inch goblet to a

14 inch Bowl What I had been noticing is that for each task being performed and for each tool, there seemed to be a natural and relaxed position for the body, and that the handle was never long enough in my case. If the handle was too short for the tool I found I was tending to grip tighter to the handle too

Using the tool with the standard handle, made me feel as though I was huddled around it, and therefore my movement was cramped, and not as flowing as it should be.

Looking at most of your pictures you appear to have your right arm perpendicular to the tool and the tool length is quite long, with your stance appearing relaxed.

Maybe this is all part of getting the right tool and position to suit your lathe. In my case, I raised my lathe 7 inches so that it was a comfortable position to myself. With the standard position I was raising my shoulders to often to get the tool in the correct position, which ended up causing fatigue

Reply to
John

Reply to
robo hippy

And, you have a well developed turning muscle, Reed...

I'd guess that the skinny folks have to make more adjustments to get the same leverage.. ;-]

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Reply to
mac davis

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