lathe height and blocks

I just asked basically the same question, got some great replies.

do a google groups search on "raising lathe" you'll get lots ofhits.

I haven't done it yet, I'm not going to have much free time in the shop until after xmas, but basically, I'll use one board on each side (left and right) with poly runners under.

-Dan V.

: I just asked basically the same question, got some great replies.

:

or do a google groups search on "raising lathe" you'll get lots of: hits.

Thanks for the link.

A related question: would it be better to

(a) raise the whole lathe with bloocks under the legs, or (b) keep the legs as they are, and raise the lathe?

My inutuition is that (b) might be better, as it doesn't raise the center of gravity wuite so much.

-- Andy Barss

6" x 6"-8 foot pressure treated and cut it into 4 pieces.Two foot pieces are stacked on each end.I used a 2" x 6" to create an "H" frame. Mortise joint cut into middle of 6 x 6's before bolting them together. Ten inch (6 total) carriage bolts hold the stacks together. This gives foot room in front of lathe, is VERY heavy for stability, 2 x 6 is off the floor for clean-up. [-]======[-]. A floor mat works between legs of "H". I had to use one layer of scrap 3/4" plywood under 6 x 6 to get final height.

Bill in WNC mountains

You aren't going to change the center of gravity much, with either method, unless you have a lot of weight on the shelf under the lathe. Even than, I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you do it right, it won't tip.

Whatever you do, leave room for your toes. Someone suggested a box like structure to set the lathe on. Won't work for my size 12s.

Someone posted that they had raised their lathe by using spacers and long bolts on top of the legs. I'm sure that would work fine, if IF:

you could make spacers with very little flex or give. Not sure I'd want to use wood, well, maybe white oak, or something really tough. Go for rigidity. Also, on my lathe anyway, I'd have to buy eight very long bolts. If I raise it at the bottom of the legs, I'm looking at four bolts. Or maybe I can counter sink a spot for the legs, as was sugested, and skip the bolts altogether.

I'm probably spending too much time worrying about how to raise it, when I get back to turning, I'll just raise it, somehow, and get on with making saw dust. Let's not make it over complicated.

-Dan V.

>: or do a google groups search on "raising lathe" you'll get lots of >: hits.>