Height for a wood turning lathe.

[Con]

Hi.

I'm setting up a lathe in my workshop. Not got very much experience turning. Can anyone offer any advice as to what height the bench/lathe should be. If it's relative to my height,  I'm 5'9" on a good day, 

Thanks

[openspaceman]

5 hours ago, Con said:

Hi.

I'm setting up a lathe in my workshop. Not got very much experience turning. Can anyone offer any advice as to what height the bench/lathe should be. If it's relative to my height,  I'm 5'9" on a good day, 

Thanks

Let's see if @se7enthdevil responds to this. Not being a wood turner or workbench sort of person but I'd say the centre of the work piece should be at your elbow height.

[GWYNFIL]

+ 1 elbow height. My union graduate murders my back. My ml8 is on a bench its better. Will be raising the graduate.

on the to do list!

[devon TWiG]

2 hours ago, GWYNFIL said:

+ 1 elbow height. My union graduate murders my back. My ml8 is on a bench its better. Will be raising the graduate.

on the to do list!

elbow height is considered the best position ...Graduates are a bit lower as they were designed ( partly ) to use in schools ...great lathes though and should last for ever !!

[DuncanH]

Most people say elbow height and that's probably what a beginner should start with. Personally I tend to do a lot of hollow forms and find it easier to sit whilst doing them, so I have the lathe slightly higher to suit my tall ikea stool.

[se7enthdevil]

yes elbow height is usually best if you can do it with your set up.

 

 

you need to set up the bench to suit the center height of the lathe and your elbow height. i have a jet 3520b which i think has a 45 1/2" spindle height but my elbows are 49" from the floor when barefoot. still, it does ok for me...

 

@Con feel free to contact me if you want any help... 

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