Height of your lathe bench

Dave38

Dave38

theemperorhasnoclotheson
Silver Member
How high is the bench your lathe sits on? My old lathe bench, and the new one that my deluxe is on are both 32" tall. My Atlas TH-54 seems to be comfortable, but the deluxe seems like I'm leaning over too much. I'm 5'-9.75". I'm thinking of raising the Deluxe up about 3-4" more, but wanted some opinions before taking apart everything I just setup, and redoing it. Any Opinions? I've heard that normal woodturning lathes should be about the height of your bent elbow.
Thanks,
Dave
 
Dave38 said:
How high is the bench your lathe sits on? My old lathe bench, and the new one that my deluxe is on are both 32" tall. My Atlas TH-54 seems to be comfortable, but the deluxe seems like I'm leaning over too much. I'm 5'-9.75". I'm thinking of raising the Deluxe up about 3-4" more, but wanted some opinions before taking apart everything I just setup, and redoing it. Any Opinions? I've heard that normal woodturning lathes should be about the height of your bent elbow.
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...

Hello,

I am 5'10" and my Deluxe is 42" from the floor to the top of the bed. I have my Deluxe mounted on a 3" thick board, it is very sturdy and heavy for a small lathe. At this height I can work for a few hours and not get a back pain or discomfort.
 
I have my spindle on repair lathes about 45" on my metal machines they are higher. I guess what it comes down to is where they are comfortable to work at.
I am 6'2" so a 5'7" would not like my benches....
John
 
My deluxe is on a bench 34 inches to the top surface with another 4 inch heavy platform made out of on edge 2x4s and plywood sized to fit under the deluxe with the cabinet chris supplies. The whole assembly is bolted and screwed to the cuesmith to make it solid and never move around. The total height is 44 inches to the middle of the spindle hole. At that height, my 6 ft 1 in body is OK either standing or seated. But, I usually work seated, I would maybe make it at least another 6 inches taller if it were for standing room only. The height should be for both back comfort and your eyesight focus range while doing this work. I am nearsighted.
My 2 metal lathes are 46 and 54 inches from the floor to the middle of the spindle. The taller one is great for extended work while standing. The shorter is OK for standing work but it can hurt my back after many hours. The tall one was purchased used on that same stand, though I raised it an inch or two, to its present height, when I installed screw leg levelers under the frame.
 
It's all relative to your height. Whatever your comfortable working height is is right. Leaning over hurts your back but I like o lean a butt for better view.

U believe my bench is 32" high which puts my deluxe centers around 36" I'm 5'7"
 
I have 36 inch benches and 40 inch benches. I think the 40 inch benches are easier on the neck, but do make a few things a little harder to see from the top. I am a little under 5' 9"
 
Dave38 said:
How high is the bench your lathe sits on? My old lathe bench, and the new one that my deluxe is on are both 32" tall. My Atlas TH-54 seems to be comfortable, but the deluxe seems like I'm leaning over too much. I'm 5'-9.75". I'm thinking of raising the Deluxe up about 3-4" more, but wanted some opinions before taking apart everything I just setup, and redoing it. Any Opinions? I've heard that normal woodturning lathes should be about the height of your bent elbow.
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...

I'am 6'-4" Have my bench at 33" tall. I weigh 360lbs so I sit on a bar stool.
 
Dave38 said:
How high is the bench your lathe sits on? My old lathe bench, and the new one that my deluxe is on are both 32" tall. My Atlas TH-54 seems to be comfortable, but the deluxe seems like I'm leaning over too much. I'm 5'-9.75". I'm thinking of raising the Deluxe up about 3-4" more, but wanted some opinions before taking apart everything I just setup, and redoing it. Any Opinions? I've heard that normal woodturning lathes should be about the height of your bent elbow.
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...

I think you'll be happy with that decision Dave, the bench my finishing lathe is on sits at 36 and I couldn't be happier. I think my lathe center is just an inch or two below my elbows.......bent or straight :eek:
 
Thanks for all the great responses guys. I will be moving it up about 5-6" sometime this week, hopefully. I just have to relocate the shelves I put up:grin:
Happy Easter,
Dave
 
Cant really remember how high I put the bench at but as you can see with the picture center is a few inches below my elbows and I stand 6'. Move it and if your not happy move it back.
Workingintheshop001.jpg
 
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