Author Topic: New lathe bench (Read 8786 times)

steamer · « **on:** June 19, 2021, 04:42:00 PM »

Getting a start on this....the SB bench I have has very primitive shelves, but is so dark and deep that storing anything is rediculus...and it's a bit flimsy....

I have a solid wood dresser with drawers that I will be converting....I'll post as I go...I'm off this week....

......Got a new job and I start on the 28th.....and I'm excited....

Dave

simplyloco · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2021, 05:42:52 PM »

Quote from: steamer on June 19, 2021, 04:42:00 PM

SNIP

......Got a new job and I start on the 28th.....and I'm excited....

Dave

And the new job is?
John

steamer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2021, 06:04:02 PM »

Quote from: simplyloco on June 19, 2021, 05:42:52 PM

Quote from: steamer on June 19, 2021, 04:42:00 PM
SNIP

......Got a new job and I start on the 28th.....and I'm excited....

Dave

And the new job is?
John

A prestigious 3D printer builder....Principal ME...R&D

Dave Otto · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2021, 06:27:15 PM »

Congrats on the new job!
Is this the small company that does metal printing for aerospace based in Burlington MA? Although I understand that they have a new place east of there?

Dave

propforward · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2021, 07:53:17 PM »

Congrats on the new job - great news.

Very interested in your new bench, shall be following along as I’d like to redo mine also.

steamer · « **Reply #5 on:** June 19, 2021, 08:35:33 PM »

Something along the lines of this is what i'm thinking....
There are 6 drawers and a center cupboard. The bench is 54" long and 20 inches deep and 36.5 tall to the top of the bench. I'll add my perched tool box to the right, with shelves for QCTP holders and TS tooling on the back vertical wall

The drawers are what I'm after......

Dave

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2021, 11:08:42 PM »

Congratulations on the new job Dave - fantastic news - I hope that you will enjoy working there

Per

steamer · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2021, 11:56:38 PM »

Quote from: Admiral_dk on June 19, 2021, 11:08:42 PM

Congratulations on the new job Dave - fantastic news - I hope that you will enjoy working there

Per

Thanks Per

steamer · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2021, 01:10:44 AM »

OK I removed the plywood back of the dresser ( screwed on only) and glued it to the case and replaced the screws. I then added front to back leg stabilizers of wood that were glued and screwed in. Tomorrow i'll add a 1 x 6 across the back of the bench for the back stop and the motor mount bracket to attach to, and then I'll add a diagonal 1x6 to the back to stiffen it some more. I also polyurethaned the top with some hardwood floor poly. Just to keep the oil from getting to the nice wood.

Dave

Kim · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2021, 05:19:17 AM »

Congratulations on the new job, Dave! Sounds like it will be exciting!

And your new lathe looks like it will be a great addition!

Kim

steamer · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2021, 12:06:06 PM »

Quote from: Kim on June 20, 2021, 05:19:17 AM

Congratulations on the new job, Dave! Sounds like it will be exciting!

And your new lathe looks like it will be a great addition!

Kim

Well. Thanks Kim.....The lathe bench is off to a good start ..I think Samantha Bell is going to like her new home.

MJM460 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2021, 12:50:30 PM »

Hi Dave, great news about the job. It sounds like it will be interesting as well as challenging.

MJM460

steamer · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2021, 12:43:48 AM »

Great progress today. I was able to build the back wall for the bench. I've decided to paint the bench , as I don't want to make a project out of trying to match wood tones ect. It's going to be nice and spacious with ample shelving behind the lathe for tool post and tailstock tooling to reside, and my lathe specifica tool box will go back on this bench in the same location. it will have 3 shelves on the back wall...but the wall will be higher than my current set up.

Did I mention 6 drawers and a cubby for the TS turret?

Dave

RReid · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2021, 03:11:20 AM »

Gonna be nice!

Don1966 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2021, 03:21:50 AM »

Awwww the smell of the brown stuff. What you making it out of Dave?

Don

steamer · « **Reply #15 on:** June 21, 2021, 03:39:41 PM »

Quote from: Don1966 on June 21, 2021, 03:21:50 AM

Awwww the smell of the brown stuff. What you making it out of Dave?

Don

Boat lumber, offcuts of plywood...left overs!

propforward · « **Reply #16 on:** June 21, 2021, 05:28:47 PM »

Dave what are you doing about the main platform for the lathe - my lathe seems to "bounce" while running, which I ascribe to the crappy sheet metal cabinets it is mounted on. I was thinking of altering that to something much more substantial - wondered if you were going to do anything in particular?

Vixen · « **Reply #17 on:** June 21, 2021, 05:34:09 PM »

In theory, wood should be a better at absorbing and damping vibration than any sheet steel cabinet. Build it heavy, heavier the better.

Mike

crueby · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2021, 06:12:43 PM »

I picked up a butcher block style countertop from the local discount flooring place, and sawed it down the middle, was wide enough for two benchtops. Very rigid. A couple coats of floor varnish made a tough surface.

steamer · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2021, 06:47:22 PM »

Quote from: propforward on June 21, 2021, 05:28:47 PM

Dave what are you doing about the main platform for the lathe - my lathe seems to "bounce" while running, which I ascribe to the crappy sheet metal cabinets it is mounted on. I was thinking of altering that to something much more substantial - wondered if you were going to do anything in particular?

The main body of the bench is a bedroom dresser of very good quality...NO PRESS BOARD...all birch plywood, and glued and screwed construction. I am now adding to it. I removed the rear plywood sheer plate, and reattached with glue and screws. I then added cross braces to the feet, and then I'll mount the whole thing with through bolts on 3x3 x 1/4 angle iron girders.
The drawers are full dovetail design...and solid hardwood. The best part was it was free!....

steamer · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:12:57 PM »

Something like this

propforward · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:18:09 PM »

Very nice - really substantial. Might have to rethink my approach - I was going to try adding 1" thick steel plates on top of my cabinets - but larger than the outside dimensions of the cabinets, which should be very rigid. I like your cabinet a lot more though.

steamer · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:43:18 PM »

I honestly think it's way more rigid than the SB Sheet steel one ...which is the one I own. I can twist that one by hand.... I know it weighs a good deal more, and the storage space is there. Mass a a good thing! 1" plate will do it, but unless it's more than about 1 HP cuts....probably not needed. Honestly, I think a concrete block with the lathe grouted into the top would be just about perfect.....but that doesn't move around so easy.

I think Samantha Bell ( 3/4 HP Motor....MAYBE 1/2 at the belt.....maybe)...will be happy as a clam on her new bench...and I'll be much happier with drawers so I don't have to stand on my head to try to find something in the bottom back shelf...

steamer · « **Reply #23 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:51:53 PM »

Quote from: propforward on June 21, 2021, 05:28:47 PM

Dave what are you doing about the main platform for the lathe - my lathe seems to "bounce" while running, which I ascribe to the crappy sheet metal cabinets it is mounted on. I was thinking of altering that to something much more substantial - wondered if you were going to do anything in particular?

2 OR 3 layers of 3/4" Birch ply laminated together as a bench top is a good stable platform. Because it's laminated, it will not move much with the weather...but I'd seal it with polyurethane. regardless.

propforward · « **Reply #24 on:** June 21, 2021, 08:13:14 PM »

Good to know! Thank you!

steamer · « **Reply #25 on:** June 22, 2021, 01:02:57 AM »

Current state of play

AVTUR · « **Reply #26 on:** June 22, 2021, 11:48:46 AM »

What are you doing about the lighting of the bench and lathe?

AVTUR

steamer · « **Reply #27 on:** June 22, 2021, 01:02:55 PM »

Plan is to mount the existing light on the backstop...but im not sure yet.

steamer · « **Reply #28 on:** June 23, 2021, 07:25:18 PM »

Ready for base structure and paint

Vixen · « **Reply #29 on:** June 23, 2021, 07:35:35 PM »

Looks to have been a nice piece of furniture. It will make a good basis for the new lathe bench.

You will soon have those drawers full of swarf

Mike

steamer · « **Reply #30 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:33:58 PM »

Thats better now it needs the base

propforward · « **Reply #31 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:37:15 PM »

Oh yes - that looks great. Very nice indeed.

steamer · « **Reply #32 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:39:27 PM »

Quote from: Vixen on June 23, 2021, 07:35:35 PM

Looks to have been a nice piece of furniture. It will make a good basis for the new lathe bench.

You will soon have those drawers full of swarf

Mike

Thats a good problem! Need to put in my air conditioning....shop is hot!

steamer · « **Reply #33 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:43:56 PM »

Quote from: propforward on June 23, 2021, 08:37:15 PM

Oh yes - that looks great. Very nice indeed.

To the riight of the shelves will go my Union Toolcest..it is sized to just fit it.in.

steamer · « **Reply #34 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:58:43 PM »

Heres apic of the box on the original bench

steamer · « **Reply #35 on:** June 24, 2021, 01:09:34 AM »

The relatively massive 3 x 3 x 1/4 base frame beams are cut to length and I'll drill them for the leveling casters tomorrow and attach them

Kim · « **Reply #36 on:** June 24, 2021, 05:09:46 AM »

Love the shelves & backstop! And that will give you a lot of under-lathe storage for sure! Very nice Dave!
Kim

steamer · « **Reply #37 on:** June 24, 2021, 02:12:38 PM »

Thanks Kim. Its laid out the way Ive worked it for the last 10 years. Tool storage is based on usage. Tool post holder and TS tooling I use every day are on the first shelf. Tooling I use approximately once a week...goes on the top shelf. Everything else goes in the drawers. Again. Based on usage. Chucks and faceplates go in the top left. Collets and collet tooling in the next one down. On the right side...steadies in the top drawer. Metric transposition kit in second drawer. TS turret and tooling in the center cubbard
Bottom drawers are everything else. Lowest priority to the bottom.

steamer · « **Reply #38 on:** June 24, 2021, 02:14:23 PM »

Toolbox is hand tools and lathe specific tooling and will be reconfiguired somewhat from where it is now.

Dave

steamer · « **Reply #39 on:** June 24, 2021, 09:46:09 PM »

The build is done it was all I cod do to muscle it into the garage! Now the ligistical nightmare of the transfer....but ive started it.

steamer · « **Reply #40 on:** June 26, 2021, 01:59:02 AM »

No work today....put together my wife's gardening cart...and I was stuffed for the day. That second vaccine shot kicked me right in the proverbial!......

Tomorrow I'll do more....I need to get the air conditioning in before the next heat wave starts Monday....

Dave

steamer · « **Reply #41 on:** June 26, 2021, 03:14:24 AM »

An original Southbend lathe bench for the workshop lathe

propforward · « **Reply #42 on:** June 26, 2021, 05:33:31 PM »

Those South Bend lathes are a work of art.

steamer · « **Reply #43 on:** June 27, 2021, 11:18:02 PM »

Progress!. The layout works.well. vacujar, I put the lamp at the top left corner of the backsplash, with the long boom I can reach anywhere along the 4.5 foot long bed. I also got the AC in im done working in there at 100F.

Dave

propforward · « **Reply #44 on:** June 28, 2021, 07:14:14 PM »

Very nice set up. Good for you for getting the a/c unit in - now you have a real nice all weather retreat.

Don1966 · « **Reply #45 on:** June 29, 2021, 02:49:37 AM »

Damn Dave that is totally looking the part.

Don

steamer · « **Reply #46 on:** July 05, 2021, 11:46:54 PM »

More progress today ive got the lathe moved...not so easy by yourself...but its on and safely bolted down. Ive transfered all the toolung and it fits wonderfully spindle tooling to the left and bed tooling to the right hand drawers and toolpost and tailstock on the backsplash. The turret tailstock and the metric gearing go in the center cuboard. I have a door but it needs new hinges ill order them this week. Measuring tools and insert tooling will go in the toolbox to the upper right. It all moves around efforrlessly on casters with leveling feet all mounted on massive angle iron stretchers. Very rigid next I mount the countershaft to the back of the bench and the re install all the electrics. I have two drawbars for 3c that ill mount to the right side of the backsplash for storage. Ill have some duplicate tooling that ill be selling off. Stay tuned

crueby · « **Reply #47 on:** July 05, 2021, 11:58:05 PM »

Looking great!

Dave Otto · « **Reply #48 on:** July 06, 2021, 01:17:39 AM »

Looks great Dave!

Dave

Kim · « **Reply #49 on:** July 06, 2021, 05:16:24 AM »

That's really nice, Dave. Very efficient use of space and everything close to where it's needed.

Kim

Vixen · « **Reply #50 on:** July 06, 2021, 05:48:30 AM »

Hello Dave,

The new lathe bench looks great. Plenty of dedicated storage and lots of tooling, close to hand. A well thought out installation.

Cheers

Mike

Jo · « **Reply #51 on:** July 06, 2021, 06:31:51 AM »

I like that

Jo

AVTUR · « **Reply #52 on:** July 06, 2021, 05:37:08 PM »

It is great to have access to the back of a lathe. I guess it is a question of room.

Looks great.

AVTUR

Don1966 · « **Reply #53 on:** July 06, 2021, 05:58:46 PM »

Awesome Dave ……l

Don

Roger B · « **Reply #54 on:** July 06, 2021, 07:34:55 PM »

Looks good

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #55 on:** July 06, 2021, 07:58:25 PM »

Looks good Dave

Out of curiosity - do you lift them off the wheels and put something solid under to prevent movement when you use the tools ?

Per

steamer · « **Reply #56 on:** July 06, 2021, 08:19:11 PM »

Hi Admiral
Leveled and solid.

The casters have a leveling foot built in

You dont need to move often, but when you do, it sure is nice to have casters.

Mike Bondarczuk · « **Reply #57 on:** July 06, 2021, 08:22:47 PM »

Hi Dave,

What is the maximum weight loading on this casters as I am looking for something similar to put under my Boxford 8" shaper, which I guess is around 500 lbs total, and which includes the base.

Mike

steamer · « **Reply #58 on:** July 06, 2021, 10:14:46 PM »

Mine are 600 ounds each though they are available to 1100 pounds each my SB is about 400 pounds and another 200-300 in the rest so 600 to 700 total.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #59 on:** July 07, 2021, 07:23:05 PM »

I never saw that kind of caster wheels before .... but I do really like the design and can see why you choose those

steamer · « **Reply #60 on:** July 08, 2021, 12:13:09 AM »

Quote from: Admiral_dk on July 07, 2021, 07:23:05 PM

I never saw that kind of caster wheels before .... but I do really like the design and can see why you choose those

I got mine from Mcmaster Carr...though I'm told you can get them for a lower price from Amazon.

Dave

Don1966 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 08, 2021, 12:59:33 AM »

Quote from: steamer on July 08, 2021, 12:13:09 AM

Quote from: Admiral_dk on July 07, 2021, 07:23:05 PM
I never saw that kind of caster wheels before .... but I do really like the design and can see why you choose those

I got mine from Mcmaster Carr...though I'm told you can get them for a lower price from Amazon.

Dave

Yep a good selection for different prices here…. https://www.amazon.com/HLMOptimo-Leveling-Retractable-Workbench-Capacity/dp/B08NJSVPZZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Leveling+machine+casters&qid=1625702216&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFJRDZNQVlWMDJGTEsmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0MjMwMTMzUTNVUU1SUTRZM1gyJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3OTE2ODNMWVlETE9CTDRTUU0md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Do

propforward · « **Reply #62 on:** July 08, 2021, 06:01:56 PM »

I really like that bench. Very well thought, lots of space saving integration, and really solid as well. Very nice indeed.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #63 on:** July 08, 2021, 10:50:23 PM »

Thank you both Dave and Don for the info - very useful

Per

steamer · « **Reply #64 on:** July 09, 2021, 02:16:07 AM »

Quote from: propforward on July 08, 2021, 06:01:56 PM

I really like that bench. Very well thought, lots of space saving integration, and really solid as well. Very nice indeed.

Yup Only took me 10 years to figure out....LOL

steamer · « **Reply #65 on:** July 11, 2021, 10:43:50 PM »

New lathe bench fully operationable. Still working on some every day tool hanger locations...specifically check keys and draw bars. The floors in my shop are NOT level...so ill have to work out leveling the lathe bed. Ive got the twist out..but off over an inch left to right...and nearly that back to front...high in the back. The bench is ROCK solid. I also will need new hinges for the center door....well figuire something out

steamer · « **Reply #66 on:** July 17, 2021, 10:45:14 PM »

OK NOW it's done!

propforward · « **Reply #67 on:** July 17, 2021, 11:40:38 PM »

Lovely job! Very nice work!

gerritv · « **Reply #68 on:** July 18, 2021, 12:27:00 AM »

Everything in one place, always a good plan. This will save you hunting for bits and pieces for the lathe.

As well, the style fits with the era of the lathe.

Gerrit

Vixen · « **Reply #69 on:** July 18, 2021, 12:44:49 PM »

Nice work,

A place for everything and everything in it's place.

Now make some swarf

Mike

steamer · « **Reply #70 on:** July 18, 2021, 06:53:36 PM »

Already am....making a mod to an old lubricator for a friend

gary.a.ayres · « **Reply #71 on:** July 26, 2021, 10:03:10 AM »

Great looking bench... and lathe!

gary

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Author Topic: New lathe bench (Read 8786 times)