Author Topic: New lathe bench  (Read 8607 times)

Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #15 on: June 21, 2021, 03:39:41 PM »
Awwww the smell of the brown stuff. What you making it out of Dave?


Don

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Offline propforward

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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?
Stuart

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Offline Vixen

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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.  :thinking:

Mike
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Sometimes, it can be a long and winding road

Offline crueby

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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.

Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2021, 06:47:22 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!....
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Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #20 on: June 21, 2021, 07:12:57 PM »
Something like this

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Offline propforward

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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.
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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...
"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
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Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #23 on: June 21, 2021, 07:51:53 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.   
"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
Damned ijjit!

Offline propforward

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #24 on: June 21, 2021, 08:13:14 PM »
Good to know! Thank you!
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #25 on: June 22, 2021, 01:02:57 AM »
Current state of play
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Offline AVTUR

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #26 on: June 22, 2021, 11:48:46 AM »
What are you doing about the lighting of the bench and lathe?

AVTUR
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Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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.
"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
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Offline steamer

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Re: New lathe bench
« Reply #28 on: June 23, 2021, 07:25:18 PM »
Ready for base structure and paint
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Offline Vixen

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Re: New lathe bench
« 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   :ROFL:

Mike
It is the journey that matters, not the destination

Sometimes, it can be a long and winding road

 

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