Lathe Cab. vs. Stand

[PhilofKayDu]

I would like to set up my Delta #1460 lathe. For the woodturners out there. What is the prefered way? Dedicated (like kitchen) cabinet OOORRR a separate stand? How many lbs. of ballast? Drawers, shelves, cabinet doors? And where do you put the lathe tools and jigs? Opinions Please! Phil

[Pappy]

I built this for my wife's lathe. Ballast wasn't used since she only does small items. The knife rack is on French cleats and can be hung on on the outside of either end door.





Unfortunately she can't stand for long periods and I have to redsign a stand to allow her to sit on a stool with her legs under the lathe.

[Whaler]

I sure like Pappy's but this works for me.

[PhilofKayDu]

Thanks Don and Dick. I like the cabinet idea. But was concerned about it being stationary or mobile. I am thinking I would like a deeper cabinet. Don, how deep did you make your wife's? Phil

[PhilofKayDu]

And Don, where did you get the design for the castor assy. ? Wood Mag. Phil

[Pappy]

The top is only about a foot wide so the inside of the cabinet is probably around 9".

The caster lift is from a Wood magazine mobile tool base. I wasn't happy with the lift lever design. The bolt works loose making the lever action sloppy, sometimes to the point of being ineffective. Also the action seemed a bit akward to me.

I came up with a design for a lever that you pushed down. Even with her back problems, my wife was able to lift the Bt3 with no problems. This was the prototype made of MDF.





I used the same design on my 8" Rockwell jointer base. Because of the weight, I have to lift the end of the tables a little as I step down.

[RayintheUK]

My take on the subject is here.

Ray

[avbclark]

Each is a great design

I have a DElta 46-700 waiting for a stand, and now I have 3 great choices in how to set it up. Thank You.
Bill

[PhilofKayDu]

Don and Ray

Don, Putting a foot operated cam lever is a nice move. Sketches or drawings ? I have thought about adding something like this caster system to my BT3. Ray, Thanks for your link and thoughts. So how much does your setup weigh? Phil

[RayintheUK]

Ray, Thanks for your link and thoughts. So how much does your setup weigh?

All up, loaded with sand and tools as shown, I'd guess around 350lbs.

Ray

[PhilofKayDu]

More opinions please.

I thought there were more than four turners out there. I'm still looking for opinions and ideas. Phil

[toolguy1000]

Don, Putting a foot operated cam lever is a nice move. Sketches or drawings ? I have thought about adding something like this caster system to my BT3. Ray, Thanks for your link and thoughts. So how much does your setup weigh? Phil

+1 on the request for a little more detail on the mobile base. are the other 2 wheels non-swivelling? that is a really elegant design.

[Pappy]

Don, Putting a foot operated cam lever is a nice move. Sketches or drawings ? I have thought about adding something like this caster system to my BT3. Ray, Thanks for your link and thoughts. So how much does your setup weigh? Phil

Sorry, no drawings. The mod was designed on the fly. I do have some extra cams cut. I will trace them onto some grid paper and scan them in to post.

The original design from Wood called for 2 swivel and 2 fixed. I followed the plans on my bandsaw but found it hard to manuever. Everything else has 4 swivels with lifts on both ends.

[BigguyZ]

I'd say it depends on what you're turning. My mini Jet is on a mobile base that I built (not very elegant I'll admit, but it works). However, if I some day have the space/ money for a big lathe to use for large bowls that may be OOR, I'll opt for a cast iron base with sandbags to weigh the sucker down....

[dbhost]

I've been extrem faul regarding my lathe setup in favor of other projects, so as it is, I have mine on the OEM stand, with a simple shelf that holds the loose stuff. I keep 3 #80 lb bags of sand on it, so that's what, 260 lbs I guess...

I have been using Sketchup to come up with a design for a proper stand / cabinet, but haven't come up with anything I like yet. I am close though. Keeping the stock stand in place, a simple box that fits in the center section of the stand, with an enclosed compartment for the sand, 2 full width drawers approx 3" high for turning tools, measuring tools like calipers, sanding, finishing supplies (not finishes though). And 2 half width drawers 6" tall to hold things like chucks, jaws, finishes etc...