I just bought a lathe and have never used one before the lathe does not have a table. I can make one but my question is this I have no idea how tall to make it.. Because I have no experience with lathes. Where do I want my work to be at? Eye level? Shoulder? Does the table need to be heavy to help with vibrations?  I have done woodworking before just not this type. Thank you a head of time for you help. Also please add any suggestions you may have for making a lathe table.

Lisa, I don't do lathe work so take this with a grain of salt. Many lathe tables have a shelf near the bottom to stack sand bags or other weighty stuff to dampen the vibration. The ones I've seen had 4x4 legs and a hefty top. 

As to height, I'd think you'd want the work at just a bit below your bent elbows.

Hopefully, some of the more experienced turners will chime in with some thoughts.

Hi, Lisa!

What Gene said is right on.

As for the lathe height, most folks recommend that the centerline of your work be at about the same level as your elbow. That is a comfortable height to hold/use most lathe tools. For me, I made my a  little higher so I don't have to bend my back as much.

I actually mounted my lathe on top of a large drawered cabinet because of limited space. However, an open frame has many advantages. It is easier to add weight to offset any vibration. Chips fall to the floor making cleanup easier.

I've seen turners add casters to their lathe bases. My own opinion here is that even lockable wheels will have a tendency to move/slip and the lathe may move during operation.

If you make a table that's wider than the lathe, keep the lathe mounted closer to the "working side" so you don't have to lean in to do any operation. If the table is going to have a shelf(s) to hold your lathe tools, make the shelf(s) in an open frame design to help avoid having them fill up with shavings!

Hope this helps you get started. Let me know if  there's anything else we can help with and I'm looking forward to seeing some of your turnings!!!

If  you also would not mind posting some pics of your setup for your tables that would be awesome so I can be be all thief like a steal some ideas from you all.

14 minutes ago, Lissa Hall said:

If  you also would not mind posting some pics of your setup for your tables that would be awesome so I can be be all thief like a steal some ideas from you all.

Be glad to. I'll search for what I have and post here in a few minutes. I can take more pix if you want any specific details.

Here are a few I found. They are not in any chronological order. Please don't laugh at my lathe light. I'm gonna replace it with an LED one- someday. 

 

This one show the location of the lathe and that it sets on a drawered cabinet.

 

There is only about 2 feet between the lathe and the saw.

 

A little better front view

 

 

This shows how chips can build up on a table top.

 

Let me know if you want more detailed pix. I'll be glad to take more and post them.

Lew thank you so much, beautiful work in the picture!! Nice shop also. As far as the wood chips if I made a table with a cut out behind the lathe would that be a good idea? That way they can fall thru it and off the front?mi mean not a huge one just long enough and such to be able to brush them out..

Hey Lew, I noticed your lathe stand is enclosed at the base cabinet, do you ever feel compelled to put one foot up on something as a rest, and cannot because of the enclosed base?

That would work. Maybe a series of slots 

 

This is not to scale, just a quick picture. The separated slots would provide more integrity to the top

6 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Hey Lew, I noticed your lathe stand is enclosed at the base cabinet, do you ever feel compelled to put one foot up on something as a rest, and cannot because of the enclosed base?

So far that hasn't been a problem. I move around so much when turning that having both feet on the floor is a help. The problem I do find is that I store most of the small lathe stuff in the drawers and when I start turning I forget to fully close the drawers. Even a partially opened drawer is a great chip catcher

5 hours ago, lew said:

So far that hasn't been a problem. I move around so much when turning that having both feet on the floor is a help. The problem I do find is that I store most of the small lathe stuff in the drawers and when I start turning I forget to fully close the drawers. Even a partially opened drawer is a great chip catcher

This is the reason I didn't want drawers under the table.

Lissa, have you started thinking yet on how you are going to control dust? Some people just use a box fan and a bag, while others go full blown dust vac system. I asked because a good setup goes a long way to controlling any dust/chip issues.

1 hour ago, Charles Nicholls said:

This is the reason I didn't want drawers under the table.

Lissa, have you started thinking yet on how you are going to control dust? Some people just use a box fan and a bag, while others go full blown dust vac system. I asked because a good setup goes a long way to controlling any dust/chip issues.

 Charles I have a smaller work shop with a lot of Windows so I usually run a box fan, but wear a mask as well just to be safe. I hope one day to get a vac but it will not be soon lol I bought this lathe on clearance with a one year warranty for 148.00 if it messes up I can take it back for the new model and no charge.. I am happy I ran a crossed it.. 

I'd suggest that you visit a wood craft store like Rocklers or even look at sears. They have lathe stands and should give you a good idea of what you need. I have a mini  I have mine high, centers are 48" from floor. That way I can easily see the pieces I am working with and keep my back straight. You will also notice I have my tools within easy reach, I have two lights and drawers below my lathe.

1 hour ago, Lissa Hall said:

 Charles I have a smaller work shop with a lot of Windows so I usually run a box fan, but wear a mask as well just to be safe. I hope one day to get a vac but it will not be soon lol I bought this lathe on clearance with a one year warranty for 148.00 if it messes up I can take it back for the new model and no charge.. I am happy I ran a crossed it.. 

I totally understand I am in the same park with wanting a good dust vac but not being able to afford it.

 

$148.00 wow that is the best price I have seen on a lathe in a long time. I paid about that much for a used one on eBay back in 2009-10

 

Keep us posted on anything you have questions about, one of us will surely drop in and answer.

 

Welcome to the addiction LOL.

 

LIsa, I would suggest that you wear a full face shield.  Not only does it protect your full face from possible flying wood, it also helps protect your eyes and diverts most dust away. I also wear a dust mask. Protect your lungs as much as possible. Some woods are bad, Walnut is one of them. I taught myself to turn and love it. Use youtube, there are some great videos there.

 

Ron

Lissa I would consider creating a "U" shaped countertop to allow your shavings to fall through. Perhaps even adding a sloped chute to direct your shavings into a tote/bucket.

one other thing I did with mine is added a pegboard back wall to hold all my tools and accessories. A shelf with holes holds pencils, screwdrivers, drive centers, drill chucks. etc. also place a set of wrenches on the wall to use as guides for tennons and other diameters.

 

Lissa, 

Here's a picture of a lathe table- http://lumberjocks.com/projects/241946

heavy is always good.