Howdy folks, I have a Jet JML10414 Mini Lathe like the image shown and the extension bed as shown below, the distance between centers is 14" stock model. The extension bed that I have will extend the working distance between centers to 40". I need another 6 or so inches in order to turn my rear chair legs for the shaker rockers I am going to build. I like the small foot print of this lathe, it also has an indexing head which I really need for my rung hole positioning marks for the chair legs. So I'd really like to use this lathe for chair parts, but it comes in just a tad too short.

Does anyone have any suggestions to get that extra 6" into the working distance?

Building a custom cabinet is also an option if you have any ideas for that as well.

You can turn the legs in two pieces and glue them together.

27 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

You can turn the legs in two pieces and glue them together.

A great idea John, but that would not work.

Hmm, I could use the Conover lathe principle, some angle iron for the lathe bed over some timbers.

Remove the extension table and make a filler piece to cover the additional length needed and attach the extension to the filler piece. You will need to make sure that you have the dead center the exact same height as the live center and that it is secure so there will not be any lateral movement.

7 minutes ago, Allen Worsham said:

Remove the extension table and make a filler piece to cover the additional length needed and attach the extension to the filler piece. You will need to make sure that you have the dead center the exact same height as the live center and that it is secure so there will not be any lateral movement.

Allen, that's a great idea, the filler piece would not even have to be functional, just an extension block really, right?

That is correct. As long as it is stable and can hold the work piece solidly. At least that's how it looks to me from my couch. :-)

7 minutes ago, Allen Worsham said:

That is correct. As long as it is stable and can hold the work piece solidly. At least that's how it looks to me from my couch. :-)

Well, your couch has dispensed much wisdom over the years since I known ya, thanks Allen.

Just remember that advice is free and you get what you pay for.

5 minutes ago, Allen Worsham said:

Just remember that advice is free and you get what you pay for.

Noted! Best bargain in town!

I made an extension for my Delta Midi so I could swing the tail stock out of the way instead of removing it when using the bowl gouges on bowls and other things.  You may consider making one that would also lock in place when you want to do long stuff.  You can also build something stationary and bolt it down to the bench at the end of the extension.  If you build between the lathe and the extension you will need to be able to move the tool rest across it from the lathe to the extension.

 

 

 

 

Would something like this work?

 

http://lumberjocks.com/CartersWhittling/blog/27811

1 hour ago, John Morris said:

A great idea John, but that would not work.

 

HandyDan it Dan not John.  Just saying.

6 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

 

HandyDan it Dan not John.  Just saying.

Yes, sorry!

12 minutes ago, lew said:

Would something like this work?

 

http://lumberjocks.com/CartersWhittling/blog/27811

That would work too Lew!

If the two pieces just bolt together just get some all thread long enough and double nut both sides.

11 hours ago, RustyFN said:

If the two pieces just bolt together just get some all thread long enough and double nut both sides.

Thank you Rusty!

10 hours ago, John Morris said:

Thank you Rusty!

You're welcome. Let us know how it works out.

On 1/11/2017 at 8:01 AM, John Morris said:

and double nut both sides

Or chunks of pipe between.