Back story---I have 2 wood lathes & I'm pondering mounting both on the same moblie cart --back to back.

 

So I'm contemplating making the cart about 2' deep & 3' wide. Height of cart is dependent on SWMBO's height. Probably about 28"" to the top of the cart.

Offset drawers underneath. One lathe has a 10" swing the other a 12" swing..

 

I'm looking for advice/experience from the members for potential problems.

 

One problem that has been raised by SWMBO is both of us simultaneously turning. I can't see that happening b/c we normally don't share the shop at the same time for sanity sake. She'll be turning mostly spindels, I'll be turning anything.

 

Thoughts or comments????

 

thks

 

smitty

Turning at the same time would be a big problem.  Distractions, sanding dust, chips etc.  She probably wants o have her own work space.  Can't say I blame her. 

Depending upon how tall you are you may want to do a stepped height top to the bench.

Since she turns spindles set the 10" at the height comfortable for her, the 12" at the height comfortable for you. 

44 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

do a stepped height top to the bench.

I was thinking along those lines but realized that just putting some 2x4 under the feet of the lathe would accomplish the same thing with less work.

You want to look at dust collection space between lathes. Personally I think two separate stands will be easier to adjust to and could accommodate tools you will attach . With them on wheels it would be easy to adjust position . Also there may be changes in the two schedules in the future. one more consideration is if together and both lathes working vibration will be multiplied.