OK folks who here has set up a small lathe in their kitchen for turning pens and other trinkets? My plan is to put it into a plastic tote laying on its side as this should allow the shop vac to contain most of the chips and dust. while this sounds crazy and you'll think my wife will kill me it's actually her idea and lathe so she can build things and generate some interest while watching the so called "Store" during our "Artists open house" currently occupying our dining room.

Sounds interesting but my first thought was that when turning, the shavings and chips typically fly towards the operator.

The lathe would have to set pretty far into the tote and might be awkward to operate. 

I agree with Lew, something I can't imagine working out.

8 hours ago, John Hechel said:

it's actually her idea

Wow!!!! she's a keeper!!!!

 

Will she let you change your oil in the house also? I'm sure it's cold in Wisconsin.

A covered patio off the gallery would be a much better choice.  You might be able to contain some of the chips, but the sanding dust will permeate every surface in the house.  Much better off getting that mess away from food prep areas.  

 

.40

The mess will find a way out of the tote.  Okay if she enjoys cleaning the house. 

I should've been a little clearer, dust and chips coming out of the tote is expected. just trying to keep things a little more contained. She'll be turning a few pens, seam rippers, crochet hooks. nothing larger so not a ton of dust will be produced. we're going to give it a go and let the chips fall where they may. (Pun intended)

 

1 minute ago, John Hechel said:

I should've been a little clearer, dust and chips coming out of the tote is expected. just trying to keep things a little more contained. She'll be turning a few pens, seam rippers, crochet hooks. nothing larger so not a ton of dust will be produced. we're going to give it a go and let the chips fall where they may. (Pun intended)

 

Maybe hook up a shop vac to the rear of the tote. Might help with the dust.

If you can set the hose to shop vac right at the tool rest will help,