Whats the relationship between your height and your lathe's centers?

[Judson Green]

Howdy I'm new to turning and pick up a bench mount lathe a few months ago. I am now in the process of building a bench for it and was wondering... Is there a rule of thumb one follows arrived at the correct height?

As a mock up I have the thing sitting on my table saw with 2×4 blocks under it and that seems right to me... I don't need to bend at all to have the tool right. This makes the centers at about 46-1/2 to 47". I'm 6'3". It seems tall when looking at it, but feels alright. Thoughts.

What's your centers at? What your height?

[Terry Vaughan]

Well, if it feels right, it is right. But if you're new to turning you don't really know yet what will feel right long term. And you may like the height different depending on the kind of turning you do (or what shoes you wear). So if possible build in a bit of adjustment above and below the height of your elbow.

[John Keeton]

You may get a variety of responses depending on turning style and whether folks turn mostly spindle work, bowls or forms. Here are some threads you may want to review -

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?55415-Spindle-Height-Question

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?27906-Lathe-height-advice-needed

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?160178-Lathe-bed-height

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?82161-Lathe-Stand-Height

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

lathe center should be about elbow height. this allows you work comfortably without leaning over too much.

sometimes for detail work, I'll but another thick mat on the floor so that I stand about 1.5" higher than normal. Doesn't sound like much, but it does help.

[Scott Lux]

The relationship between my height and my lathe centers is rocky. They haven't been speaking. But you can't trust my lathe when it's been drinking...