Lathe question

[Michael Gibbons]

I heard somewhere that the spindle height on a lathe should be at elbow height when your arms are bent at 90 degrees; like when your holding a tool on a rest. Is this correct? Does it matter?


...Mike

[David Foshee]

Yes I have read that here on this site and it sounds logical.

[Jim Ketron]

Thats the starting point.
a lot depends on what type of turning you plan to do. as for example, doing hollow forms if the lathe is a bit higher makes for more comfortable turning, for turning spindles elbow hight works pretty good.

[Paul Engle]

yep, helps keep the back from straining and helps keep you balanced to move around while on the bevel, all my equip is at 38 to 42 in from floor so I don't have to stoop too much( I'm 6'3"). my lathe sits at 41 in( 49 at the ts center).

[George Tokarev]

Good place to start. Perhaps a tad above, to allow a bit of flex in your elbow. Most cutting is done slightly above or below centerline, so set up a mock toolrest, get the business end of the tool at a comfortable height for your elbow, and modify accordingly. Note how much easier it is to raise the lathe versus the operator, and err on the low side if in doubt.