Determining Lathe Height Placement

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“I am new to woodturning. I have purchased a used Woodfast, 20 x 16 lathe. It needs a base or stand. My question is, how do I determine the correct spindle height as it relates to me?”

Submitted by: tb4x4

WWGOA Editor Response:

As a general rule you’ll have the spindle at a comfortable height if you stand upright, bend your arm at the elbow, and have someone measure from your elbow to the floor. Make sure you measure the height from the floor to the lathe spindle.

Thank you for your question.

George Vondriska

Managing Editor

Got a woodworking question you need answered? Comment or Email us at editor@wwgoa.com

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    3 Responses to “Determining Lathe Height Placement”

    1. David

      I'm tall, so mine should be set fairly high compared to most others. But I had a back injury in Iraq so standing for long periods so I need the stand to be adjustable height, I don't sit, but I lean against a stool just enough to take a bit of the strain off. So measuring for the correct height IS important, but comfort is also a large part of the equation.

    2. Dr Nigel Mackintosh

      Do you realise that you haven't actually answered the question? All you've said is to make 2 measurements. You haven't said if they should be equal, or differ by X", or what?

    3. claude

      im a midget someone will trip over ours...