Shopsmith Forums

I got a 10er a few years ago and painted and replaced anything basic that was missing. I have a Jet 1014 that I converted to VS and a HF95607 lathe for pens and such.
I plan on using the SS 10er lathe for longer spindle type pieces. I want to make a mallet first off. I made one on my 1014 but it wasn't as long as I wanted.
I would like to know if there is an easy/cheap way to raise the height of the unit so the lathe configuration is more a conventional height for a lathe? Also what height should I be aiming for?

timsturnings wrote:I would like to know if there is an easy/cheap way to raise the height of the unit so the lathe configuration is more a conventional height for a lathe? Also what height should I be aiming for?

First off, what is your 10ER base made of? I don't think ya want a "conventional height for a lathe". They are to high for most people. You want the tool rest at the height when your arm is bent 90°, the tool rest is elbow height.

Most articles that I have seen recommend that the lathe center be at elbow height - with arm bent 90 degrees, your hand would be at spindle height. This height is comfortable for me. I need to build some risers for my MK5 to get it up there.

Mike

When I assembled mine, with the metal legs, I used a set of 2X4s, under the 2X8 bench top. Raised it about 1.75 inches. Let's try that again. 2X4s, on their sides, under the 2X8 long boards. A sideways (15 inch) piece of 2X4, under the headstock, and a piece of 2X8 under the tailstock. Those are all on the same level, with the 2X8 bench top attached to them. Makes the benchtop, about 2 inches higher.

When My baby brother and I built his, we ran 2, 15 inch sections of 4X4, just above the metal bench legs. (He's taller than I am.) We then ran the 2X8 bench top boards over them.

I wanted the lathe feature to be the primary, and the table saw, a minor, feature.

steve

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to just put some 2X4s or 2X8s under the bases. I will make the lathe level with my elbow as suggested. I wasn't sure what height I should be looking for. Thanks again,
Tim.

Sounds like you already have a good plan, but another thought is to sit at a stool that puts you at the right height. My SS is a little short for me I always get a soar neck and back when standing at it for long periods of time. I like the mobility the casters give too, which looks like you don't have that problem.

My baby brother, (who sto/received one of my ERs) found a box of asphalt tile, which his son used to stand on, until he was tall enough.

While I wouldn't recommend standing on a milk crate, a 65 pound box of tile worked, just fine.

He's now 15 and taller than dad, so the box of tile is waiting for his younger brother. (At 7, that kid is just TOO young to run a lathe.)

I so do like the flexibility of the early SSs.

steve