Hi CJH, As far as I know there aren't any lathe height police and no
rules to be enforced. Since your height is likely to be fixed and not
bent over, make the spindle high enough so that you can adjust yourself
up or down for comfort & turning efficiency. Use platform grating or a
pad. You might want to start out with the spindle about the height of
your bent elbow without padding. Your aching neck & back will show you
the way from there. Enjoy comfortable turning, Arch

Fortiter,