On Sat, 22 Jul 2017 11:48:19 -0700, "Bob La Londe"
wrote:

** Tools Behind the Lathe **

It kind of makes me nervous to reach across the lathe to grab a tool, but
I've seen a number of shop layouts like this where all their tool holders
are on a bracket or a shelf on the wall behind they lathe. Sure its not bad
if you make 100% sure to stop the lathe every single time, but its really
easy to get into a project and just swap tools on the QCTP without shutting
down the spindle. Especially when you are doing a semi production part
where time is money, or you know the process you are doing and you are
trying to make proficient use of your time.

I have a fairly small machine room and for now the wall behind my lathes are
bare. The small 8.5x18 rests on a heavy tool chest with all of its tools
inside the drawers. It even has a few empty drawers for future tools,
storage of extra measuring, tools, parts etc.

Handy!


The larger 14x40 sits on its own stand with a tool cart pushed back along
the head stock. When I am using the 1440 I pull the tool cart out next to
me so I can reach to the left and grab most tools I might need. Its fine if
I am just standing in that one spot, but often I am bouncing around between
machines and the assembly bench. Then the cart is in the way having to be
pushed back and pulled out constantly. As a result I often find tools
accumulating on top of the headstock of the lathe. If I could eliminate the
cart the machine room would have much better flow. Even if I wasn't annoyed
with myself about tools accumulating on the head stock it wouldn't hold all
the tools I might need for a project.

You can't slide the lathe down and put the cart on the opposite side?


The answer some home shop machinist have come up with is to utilize the wall
behind the lathe for tool racks, pegboard for misc tools and even cabinets.
Like I said. The wall behind my two lathes in the machine room is blank,
but I do have to admit that when I was using the bench lathes on benches out
on the main shop floor there were pegboards full of misc tools and storage
compartments behind them. I never did have an accident from reaching across
the lathe. If I did you might be calling me stumpy. LOL. However, I did
not put the main lathe tools on the pegboard. They were usually laying all
over the bench next to the lathe. I wasn't reaching across the lathe to get
a lathe tool usually.

I am curious what other folks think about utilizing that wall space. Do you
think its dangerous.

Of course it's dangerous. That's why you're asking, because your
Spidey Sense is saying "Murphy approaches!" I suggest listening to it
with full focus. My buddy with the lathe has the tail end butted
against the wall with shelving full of tools and metrics to his right.

To get around that if your lathe would stick out if butted, perhaps
employ a swing-out pegboard (I abhor the things, myself) or shelving
door with tools on it which are hidden when it's against the wall.
Hinge it on the right to put them over the tailstock when open. Lag
the hinges to the stud behind the drywall.


This video of this guys shop shows what I am talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1U8Y3Qevmo

Yes, common in 2-car shops. g

-
If ever the Time should come, when vain and aspiring

Men shall possess the highest Seats in Government,

our Country will stand in Need of its experienced

Patriots to prevent its Ruin.
-- Samuel Adams