"Rick Samuel" wrote in message
...
Just bought a Jet 10 X 14 lathe. Been thinking about a stand for it. Got
somewhat of a plan in mind. 4X4 legs, shelf, maybe a 2nd shelf for weight
(sand). But I'll bet many out there already know much more about
designing a stand. Did a Google, but only came up with comerical items.
Pointers and ideas are very welcome. Many thanks.

Principles
The stance should be wider than the swing of the lathe to offer resistance
to off-balance conditions. For a ten-inch swing, I'd make sure the legs
spanned at least 15. Not sure exactly by physics where the point of
diminishing return is, but it's probably around double the swing, in my
experience.

Counters to off-center forces are better at a distance, so keep weight near
the floor, providing your stand is rigid. If the stand flexes, move it up
closer to the source of the imbalance.

Application
A small shop has no room for storing sand. There might as well be
door/drawers and a cabinet under the thing as space for gathering shavings.
If you store heavy items in there, might not need extra sand, but plan ahead
and make a place for it under the bottom shelf. If you make the ends out of
rigid material like glued and screwed sheet goods, you'll want it down
below.

Real nice to stand your lathe up against a wall, because it puts your racked
tools in easy reach and keeps shavings generated from turning insides from
falling into stoop and scoop territory. Not many people regularly go behind
their lathe, except when cleaning. Might as well get support from the wall.

Excellent idea to elevate the lathe above the tabletop, where a solid top is
used, for easy shaving collection. That way you can work the motor more
easily, and reach shavings which fall between and beneath the ways without
having to hook them out. Alternative is to use no top, and let 'em free
fall. This for those who have lots of shop space and don't mind bending
over all the time to scoop. Doesn't take much extra elevation. Mine is on
two layers of 3/4 sheet goods.

Place the head end of the lathe out of line with vulnerable cast iron. The
day will come when you want to turn wet wood or damp and acid wood. It will
rust any iron it falls on almost instantaneously. If you're up against a
wall, hang only plastic items in the water and sealer throw zone.
Alternative is barriers and covers, but the first time you get lazy it's
time to get out the wet/dry and the wax.