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Thread: Lathe riser blocks

  1. #1
    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
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    Frank S's Tools

    Lathe riser blocks

    Actually I should say lathe lifting blocks .
    While I am not overly tall, @ 67 years of age I still stand straight backed and I prefer working with tools positioned at a comfortable height to me as much as possible. My main lathe has never felt comfortable for me. Some of the control levers I use very frequently seemed too low for my liking. The hand wheel for the carriage was the worst of these I had to bend down to spin it and leaning over to inspect a bore was a pain in the back.
    So I finally decided to do something about it by giving the lathe a raise well a lift anyway.
    I blocked between the chip tray and the bed then blocked under that and a hydraulic jack to lift the power end up a few inches then the off end as well
    Spindle height before
    Lathe riser blocks-img_20211022_133407la.jpg
    Spindle height after
    Lathe riser blocks-img_20211022_133418la.jpg
    Blocking and jack
    Lathe riser blocks-img_20211022_125641la.jpg
    riser blocks 4x6 OAK
    Lathe riser blocks-img_20211022_202000la.jpg
    Lathe riser blocks-img_20211022_202030la.jpg

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    Last edited by Frank S; Oct 23, 2021 at 12:12 AM.
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Frank S For This Useful Post:

    mwmkravchenko (Oct 26, 2021), Skun Knuckles (Oct 27, 2021)

  3. #2
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    Thanks Frank S! We've added your Lathe Riser Blocks to our Lathe Accessories category,
    as well as to your builder page: Frank S's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:




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  4. #3
    Supporting Member Frank S's Avatar
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    Frank S's Tools
    After 3 days of running the lathe at least 4 hours per day I can say this. It is all about comfort. even where the chuck key is kept is more comfortable to grab as it is just above fingertip height, so using the socket as a handle puts it square in my hand with no bending or reaching.
    The feed rate change levers are easier to reach, the carriage handwheel is now high enough that when the handle is at the bottom of rotation I still don't have to stoop down.
    All in all I like just about everything that goes with the change in height, now I just need to find the time to elevate the other 3 lathes in the trailer



    186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook
    Never try to tell me it can't be done
    When I have to paint I use KBS products

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Frank S For This Useful Post:

    Skun Knuckles (Oct 27, 2021)

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