Elbows

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jeff

jeff

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I raised my lathe today so that the spindle is just a tad below my elbows. That took 4-1/2 inch blocks, so I was really bending over. It's pretty comfy now, which is what matters, but it's really "in my face".

Is the "elbow height" rule for the spindle where most people have it, or is that some bunk invented by face shield manufacturers? :biggrin:
 
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When my lathe spins, it usually misses my nose---but not by much.

But, I used to turn over fifty hours a week without unusual back pain. Legs tired, yes.

Comfort should be your guide, I believe. (OPINION)
 
My lathe has been at elbow height since I got it. Didn't know there was a recommended height. :) It just was that height because my work table is tall. I am 6'2", and never have had a problem with an ache due to the height of the lathe.
Now, aches from other reasons, well, number 1.........don't worry, I won't start.
 
As much as I shouldn't, I have to agree with Ed... what feels good to you should be your guide. I'm just over 6'... my little lathe has a 47 inch spindle height and the big lathe is about 45-46 inches... thinking about putting the feet on the big lathe and raising it to same height as the little one... I can stand straight at the lathe without having any problems with the back...
 
rjwolfe3 said:
I'm not sure because I am still bent over mine and after a couple of hours my joints are aching. I am assuming you are tall like me?
Click to expand...

6'3"

I've been hollowing quite a few things lately and my neck is bothering me. I think the adjusted height will help a lot.
 
dalecamino said:
I read that here on this very forum a couple of years ago (I think) But that's where mine is and,I like it.
Click to expand...

I've been thinking of raising my lathe but wasn't sure how much. After a couple hours of turning my back and legs are killing me. I'm fairly tall so that might contribute.

Carl
 
jeff said:
I raised my lathe today so that the spindle is just a tad below my elbows. That took 4-1/2 inch blocks, so I was really bending over. It's pretty comfy now, which is what matters, but it's really "in my face".

Is the "elbow height" rule for the spindle where most people have it, or is that some bunk invented by face shield manufacturers? :biggrin:
Click to expand...


This was brought up recently here and yes the recomended height is to have the center of the spindle even with the elbow when bent at a 90 degree angle. It is the most natural for you to control the tool. Remember you are moving the tool with your body side to side also. If you find yourself bending over to see your work better it maybe time for either new glasses or glasses to start with. :) There are those that make adjustments from here because of other problems such as bad wrists or elbow problems and can not get the arm to raise that high. Shoulder fatigue is common also if not properly adjusted. It should help or should get you to a starting point and don't be afraid to adjust from there. There is no written law.
 
jeff said:
rjwolfe3 said:
I'm not sure because I am still bent over mine and after a couple of hours my joints are aching. I am assuming you are tall like me?
Click to expand...

6'3"

I've been hollowing quite a few things lately and my neck is bothering me. I think the adjusted height will help a lot.
Click to expand...

You know the Rule, Jeff! No pictures, it didn't happen :)

PS The turnings, not your neck :)
 
The way it was originally described to me was that the tool rest, when adjusted properly, should be at elbow height when your arm is bent 90-degrees and held at your side.

I recently attended a turning forum and the way the pro-turner described it was that when you have your tool rest at proper turning height it should also be a very comfortable elbow rest if you turn and talk to someone.

My lathe is just right if I stand on the cement. If I add one of the "cushy pads" from Woodcraft then it is just a bit low. I'll be raising it soon because those pads make a tremendous difference in my feet/knees/back.

GK
 
I have a bad back and am unable to stand for any period of time. My lathe sits on a stand about 19 inches high and I sit on a desk chair with the back and arms removed. So I just set the seat height to be comfortable for turning. The chair wheels afford the necessary mobility. Works good for me! You guys who can stand, take good care of your back. You will miss it when it is gone
 
jttheclockman said:
jeff said:
I raised my lathe today so that the spindle is just a tad below my elbows. That took 4-1/2 inch blocks, so I was really bending over. It's pretty comfy now, which is what matters, but it's really "in my face".

Is the "elbow height" rule for the spindle where most people have it, or is that some bunk invented by face shield manufacturers? :biggrin:
Click to expand...


This was brought up recently here and yes the recomended height is to have the center of the spindle even with the elbow when bent at a 90 degree angle. It is the most natural for you to control the tool. Remember you are moving the tool with your body side to side also. If you find yourself bending over to see your work better it maybe time for either new glasses or glasses to start with. :) There are those that make adjustments from here because of other problems such as bad wrists or elbow problems and can not get the arm to raise that high. Shoulder fatigue is common also if not properly adjusted. It should help or should get you to a starting point and don't be afraid to adjust from there. There is no written law.
Click to expand...

I'm finding that I have to move back to see better... if I remember to take my reading glasses to the shop then I can stand normally, but when I have to move back, my arms are getting shorter and shorter. My driving glasses just blur everything that's shorter than the hood of the truck... and at my computer, I don't need glasses at all... I can see the screen just fine.... I'm thinking it may be about time to start looking for tri-focals??
 
I have my DVR up on blocks as I was always stooping and my small Jet although on the bench is also on blocks to get it up to elbow height same as my DVR.
 
jeff said:
rjwolfe3 said:
I'm not sure because I am still bent over mine and after a couple of hours my joints are aching. I am assuming you are tall like me?
Click to expand...

6'3"

I've been hollowing quite a few things lately and my neck is bothering me. I think the adjusted height will help a lot.
Click to expand...

6'3" ! I didn't know they stacked it that high (yea, I know it's lame). One of the rare occasions that I agree with Ed. I have mine set to about 1 1/2" below elbow height and it has done wonders for my sore back. Experiment to see what's best for you.
 
Gin N' Tonic said:
jeff said:
rjwolfe3 said:
I'm not sure because I am still bent over mine and after a couple of hours my joints are aching. I am assuming you are tall like me?
Click to expand...

6'3"

I've been hollowing quite a few things lately and my neck is bothering me. I think the adjusted height will help a lot.
Click to expand...

6'3" ! I didn't know they stacked it that high (yea, I know it's lame). One of the rare occasions that I agree with Ed. I have mine set to about 1 1/2" below elbow height and it has done wonders for my sore back. Experiment to see what's best for you.
Click to expand...


Just curious about your tagline, Gin...does it read: Where o where is my under-where (sic) (i.e. underwear?) I've been going nuts trying to figure it out...
 
Latin is a dead language. Probably was no translation for "underwear" in the single-digit centuries.

But good ol' Ginny made it up!!!
 
maxwell_smart007 said:
Just curious about your tagline, Gin...does it read: Where o where is my under-where (sic) (i.e. underwear?) I've been going nuts trying to figure it out...
Click to expand...

Illiud Latine dici non potest


Silly man! Have you never read Shakespeare?

illegitimi non carborundum



Spero nos familiares mansuros




I studied Latin in "skool"........

The Phrase:

Postremo pensandum
Quanta doctrinae commoditas sit in libris Quam facilis, quam arcana!
Quam tuto libris humanae ignorantia paupertatem sine verecundia denudamus! Hi sunt magistri qui nos instruunt sine virgis et ferula,
sine verbis et cholera, sine pannis et pecunia.si accedis, non dormiunt;
Si inquirens interrogas, non abscondunt; on remurmurant si oberres;
Cachinnos nesciunt, si ignores.

English translation"

And finally, one must consider how great the ease of learning there is in books, how yielding, how trusty! How safely we reveal, without shyness, in the face of our books the poverty of our human ignorance !
They are teachers who instruct us without switches or rods,without slaps or anger, without notice of rags or riches. If you approach them , they are not asleep;If you ask a question, they do not hide;They do not mutter at you if you make a mistake; When you are ignorant, they do not know how to laugh at you.



Where oh where is my underwear! You guessed it


Now I'll have to thimk up a new-un!
 
Last edited:
Interesting

Well mine is just about elbow height...not because I adjusted it but because that's how it came out when I set it on the worktable where I use it. I didn't know enough to even ask about that, it felt comfortable so there it is. Might not work out at all if it was a different model lathe.
 
I'm 6' 6" and have mine a few inches above my elbow. It works for me and is fairly painless. Of course, it only takes a couple minutes to spin a barrel and I haven't ever done production shifts, just two or three at a time.
 
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