I've outgrown my midi-lathe and am looking forward to adding a second, larger machine. Unfortunately, my small shop just doesn't have room for it. So, to make this happen I will need to add a small "turning room" on the backside of my shop. I'm probably building something like 12' X 10' or so.
Here's my question for this group. How might I strengthen the floor? The add-on would be a wood stick-framed structure that sits upon some concrete piers. The height of the floor would be about 12-15 inches above ground level. The floor joists would be 2X8s and the floor would probably be 3/4" ply or 1-by planking. This would suffice for a work room, but I'm worried about the lathe. I'd probably be looking at a 16", 2hp, 110v, 500lb machine (or something in that class). Picture something more like a Nova Galaxi 1644, but less than a big Powermatic. I need to do something to the floor/joisting under that lathe.
I could pour a couple extra piers directly under the lathe spot. I could add bracing and even make a thicker floor there. I just can't picture how strong the flooring and bracing needs to be. I think about a big out-of-balance chunk on the lathe spinning and creating havoc. How would you approach this? I don't want to over-engineer this (too much), but I also don't want to see the lathe disappearing through the floor. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Here's my question for this group. How might I strengthen the floor? The add-on would be a wood stick-framed structure that sits upon some concrete piers. The height of the floor would be about 12-15 inches above ground level. The floor joists would be 2X8s and the floor would probably be 3/4" ply or 1-by planking. This would suffice for a work room, but I'm worried about the lathe. I'd probably be looking at a 16", 2hp, 110v, 500lb machine (or something in that class). Picture something more like a Nova Galaxi 1644, but less than a big Powermatic. I need to do something to the floor/joisting under that lathe.
I could pour a couple extra piers directly under the lathe spot. I could add bracing and even make a thicker floor there. I just can't picture how strong the flooring and bracing needs to be. I think about a big out-of-balance chunk on the lathe spinning and creating havoc. How would you approach this? I don't want to over-engineer this (too much), but I also don't want to see the lathe disappearing through the floor. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.