Show pics of shelf under Jet/Powermatic lathe.
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managing useable space
- Thread starter Larry Mercier
- Start date
Roger Wiegand
Beta Tester
Not an answer to your question, but this is why I don't try to store stuff I want to be able to find under my lathe:
I built a storage box under my PM3520 when I got it ~15yrs ago. The bottom ~6" has a false bottom storage area where I initially loaded 300lb+ iron to add mass to the lathe. After experimenting with large, out of round, logs I determined that that additional mass only changed the speed I could run before wobble by about 10% (ie from 400rpm to 440rpm). Based on this I choose not to move that dead weight when we relocated to TN, and that slight improvement is not missed; in fact, 95% of the time I don't even lower the rubber feet to take it off of the castors.
Even with the doors, I still collect dust and shavings inside and have to blow it out once in a while (obviously haven't done that for a while). The backside also has an access door like the front, but I rarely (never) use it. I really like the tool rest storage holes on the left, and the simple gouge holder on the right (glued 3 open pvc pipes together - easy to lift out and blow out shavings *each* time I sweep) that keeps 3 tools handy when using. Also, it's imperative that it's up off of the floor to allow easy sweeping. I added a 90deg 'roof' deflector (white melamine) after using it for a while and having to clean off the top from shavings that drop between the ways.
Even with the doors, I still collect dust and shavings inside and have to blow it out once in a while (obviously haven't done that for a while). The backside also has an access door like the front, but I rarely (never) use it. I really like the tool rest storage holes on the left, and the simple gouge holder on the right (glued 3 open pvc pipes together - easy to lift out and blow out shavings *each* time I sweep) that keeps 3 tools handy when using. Also, it's imperative that it's up off of the floor to allow easy sweeping. I added a 90deg 'roof' deflector (white melamine) after using it for a while and having to clean off the top from shavings that drop between the ways.
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I agree with Roger. After a lot of trial and error on where to put the lathe to maximize access, minimize mess collateral damage, etc I learned early on that I don't want to store anything under it. Whatever is under it gets covered up very quickly and with it open I can easily sweep it out and clean up.
My AB and Liberty have a shelf with sand bags on them for added weight. My Vicmark doesn't seem to need the extra weight. Can't imagine having tools and 'stuff' under the lathe.
robo hippy
robo hippy
I'm convinced to leave it open. Thanks go out to all of you.
I put a large plastic bin under my Nova 1624 and it serves to collect a lot of the shaving when dry turning. Wet turning is a whole different kind of problem!
Like Roger, I leave it open for easy cleanup. On the below photo, I was annoyed with myself for leaving that trash can there. I had to move it to clean the floor.
Best cleaning: A big plastic snow scoop shaped like a coal shovel and a floor squeegee. This works for both dry and wet. Dry gets detailed with a floor broom and vacuum.
Like most, I'll store accessories and tools up and out of the way of shavings.
For longer stuff, I'll just let the chips fall on the lower shelf. It is a petty nuisance to blow them off with an air nozzle but the chips are usually dry. Nothing important goes on that shelf anyway.
Best cleaning: A big plastic snow scoop shaped like a coal shovel and a floor squeegee. This works for both dry and wet. Dry gets detailed with a floor broom and vacuum.
Like most, I'll store accessories and tools up and out of the way of shavings.
For longer stuff, I'll just let the chips fall on the lower shelf. It is a petty nuisance to blow them off with an air nozzle but the chips are usually dry. Nothing important goes on that shelf anyway.
Here you go....
Not the lathes in question, but certainly could be adapted to work. Bottom closed box has 250 lbs of sand. Drawer box is only held in place by to screws. So easy to remove. Still enough room for chips to fall through and use a brush to wipe off. Gives me lots of storage space.
