i never expected the reply’s that I have received over my post on Mike Hunter tools and the misfortune of my accident. Thank You. Those of you that asked. I turn using the Laguna 1216 lathe with the 20” extensions on both ends. This allows me to park my chair under the ways when turning offboard. I have serious problems turning my neck and positioning my body when turning bowls and vessels. With the Laguna added extension my work is right in front of me and that works out really swell. I built my own custom stand so my machine was at the perfect height. Thank You for asking. I hook straps around the stand and then hook the straps to my powerchair and tow my lathe away from the wall. Then when I am done I lay a 2 X 6 on the floor and use the footplate to push my machine back against the wall. Hey, it works. When we refitted my shop I scaled down and put everything on the low leg Kreg benches with Kreg casters. I pull my grinder out and that is on my right side. Then I just got my rolling cart set up with PVC pipe with end caps to hold all my tools so I have everything I need right there. As I work I keep coming up with ideas that will make things easier. I have the Saw Stop CTS on a Kreg bench as well. Then I went all out and bought a Harvey Band Saw. Harvey bandsaws have the lowest saw decks that I could find plus my powerchair seat has an elevator so the chair will lift me 12” up. The old adage of “where there is a will there is a way”. On top of that I have every tool in the book. Fatigue, strength and pain are my biggest challenge. I refuse to run a power tool when I have pain meds swimming around in my head. When things go wrong they go wrong fast. No thank you. So when I am making sawdust I am hurting then it moves into pain. Thats when I shut down, pick up then get in my hot tub followed by bed. Thats how we are now doing it at my place. Its a long slow process but when I am at my lathe all my problems are put on hold as long as possible. Again, Thanks for asking. LIVE BIG!
Thom Schuck, Portland, Oregon
PS… Mike I owe you a call but I am still tired. SOON, thank you!
Thom Schuck, Portland, Oregon
PS… Mike I owe you a call but I am still tired. SOON, thank you!