I just ordered a metal lathe from Amazon and it's set to arrive soon. Now I need to build a table sturdy enough to support it without compromising its performance. I initially thought I could easily throw together a strong workbench using standard lumber and my Milwaukee impact driver to secure it with lag bolts. However, I've been having some trouble designing a functional model in Fusion 360 that uses only standard lumber sizes and screws. At this point, I'm aiming for a table that's roughly the same size as the lathe, but I'm struggling to figure out how to arrange the lumber to ensure it will be stable and rigid. I'd really appreciate any advice or plans for building a table that fits my constraints! (Also, I'll catch up on replies tomorrow, as I'm heading to bed.)
4 Answers
You might want to use wooden sawhorses and a couple of sheets of 24x48 inch plywood for the top. Just screw the plywood to the sawhorses for a simple and sturdy setup.
Honestly, having a saw is pretty essential for woodworking. If your lathe is bigger than a small benchtop model, it’s crucial that your table is completely sturdy and flat - a warped base will mess with the lathe's precision. Consider reaching out to your lumber supplier; they might be able to cut your pieces to length for a small fee!
How about building a bench that’s attached to the wall? Use some strong construction lumber, like Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). By anchoring it to wall studs, you’ll create a super stable work surface. You could bolt the lathe right onto the bench. This setup has worked really well for my own projects, and you could manage it with just a handsaw and a drill!
That’s a smart idea! Attaching to the wall would definitely add stability and save floor space.
If you're looking to avoid sawing, consider checking out second-hand markets. You might find a suitable table or bench for free!
Totally agree! A sturdy base is key for making sure your lathe performs well. If you can get your lumber pre-cut, that’ll save you a lot of hassle.