lathe stand upgrade #1: Lathe Stand upgrade

I had tried several different ways to store my turning tools and accessories and remembered an article that was in issue #137 September 2008 American Woodworker (page 52), original design idea by Ray Lanham. This is a simple stand that is built under the lathe bed between the legs. The stand incorporates a ballast box that holds sand. I altered the plans to fit my lathe. This project was built from plywood I had left over from other projects. The PVC pipe is 2 inches in diameter. I cut pipe insulation to custom fit the length of each tool and attached a wooden disc that I had turned to the top of each piece of insulation. The insulation and disc were then inserted into the PVC pipe. There is plenty of storage space underneath the turning tools for chucks, tool rests, face shields etc. I put the turning tools into the pipes with the handle facing up (safety!!!) and labeled each PVC pipe. This storage system has really made a big difference in tool organization and increased my productivity.

I have also built a home made vacuum chuck system for my lathe (total cost $167.00!) but that will be another blog.

-- Those that say it can't be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.