If you have a small portable wood lathe, putting it in the woodworking shop is not a big question, it can always be moved. However, most are large machines and will stay in one place for a long time. There are some considerations when selecting a place to live.
Kitchen design has long decided to use a working triangle to place the main appliances. A cook will want to be near the sink for water; a counter area for chopping and mixing; the refrigerator for provisions and temporary maintenance of food; and the stove for cooking. All of these should fit into a triangular arrangement for ease of movement and efficiency. Similarly, such a triangle is needed for a woodturning station.
In general, positioning for work preparation is not a great need to be immediately in the triangle because the wood is prepared for the lathe and mounted, but the preparation area may not be visited for some time. This is particularly true for large parts, but may be a different case for small parts. If your line of business tends to be mostly small, repetitive projects like pens, tea lights, or ornaments, it’s nice to have a work prep spot or material storage spot within walking distance.
Tools should be in a secluded but easily accessible place. They should be out of the way simply because they are sharp and a sharp tool cuts if walked on or hit the wrong way. However, turners are often looking for a different tool and must be at arm’s length. It’s a good idea to place them with the tips down and the distinctive handles to make picking easier. Also, all accessories such as chucks, faceplates, hubs and the like should be close by.
Sharp tools are a joy to a turner, and dull ones are a dangerous curse. However, the reality of the trade is that tools dull quickly and must be sharpened well and often. The sharpening station should be a step or two away and all sharpening needs with it. At a minimum, all jigs should be set up and ready and a wheel dresser on hand to keep wheels in good shape.
We sometimes forget that sanding and finishing are an important part of woodturning. Sandpaper should be stored near the lathe in appropriate grits and sizes along with any sanding aids normally used. Finishing supplies can be stored for safety, but can be brought to the turning area as needed.
It’s not absolutely necessary, but a nice addition is a small bench to store extras needed for some projects. This area must be kept clean except when necessary.
While all of these must be within the working triangle, space must be left around the winch to work safely. Sometimes an extra step to get a piece of sandpaper or run a new edge on a bias provides the little break needed to catch your breath and enjoy the whole woodturning process the lathe was set up for. first.
