I bought a General International 25-650AB a few months back and it has served me very well. Its a lot of lathe for the price that I paid but I do have one gripe; the "legs" are hollow steel stands which make the lathe lighter than I would like and a bit top heavy. I am going to add a shelf and a couple hundred pounds of sand, but it got me to thinking - I bet there are loads of innovative and useful lathe stand modifications out there and I'd love to see / hear about them. Photos appreciated
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Lathe Stand Mods
- Thread starter Greg Keddy
- Start date
Lathe Stand
Greg-There are threads on this very subject, give a look in the archives.
I used concrete blocks filled with cement resting on an oak platform. My lathe is a Nova 16-44with one extension.It could use more weight but is sufficient for my turning. Some have used a box filled with scrap steel and cast iron. I will throw this out , the practicality may be limited. I have built box shaped shields made of lead bricks for scientific purposes, gamma ray absorbers. The bricks were roughly 2 x 4 x 8 inches. The availability because of environmental laws and cost to a consumer may be prohibitive but if you need mass, that is the way to go.
Greg-There are threads on this very subject, give a look in the archives.
I used concrete blocks filled with cement resting on an oak platform. My lathe is a Nova 16-44with one extension.It could use more weight but is sufficient for my turning. Some have used a box filled with scrap steel and cast iron. I will throw this out , the practicality may be limited. I have built box shaped shields made of lead bricks for scientific purposes, gamma ray absorbers. The bricks were roughly 2 x 4 x 8 inches. The availability because of environmental laws and cost to a consumer may be prohibitive but if you need mass, that is the way to go.
My lathe is HF34706, with flimsy sheet-metal legs, but otherwise satisfactory. On the lower shelf (2x4's), I placed two 5-gallon buckets of railroad spikes (found at a garage sale). Another possibility, also in buckets, is scrap wheel-balancing weights from tire dealers. The dealers usually have to pay for lead disposal, and are quite willing to donate them. Both of these options are heavier than sand or rocks, concrete blocks, etc.
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I just built my own. It's got a wide stance up front and weight is provided by the tools stored underneath. I don't need sand taking up valuable shop space.
Second easiest mod I could imagine for that style base would be to trestle it out front. Bolt through the base, and bring the footprint out to about 12-14" from centerline. Taper the sides so you're less likely to trip.
Second easiest mod I could imagine for that style base would be to trestle it out front. Bolt through the base, and bring the footprint out to about 12-14" from centerline. Taper the sides so you're less likely to trip.
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Greg, I looked online at your lathe and I would think you should be able to fill those legs and get the weight you need. Building a shelf is a great way to add storage but I would hate to lose the space to just weight. I like the lead suggestion and as an added thougt, you may be able to go to the local gun range and work out a deal on spent lead. We have done that for other projects and it makes everyone happy. Just make sure to protect yourself, gloves, mask, etc. oh and make sure the range is empty. 😀
Lead weights
Greg-If you use the tire weights or used shot or other lead it is a good idea to cover the box or container with a wood cover. I really don't think there is any danger from lead poisioning but just to be sure use that precaution. There are so many laws, do's and don'ts I cannot keep up. I should have mentioned that previously.
Greg-If you use the tire weights or used shot or other lead it is a good idea to cover the box or container with a wood cover. I really don't think there is any danger from lead poisioning but just to be sure use that precaution. There are so many laws, do's and don'ts I cannot keep up. I should have mentioned that previously.