Maximizing Model Work Area: Lathe Table

[Thistle17]

Although I have an adequate woodworking shop I have never thought of it as a model building area, The basement humidity control, lighting, warmth and isolation is too much of a "monastic life" in my way of thinking. So I moved to the first floor in a studio like environment shared by our computer and my wife's art works. The drawback is that the space is not large and keeping it tidy is always a challenge. It became more of a problem when I started Winchelsea. My lathe and mill have been moved to the floor under my desk/workbench when idle. This has been a "get by" solution for about a year.

 

Enclosed are 2 photos of my solution for the lathe that I "stole" from a woodworking shop article I recently came across. Also to build the Winchelsea, which is almost 36 inches in length, I had clamped an extension to my  desk area which was an accident waiting to happen. So I merged the 2 thoughts into the solution shown.

 

The cart or table has a flip or pivoting top that will normally be configured as a work table. Bolt latches lock the top in either position. Pivoting the top allows me to use the lathe and "put it away" when not needed. The 2 drawers beneath house all the lathe accessories and also help lower the center of gravity of the assembly when the lathe is upright. When not supporting the model 40% of the unit can tuck under the desk. The whole unit is on casters so it came be easily moved about. The exterior is covered in matte black formica and trimmed in maple.

 

I plan to make a second unit for the mill.

 

Joe

 

 

Edited February 2, 2023 by Thistle17

[KeithAug]

Nicely done. How do you avoid the artists wrath when you create your dust?

[Thistle17]

That can be a problem Keith. I am thinking of puttingup  a detachable surround when the lathe configuration is needed. It would be a bit much to bring up the shop vac to deal with the dust. Might even trip my banishment back to the basement if I am not careful.

 

Joe

[Bob Cleek]

Beautiful job! Clever solution!

[Thistle17]

Thanks Bob! It has actually turned out to be quite functional just for the table top and working on Winchelsea. I just ordered some shop wheels that are low profile that will also give me a bit more outboard stability when rotating the top to the lathe function. It is well balanced and stays at rest when the locks are open but there is quite a bit of rotational imbalance when it is rotating to the lathe function.

Joe

[Roger Pellett]

Beautiful, furniture quality work!  Just don’t forget to remove Winchelsea when you flip it over to use the lathe.😆