How to build a mobile lathe stand

Hello everyone! Today I’m sharing how I built a mobile stand for my lathe. I originally wanted to build a lathe stand that was perfect for my height but somewhere along the lines I butchered the math. (No worries, I’ll just use a platform to make up the difference.) The design of my lathe stand was inspired by one of the lathe stands I spotted in @onionwood’s shop.  @onionwood is an incredibly talented woodturner and instructor.  I highly recommend you take a moment to check out her Instagram page and see her work.

Now, let’s get started!

I finished my lathe stand. Yay! The design for this stand was inspired by one of the lathe stands built by @onionwood. (and if you haven’t checked out @onionwood’s profile you should ) I’ll add a few hooks and tool storage to it soon. . Maybe when I’m ready to upgrade my lathe I’ll build a version 2 with the correct math. . #lathestand #mobilelathestand #diy #dowoodworking #woodwork #woodworker #woodworking #woodcraft #woodturning #woodturner #lathe #harborfreight #centralmachinery #harborfreightlathe #kregjig #diyhalloffame #pocketholes #garage #garageshop

A post shared by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Jun 12, 2017 at 6:13pm PDT

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Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies that I gathered to build my mobile lathe stand.

Tools

• Kreg Jig K5
• Clamps
• Drill / Driver
• Saw

Supplies

• 2x4x8 (4)
• 2x6x8 (2)
• Wood glue
• 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 3″ swivel caster wheels with brakes (4)
• Screws (12) and washers (12) for the caster wheels

Cut List

• 2×4 – 29″ (3) Bottom Shelf
• 2×4 – 24″ (2) Leg Base
• 2×4 – 12″ (2) Leg Top
• 2×4 – 29 1/2″ (4) Legs with 12 degree bevel
• 2×6 – 29″ (2) Top Shelf
• 2×6 – 13″ with 12 degree miter short point to short point (2) Leg braces
• 2×6 – 32 3/4″ (1) Main Brace

I had a ton of 2×4 and 2×6 scraps, and I was able to build my stand without a lumber trip. (Scrap wood projects FTW!)

Boards cut to size

You should adjust these measurements to suit your height (or use a platform to increase your height). Measure the length from your elbow to the ground. This is the height at which your lathe’s center to be.

How to Build a Mobile Lathe Stand

Step 1: Cut all the boards to size

Follow the cut list and cut the 2×4 and 2×6 boards down to final size.

Now, in hindsight I also wished I took the time to ensure my boards were square with my jointer and planer. I skipped this step because I was lazy and I reasoned this shortcut was acceptable because this is a shop project. When I began to assemble the base, I regretted the decision. However, in the end (and with the help of many clamps) it all worked out.

Step 2: Drill pocket holes

With a pocket hole jig drill pocket holes into:

• Each end of the bottom shelf boards
• Each end of the top shelf boards
• Each end of the table legs
• Each end of the leg braces

Drilling pocket holes with the Kreg Jig K5

Step 3: Assemble the legs

Grab the table legs, leg base and leg top to assemble the legs of the mobile stand.  The assembled leg should look like a trapezoid.

1. Screw the table legs on top the table leg base (2×4 – 24″)
2. Screw the table legs underneath the table leg top (2×4 – 12″)

Assembling legs

Apply glue between the joints.

Step 4: Attach the top shelf supports

Join the top shelf supports (2×6 – 29″) to the table legs.

Step 5: Attach the bottom shelf supports.

Join the bottom shelf supports (2×4 – 29″) to the table legs.

Step 6: Attach the leg braces

Join the leg braces (2×6 – 13″) to the table legs.

Assembling lathe stand

Assembling lathe stand

Step 7: Attach the main brace

Attach the main brace (2×6 – 32 3/4″) to the two leg braces.

Step 8: Install the caster wheels

Drill pilot holes for the caster wheel screws and install one caster in each corner of the mobile lathe stand with screws and matching washers.

Step 9: Drill holes for the lathe’s feet (optional)

Move the lathe to the stand and trace an outline of the lathe’s feet.  Remove the lathe from the stand and drill holes with a Forstner bit about an 1/8″ deep for each foot. This is an optional step but I think it will prevent the lathe from sliding around on top of the stand.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Install hooks and other accessories and enjoy having a lathe on wheels!

DIY Mobile Lathe Stand

DIY Mobile Lathe Stand

If you build the mobile lathe stand, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

Reader Projects

@sayit_aint_tone727 built a scaled up version of the lathe stand:

Reader Project: DIY Mobile Lathe Stand

And check out @hubbellwoodworks version of the lathe stand:

View this post on Instagram

Made a simple stand for my lathe out of scrap wood. It’s on casters, too =) #lathe #lathestand #woodworking #woodworkingcommunity #wen #wentools #diy #hubbellwoodworks

A post shared by HubbellWoodworks (@hubbellwoodworks) on Jan 28, 2019 at 9:17pm PST

Thanks for sharing!

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