Atlas Lathe Stand /Bench.

[Exuptoy]

After acquiring my Atlas 10F TV36 and trying to get to grips with it I decided I needed a stand to get it sat at the correct height and so I could reclaim my work bench so I decided to build my own.

I already had a Bisley style small drawer unit Ikea Helmer for the turning tools etc and purchased a pair of orange Lixhult cabinets for chucks and the like. So a plan was formulating.

I visited my local steel suppliers and purchased a quarter sheet of 5mm steel (600x1250), 4x1200 of 2x1, 8x800 & 8x500 of 1x1 then had a bit of a brain wave that I’d finish off the top with a pair of corners and a 1” fence to retain the swarf as best I can, so went back down to collect another 2x200 & 4x260 of 50x10 to make feet supports which have enough meat to tap for the bed, and some more 2x1 just in case and 1x1/2 at 3.6m of box section to make the fence.
After making the fence I used it to scribe the front corners and cut them off but only after trimming down the top plate to 1100 as 1250 would be too long for the lathe.

 

[Exuptoy]

Today’s work saw me finish the outside edge welding all around in the even that I do eventually fit a suds pump and tank (unlikely!).

So, with the top complete I could focus on the layout. The only way I could really see what I wanted was to sit the steel and cupboards upside down and take a pic.......and if I really squint I can tell what it’ll look like

 

[Gritineye]

Looks good, but make sure you build in plenty of cross bracing to provide torsional rigidity, which will help with the lathes relative lack of mass.

Then bolt it down to the floor.

 

[Exuptoy]

The top is already a struggle to lift

cheers buddy, already in hand.

 

[Exuptoy]

So, enough for today. Wifey is home from work so Back in the house (keeps me in the good books )

Frame mitred and nailed together and pretty good for square

and the frame glued on!

Made a start sticking the legs to the top and they’re pretty good for square and level. Out of interest I found the frame sizes in the Atlas spares catalogue so I even have a best size scenario. Only difference is I wanted more depth as the motor is the rear most dimension and on a freestanding frame it’s not an issue but the lathe cannot go any nearer to wall than the motor so the frame can sit against the wall.

Here’s where we’re up to. Should be ready for paint tomorrow.

I’ll cut and weld the table braces under the top tomorrow before messing with the cupboards.

 

[Exuptoy]

Managed to steal another hour this evening and got the bed supports cut and tacked and put the remaining legs on. All tacked ready to fully weld tomorrow.

I think once the legs are welded I will cut a shelf for the bottom with an interference fit around the legs, this will serve a second purpose of aligning the legs at the bottom to keep the footprint the same as the leg weld area. Any slight variance can be squared up by sliding the shelf down to the floor area before welding the bottom of the legs to the base frame which I still have to make.

 

[optima21]

Ive been using those ikea drawers for a few years now, and they've been fine so far, but greasing the runners makes a massive difference to them (especially if you have any weight in them). I was impressed with how they literally just fold and clip together with the only screws being for the handles and castors.

 

[Exuptoy]

I have access to teflon based paste. Once complete I’ll be sure to give it a good coat. Cheers @optima21

 

[Exuptoy]

Today’s work, I got the legs and cross braces welded to the top, then started making the base using 2x1 on edge after mitring and welding.

Then cut a wooden shelf but first I measured the leg dimensions and transferred them to the wood so the bottom of the legs would be the same in the event that welding had caused them to pull. Then I upended it on to the legs after shortening them by 80mm and welded it in to the base. I suspended the cupboards then made support frames before welding to the frame.

I set the lathe on to the stand and marked the position of the mounting plates and tacked them in place.

 

[jsf55]

Have you got a place for a suds drain? you don't want water standing in the base of the tray for too long or it will encourage rust. that's if your going to have a pumped coolant ?

 

[Exuptoy]

I probably won’t John but there’s a space behind the Cupboards for a small tank and room on the bed for a drain.

 

[Gritineye]

Looking good, it might be a good time to make a long QCTH rack at the back before you paint and bolt the lathe on, cos you can't have too many tool holders.

 

[Exuptoy]

Looking good, it might be a good time to make a long QCTH rack at the back before you paint and bolt the lathe on, cos you can't have too many tool holders.

What would that look like? I’ve been told I’m on home hold for the next trip offshore so I have time on my side.
I think I’ll make a splash back too as I have some stainless sheet handy.

 

[Hopefuldave]

What would that look like? I’ve been told I’m on home hold for the next trip offshore so I have time on my side.
I think I’ll make a splash back too as I have some stainless sheet handy.

Mine is Aldilidl angle brackets (couple? Of quid for 10) the right width for the dovetail, 8mm roofing bolts into the Zebedees in some pieces of Unistrut. Separate the angle brackets a couple of inches so there's room for odd tools to stick out (knurlers, parting tools etc) and one extra-extra wide if you'll have a dial indicator holder. Also, turning and boring tools are opposite handed, might be worth a row for each?
Not the prettiest, but works!

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[Gritineye]

What would that look like? I’ve been told I’m on home hold for the next trip offshore so I have time on my side.
I think I’ll make a splash back too as I have some stainless sheet handy.

Here's mine made out of scrap, I might fix brackets like Dave's if I get/make more holders.

.

 

[Exuptoy]

Any chance of a pic Dave when you’re out there next?

 

[Exuptoy]

I like that. Need to buy a QCTH next then.

 

[Hopefuldave]

I like that. Need to buy a QCTH next then.

Best thing since crusty bread, quarter-inch of real butter and marmite, speeds up tool changes no end - no messing about looking for shims to pack tools up to centre height, 20 seconds instead of 20 minutes grovelling in the chip tray!

I'll post a pic tomorrow, or I might have some from the scratching head and putting together phase? I remember I had to cut the bolts down, 40mm were the shortest Screwfix had...
In the meantime, stock up on stout rubber bands, when you've got the right shims for a tool put a band around the lot and the tool to keep 'em together!

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[Exuptoy]

Bought my dad a cheap QCTH, the worm and barrel type which was ok but I’ve just been reading that they’re not that good so I’ll keep my eyes open for a wedge type.

 

[Hopefuldave]

I was in AldiLidl yesterday and noticed the brackets were in stock, but I can't remember which they were in...

Wedge QCs are reputed to be better, but I've no complaints about the piston type (Chinesium cheapie) so far?

Dave H. (the other one)