Workshop Lathe Jigs and Accessories

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a simple lathe tool rack that is intended to be mounted directly to the shop wall. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a foot-powered lathe with a scroll saw attachment. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for tool racks to hold woodturning chisels. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

It helps to have a chisel holder when you are working on a lathe. Most Woodturners like to change chisels frequently, and it is a real timesaver to have them handy.

About a month ago, I picked up a Jet 1642 EVS 1 1/2 HP lathe. Since I am primarily a bowl turner, I wanted to raise the lathe up to a more comfortable height. And while the Jet 1642 does weigh 435 lbs by itself, (IMHO) a ballast box for adding some weight would only improve its performance. Information is copyright of its respective owners.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for an under lathe cabinet for Jet 1642 with ballast, sandpaper storage, etc. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a lathe stand with cabinet. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This two point steady rest prevents long, thin work-pieces from flexing as you turn them on the lathe.

This is my solution to turning bottle stoppers. It originally appeared as an article in More Woodturning a couple years ago...

An earlier article in More Woodturning on turning wine stoppers got me thinking about collet chucks. I wondered if I could make one entirely out of wood. I thought this would be just an exercise to see if I could do it, but it surprised me with its usefulness. Although the All Wood Collet Chuck does not have the holding power and range of wooden jaws mounted in a scroll chuck, it does have adequate power for turning tops, wine stoppers, and the odd bit of dowel.

A mini-lathe packs some pretty serious turning capability into a tiny package. But just because they are small does not mean that you can set your mini-lathe up on a wimpy, lightweight stand. Just like a full-size lathe, a mini-lathe needs a stand that is heavy and rigid enough to absorb vibrations. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

To make most tools you need to be able to turn a handle, drill a hole, cut a piece of steel, tap the hole in the steel, and put it all together. Since tapping is no harder than driving a screw, you have probably done all this. We just have to put it all together and make a tool.

The following document describes my version of a spring pole lathe that I use to turn chair parts, stool legs, dowel pins, tool handles and other items.

I wanted a lathe that was portable (which flywheel lathes traditionally are not) and used a minimum of modern fasteners. Simple lap joints and wooden bolts provide a somewhat less rigid frame, but it is lightweight and easily knocks down flat for storage or transportation.

Keep your workshop organized by building this quick and easy lathe tool holder.

Three-jaw chucks are useful when turning small pieces at low speed, and permits multi-axis turning. This shop-made chuck can be made from scraps of maple and a few machine screws.

At the link you can download the free plans to build a mobile lathe stand for your workshop.

A pole lathe is a simple wood turning lathe which is itself made of wood, and which uses no electricity. You do not buy one, you make it yourself.

I study medieval woodworking a lot, and I have always wanted to try out the medieval style lathe. The major difference between this type, and the mo...

This wall-mounted carousel, built by reader James Bowler, makes it easy to keep lathe tools handy and organized.

This lathe stand was built mainly from 3/4 inch pine boards and has adjustable feet to sit level on any floor.