Can't help with dimensions, but I would recommend building a bench from reasonably heavy angle iron say 50 x 50 x 5 mm, or 40 x 40 x 5 square (preferred). I built mine for my Taiwanese 1324 BH lathe. In the sketch, it shows a wide base for stability, the section beneath the head stock is covered in with sheet metal, and has a door on it. All the steel was cut by hand with a hacksaw. Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 14/11/2014 10:02:51

The wide base for me spaces the lathe away from the wall, and I stack some of my steel behind , between the wall and bench. It proved it's self as earthquake proof, a narrower base may have tipped over.  William, roughly in which part of the country do you live, I'm in Canterbury, about 40 k west of Christchurch.

Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 14/11/2014 11:04:23

William

Measurements taken from stand for big-bore Myford lathe (in inches and fractions – sorry).

Tray – 44 3/4" x 19 1/2" x 1 1/4" deep, 10 gauge, 3" high face (front and sides)

Cabinet – 42 1/2" x 15 3/4" x 34 1/4" height to base of tray, gauge 13 or 14, 19" wide opening, height to bottom 4", height to top shelf 16".

The tray and rising blocks (and thus the lathe) sit on steel channel 2" x 4" (not measure).

The structure is well thought out and made without any sharp edges etc. It is surprisingly rigid. The potential disadvantage is that the motor and clutch overhangs the back of the tray. Myford offered a back structure that stopped anything from falling behind the cabinet. This is a necessity.

I don't think you should even consider making a similar cabinet, the tray yes but not the cabinet. A well build bench from steel angle/tube, as already suggested, would be at least just as good and much easier to build. With such a project it is easy to loose sight of the objective – that is to use the lathe!

If you wish I can provide photographs and further dimensions.

JA

Edited By JA on 14/11/2014 17:49:39

Thank William, I don't recommend putting up your E mail on the open forum, it leaves you open to invasion by antone who comes across it, if you need to give it to someone, it's best to send a PM/ personal message.

I'v always thought that a lot of lathe stands, both Myford, and the few Chinese ones I'v seen are a bit tinny. I would not build it from wood, it will be like my saw bench, adjust the blade angle dayly, as the humidity changes so does the angle of the saw blade. I'll rebuild it in steel if I live long enough, or if I need a new motor for my lathe, or mill I know where a 1.5hp 1450 rpm motor is.

Ian S C