Rik – keep a look out for a "bar" type chair. That way you'll be about the same overall height whether sitting or standing. Set the machines etc at a comforatable height when your standing and adjust the chair legs if necessary to suit. I've done much the same as Nobby with setting my lathe high as I don't like stooping either. Not sure about the office type draughtsmans chairs, I think the extended base necessary for stability could get in the way.

Rik

I agree with the others. Raise the lathe to a comfortable working height as if you were standing, and then use a high stool/ chair while you are working. It is important to get your legs and knees well under the machine to help keep the old spine near to the vertical. Try not to install the lathe at a height so you do not need to lean or stoop over it.

Chips away

Mike

I also have a Bar type stool for the lathe, the fact that it doesn't move about annoys me, I tried a high desk chair but that was the other way and rolled about unevenly on the rough concrete floor when I wanted it still!

I think I'll eventually settle half way and I'll fit sprung castors to a bar type stool – a bit like a mobile step stool arrangement. I might even modify a step stool if I can find one with a wide enough base, this way I can move it about without lifting it

I'm a few years from 30 but an accident almost a decade ago means I can't lean forwards and hold myself comfortably, if at all – unless I'm willing to grit my teeth!

Edited By Russ B on 08/09/2014 14:05:40

Same issue here, lower spine has the ongoing effects of Arthritis (according to one scan I had about 4-5 yrs ago) now I have a bar stool in the garage/workshop… being a sort a***e I had to cut off about 2" of the legs…(stool legs &nbsp to get my weight spread between my a**e & my feet, much better support when at the bench & at the lathe I am more or less vertical. I have also had a spare set of varifocals altered to keep me from stooping too much, only when I want to see final readings etc. so in agreement re. bar stool… hmmmmm bar…. stool…. nah! too risky …

George

I have a stool in my workshop and seem to spend more time moving it out of the way than actually using it. I have back problems and find that I get terrible back ache working on a lathe for any length of time. To alleviate this I mounted my lathe onto concrete blocks which raised it over six inches. I found that helps a lot, I have never found it convenient to work sitting on a stool.

I have a five-castor typing chair for the computer (best thing I ever did at work was junk the executive chair for a typists chair!) and three stools. I can now add my driving truck, which I have found myself using as a handy low bench seat – it was just the right height for when i adjusted the end float on my leadscrew yesterday!

Neil

Oh no, now you've really set the cat amongst the pidgeons!

Think of all the blood sweat and tears and of all the hours wasted by hordes of model engineers who have set their lathe up with an engineers level, all for nought.

Ian P

Forgot to mention mine folds away too; got it from a local BM store £14.99 IIRC.

George

I have an empty 25L steel container that I cut the top off years ago to use as a Workshop bin. Once in a while I stick a short plank on top and it becomes an office chair. I might splash out and pinch a cushion for it though this winter

graham.

Rik,

Have a look for the so-called "perching stools" used by old cripples like myself to relieve back strain.

They are quite high, keep your feet on the floor, and are usually angled forward, to give a 3-point ( 2feet and 1 a*se) support. Height adjustable,

My wife uses one whenever she is doing whatever it is women do at the kitchen sink. I use mine in the workshop.

Phil

Hi Rik,
Just measured up;
Me 5ft 11ins
Elbow/top of bench vice jaws 45 ins
Bench 38 ins
ML Super7 on brick piers so bedways 44 ins off floor.
Mill also on raising blocks so table 48 ins off floor.
I find that above heights suit me nicely without getting back ache, thats why I gave my height, to make the other measurements more meaningful. Hope this helps.
John.