smitty1967

Hey resident experts:

On spec'ing a lathe, I have noticed a dimension on some machines that I can't quite figure out...

Lets say a lathe in the Grizzly catalog (or anywhere) says 12" by 28."

The 28" dimension is between the chucks...that much I remember from high school. The other dimension quoted is listed as "swing over bed."

Does this mean that the center of each chuck would be precisely half of that first dimension, or the radius of a circle centered on the chuck? Therefore, your stock could be as much as 12" wide when chucking before you start turning? This is what it appears in the catalog pictures, but I can't be sure.

Thanks and regards,
smitty

TS3660

I believe the swing is always listed as diameter of stock you can put on a lathe. So, a 12" lathe would have a 6" dimension from the center of the chuck to the bed.

__________________
Bud

"Capitalism is the unequal sharing of wealth: Socialism is the equal sharing of misery"

john lucas

You are correct in your assumption. That is the maximum size you can put on the lathe. However for some projects you have to consider the tool rest banjo will take up some room so on a 12" lathe for certain pieces you may only be able to turn 10" or less.

smitty1967

excellent, thanks for clearing that up, guys!
smitty