[_Ogre]

For bowl turning, which I do almost exclusively. I found that my ideal height for the centerline is with me standing with my head slightly tilted giving me a relaxing view into the center of the bowl where the most critical activity takes place. This is opposed to standing and bending.

Tony, would you mind taking a picture of you next to your lathe? Cut off at the shoulders is fine. Not clear what you're saying. From this description my lathe should be at least a foot higher. No wonder my back hurts when I turn. And I sit whenever possible

 

[_Ogre]

Sorry BC for the thread hijack, but this may be useful for a guy who starts his name with big. Tony got my attention. I measured my lathe at 40" and my elbow at 50", no wonder my back hurts. I really enjoy turning but suffered for days afterwards. My lathe is from the 50s, it's the only lathe I've ever used. I tried turning a bowl this summer, got discouraged and rolled my lathe into the back store room.
I've watched turning videos but never paid attention to body position. Duh!