Lathe Clearance

Being a home shop, and probably never enough room, I think most will opt placing against a wall and take our lumps if some rear service is someday called for.
 
I think the 30" clearance is mainly for access to the electrical panel, should you need to troubleshoot something. While this would be great, most home shops, including mine, are tight on space. Mine is about 12" from the wall, which gives me enough room to open the electrical cabinet door and access the motor to tension the belt. If need be, I will move it out for more room. What could go wrong?
 
Thanks again for the replies. I was mainly concerned with that particular model and it looks like the main item is the electrical box. One suggestion was that the box could be rotated but if everything is connected, it should be good to go unless there is a problem requiring it be moved out. The bay where the lathe would be is 20' wide, with a centered overhead door, and a two post hoist centered in that. To use the hoist, vehicles need to go straight in, and if the lathe was out from the wall very far, Im thinking vehicle doors would hit it. I have a good 80" between the wall and a parked vehicle so it should be ok, even with a little breathing room.

I've been bouncing the replies off my wife and she has changed from "What the f*** do you need a metal lathe for?" to "are you sure it will fit?"
 
Been awhile since I started this thread but finally pulled the trigger on the 4003G. Got tired of checking Clist every day. I considered a Harbor Freight 12x36 for less than half the price, but then the loading and hauling comes into play. Should get it next Thursday.
 
RHayes said:
...finally pulled the trigger on the 4003G. Got tired of checking Clist every day. I considered a Harbor Freight 12x36 for less than half the price, but then the loading and hauling comes into play. Should get it next Thursday.
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Plus, new stuff. Additional toys tools are always good.
 
RHayes said:
I've been bouncing the replies off my wife and she has changed from "What the f*** do you need a metal lathe for?" to "are you sure it will fit?"
Click to expand...

That's the most important "Clearance" you've resolved!
 
It's funny how things go. I always thought I would get the lathe first but ended up getting a Bridgeport 1J a couple of weeks ago and it sticks out from the wall probably further than the lathe will. Since a friend found it for me, my wife actually said I should get it. I'm in the process of adding a VFD and waiting for a some parts. But thats a subject for another thread.
 
I have my G4003G 30 inches from the wall but I did that for setups. I have a Dial Indicator setup for my cross slide back there and go back there for numerous setups and fixturing. I have my lathe 3 years and have NEVER had to go back there for any kind of maintenance or repair.
 
I have about 20" from wall. Its good for sweeping and allows access to control board and adjusting motor belts.
IMG_1373.JPG
 
Thanks firestopper, sounds like a reasonable distance and will shoot for that. Are you bolted to the floor? I'm trying to avoid doing that because of hydronic heat but there is always a way, even though it might require a thermal imaging camera.
 
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