Metal lathe stand form question

[torchmd]

Hello!

So, I have a new lathe stand. My lathe has previously been sitting on an old metal medical exam table from the 50’s, which is heavy, ridged, and unused. It has drawers and a cabinet, a flat top, and while a little low, worked pretty well. I recently stumbled onto a cast iron lathe stand, one of these from Precision Matthews: https://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/pm-1130v-stand-w-storage/ And it’s a peach. But… what I don’t understand is the metal sheet connecting the two sides. I assume it is there just to deflect chips to the rear of the lathe, but since the lathe has a chip pan, I don’t understand the purpose of this.

Now for my question: Is there a reason _not_ to put a cabinet between these two half stands? I was thinking of building a plywood cabinet with drawers to put all the tools I would like to have for the lathe in. But I figured I would ask people who know more than I do (which is pretty much everybody, except my kid) if there was a reason NOT to do this. Can’t think of one. I would make the case out of plywood, and have some old metal drawers from one of those rolling tool chests from craftsman that the body was bashed in by movers, but the drawers are fine.

Your thoughts and sarcastic comments are much appreciated.

T

 

[D.sebens]

It probably is there to help with racking. If you put a cabinet I would probably attach it to the end stands to tie it all together.

 

[Nesse1]

I think the sheet metal piece between the stand pods is to help hold them in alignment, matching the lathe mounting locations, plus it's a cosmetic feature. I say this in part because my lathe has a similar stand, and the sheet metal is flimsy and doesn't seem to serve any critical need.

 

[benmychree]

Could be a place to accomodate your feet, like the toe kick on cabinets.

 

[erikmannie]

I have a cabinet with a sheet like this, and I would not be able to have a cabinet there because my feet and the pants in front of my shins get into that area.

At one time, I thought I might put some tool holder racks in there, but I would hit those with my shins.

 

[Headhunter Pipe Co]

I have to agree with the guys above .
If you can't get your feet close you will be of balance looking at the lathes tool post cutting.
You should be standing up right as much as possible.
Throw abox down there the size of the cabinet you want to put in there and try it .
Best of luck

 

[Shotgun]

I don't know, guys. I have shelves slid under my Sebastian, and I haven't had an issue with them getting in the way. My feet aren't small, either. At least, the wife hasn't complained.

The shelves are where the rolling chair and 4x4s were. Those never got in the way, either.

 

[Aukai]

This was the for sale picture when I had this lathe.