Here's mine, 1-1/2 frame braced with 1/2 tube with a 3/16 top. I cut down a 10 drawer card file for the side drawers and built the plywood center 2.
The lathe sits on a 2-1/2" tall pedestal under the headstock (2" tube capped with 1/2 plate) and a pair of 10 x 10 x 3/4 plates under the tailstock. The lower welded plate is tapped for 4) 3/8" jacking bolts and 2) 1/2" hold down bolts. The head is bolted down hard. I have a ton of adjustment room on the far end, up and down, fore and aft as well as the ability to "bow the bed if needed.
The 6" casters are welded to 1/4" plate with registration pins to locate the back edge. I lift it with a modified trailer jack to install them.
The lathe sits on a 2-1/2" tall pedestal under the headstock (2" tube capped with 1/2 plate) and a pair of 10 x 10 x 3/4 plates under the tailstock. The lower welded plate is tapped for 4) 3/8" jacking bolts and 2) 1/2" hold down bolts. The head is bolted down hard. I have a ton of adjustment room on the far end, up and down, fore and aft as well as the ability to "bow the bed if needed.
The 6" casters are welded to 1/4" plate with registration pins to locate the back edge. I lift it with a modified trailer jack to install them.
