Making Anti-fatigue platform for lathe/mill

Not a bad idea Wally. Wood is much more comfortable to stand on. I made some out of 4'x9'x½" OSB and 1"x2" furring strips. Then went to Rural king and bought some 4' wide rubber belt like some people use in horse stalls and laid that down over top of the walk boards. Now I can sweep up any chips that land on it and pick up any parts or tools that fall without having to pick up the walk boards.
I have 9' of this board flooring from the door all the way past the outboard end of my lathe then another 9' joins it from the side and passes between my mill and my work bench with my band saw at the end of it. It's a big L. I can do anything I need to do in there without stepping off the board floor. Saved a few parts and tools from being damaged when they landed on rubber instead of concrete.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20140518_084608_596.jpg
    IMG_20140518_084608_596.jpg
    48.6 KB · Views: 294
Last edited:
Jay Cutright said:
Not a bad idea Wally. Wood is much more comfortable to stand on. I made some out of 4'x9' ½" OSB and 1"x2" furring strips. Then went to Rural king and bought some 4' wide rubber belt like some people use in horse stalls and laid that down over top of the walk boards. Now I can sweep up any chips that land on it and pick up any parts or tools that fall without having to pick up the walk boards.
I have 9' of this board flooring from the door all the way past the outboard end of my lathe then another 9' joins it from the side and passes between my mill and my work bench with my band saw at the end of it. It's a big L. I can do anything I need to do in there without stepping off the board floor. Saved a few parts and tools from being damaged when they landed on rubber instead of concrete.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jay. I like the idea of rubber.

WallyW
 
There are some good mats commercially available, but are pretty expensive. I use mats that I found at Harbor Freight. They make a world of difference and last a pretty good while. I just replace them when they wear out.
 
mwezell said:
There are some good mats commercially available, but are pretty expensive. I use mats that I found at Harbor Freight. They make a world of difference and last a pretty good while. I just replace them when they wear out.
Click to expand...

I use the HF mats as well. They do like to hold chips though. A harder rubber mat, like the ones at Tractor Supply, would probabbly be better in this regard. All in all its not that bad. Not like I run the lathe barefoot or anything. Can't beat the price.
 
Sam's

The one I have in front of my Lathe I bought @ Sam's a few years ago. It is "firm" black rubber with octagon shaped holes in it. Sorry I didn't buy more when they had em. I think I would like a bit of elevation though. Gravity, etc. have taken their toll and I am a bit vertically challenged now.

Pete
 
When I made mine I wanted to eliminate the problems associated with standing on concrete altogether. Dirt wasn't an option & 4" of saw dust sounded like a mess so I built the 4'x9' platforms with 1x2's on 16" centers. I offset a couple studs where I stand in front of my lathe so I don't stand directly on a stud.
With plantar faciaites it makes a difference of a couple hours before the intense pain sets in. Rocky brand boots help out too.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top