Different 'lift assist'

[JPG]

This was posted in another thread, but I think it deserves a thread by itself. I hope the author does not mind!

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=105198&postcount=15


If I understand it correctly, he has wrapped a few turns around the shaft like a windlass(sp?).

[fiatben]

I can see this as a practical solution. I can easily see doing something similar in the shop as it does get to be a burden to pull and move the bandsaw off my unit. Guess that's why it rarely is off the SS. I have a steel beam almost directly over where the SS currently sits in bandsaw mode. It would be easy to do something with a pulley and a cheap boat wench, similar to what my dad did so mom could lift the insulated cover on and off of the hot tub. The wench is on a porch post with the rope going to a pulley chained on a roof joist and down to a heavy duty pull we sandwiched onto the cover.

Yeah, this could work...........

[bobgroh]

I think the SS lift assist is one heck of a sweet product. I got to try one at the SS demo - nice!! I am getting somewhat along in years and the upper body strength is NOT what it used to be (in fact, rather pathetic) and the thought of hoisting my SS into the vertical mode is rather daunting (probably why I usually do my drilling in the horizontal mode).

Anyways I would love to see some ideas on a home made solution. If I ever sweet talk myself into a PowerPro head upgrade, I am going to need something! So let the ideas flow!!

And pictures would be very nice.

[robinson46176]

Here is another thread on lift assist. My main comment was message #3
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=7490&highlight=Block+tackle


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[fjimp]

I purchased the lift assist when it first became available. When upgrading to the power pro I purchased the heavier gas tube. Wow what a difference. I considered a block and tackle before I purchased the original lift assist. Then it occurred to me that I am forever moving my 520 around the shop. Which would require moving the block and tackle around. Not sensible for me. The lift assist was well worth the investment and has allowed me to continue using my shop on a daily basis in spite of essentially losing the use of my right arm. I do have an extra gas tube on hand for the pre power pro models. Except of course it lacks the mounting brackets. So wouldn't be much use. I strongly suggest saving ones body by adding the lift assist.

[damagi]

I purchased the lift assist when it first became available. When upgrading to the power pro I purchased the heavier gas tube. Wow what a difference. I considered a block and tackle before I purchased the original lift assist. Then it occurred to me that I am forever moving my 520 around the shop. Which would require moving the block and tackle around. Not sensible for me. The lift assist was well worth the investment and has allowed me to continue using my shop on a daily basis in spite of essentially losing the use of my right arm. I do have an extra gas tube on hand for the pre power pro models. Except of course it lacks the mounting brackets. So wouldn't be much use. I strongly suggest saving ones body by adding the lift assist.

I am tempted to buy a lift assist, but I am also planning on swapping out my way tubes for 10ER ones. I am sure it will probably work ok still, but does anyone know if the pneumatic cylinder is a standard one which could be swapped out for something beefier if needed?

[dusty]

I am tempted to buy a lift assist, but I am also planning on swapping out my way tubes for 10ER ones. I am sure it will probably work ok still, but does anyone know if the pneumatic cylinder is a standard one which could be swapped out for something beefier if needed?

I have looked at specifications on some pneumatic cylinders but found none that I thought were form and fit replacements. I do, however, believe that there has to be one suitable replacement available. I cannot believe Shopsmith had this designed.

The way it mounts, I think longer cylinders could be used but of course installation procedures would have to be modified.

Why would you not just use what Shopsmith offers for the Mark 7? Does Shopsmith sell the cylinder as a repair part?

[JPG]

I have looked at specifications on some pneumatic cylinders but found none that I thought were form and fit replacements. I do, however, believe that there has to be one suitable replacement available. I cannot believe Shopsmith had this designed.

The way it mounts, I think longer cylinders could be used but of course installation procedures would have to be modified.

Why would you not just use what Shopsmith offers for the Mark 7? Does Shopsmith sell the cylinder as a repair part?

They sell the stiffer one separately(upgrade).

[fjimp]

I originally purchased the lift assist several years ago. Then an upgrade tube for the power pro. I haven't taken time to look up what came with it. I believe there were a few parts designed to make it better fit the power pro. I can look after Christmas. I am only a week behind on gifts. Or you could call the nice folks at Shopsmith and ask which is what or who is on first.

[damagi]

I have looked at specifications on some pneumatic cylinders but found none that I thought were form and fit replacements. I do, however, believe that there has to be one suitable replacement available. I cannot believe Shopsmith had this designed.

The way it mounts, I think longer cylinders could be used but of course installation procedures would have to be modified.

Why would you not just use what Shopsmith offers for the Mark 7? Does Shopsmith sell the cylinder as a repair part?

I am sure the SS one will work fine. Just musing whether, after putting in the heavier tubes, it could be upgraded further.

In the end, my expectation is that it would work as expected...with the caveat that it might no longer "self-lift" at all. Eh, will have to think about it. I doubt it would be a longer cylinder anyway, but rather a stronger one.