Headstock lift for dedicated drill press?

[damagi]

So I have one of my units set up as a dedicated drill press, with a shortened bench tubes but full length way tubes (and the headstock/Table assembly flipped). This setup allows me to use the base of an extra extension table to brace the table from the bottom to prevent flexing.

However, this means that I need to adjust the height of the headstock from time to time. I have seen bottle jacks suggested...any other options? Perhaps a simple pulley setup around the way tube tie bar?

If bottle jack is the best choice...suggestions on where to get one? Harbor Freight perhaps?

Thanks!

[dusty]

This sounds like an interesting configuration. Can you post a couple pictures.

What I am trying to envision is what it is like when not vertical (drill press).

[charlese]

Harbor Freight for bottle jacks, but if you can find an old screw jack at a garage sale or elsewhere that would work better. I found an old screw jack I think came from an old VW and it works great. Made a board to fit the top of the jack so it can lift the headstock without scars. In addition there is another little hole on the upper side of the board so it (headstock) won't be lifted by the frontal screw. http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/attachm ... 1213500871

I found the smallest bottle jack won't go short enough for my likes.

[damagi]

This sounds like an interesting configuration. Can you post a couple pictures.

What I am trying to envision is what it is like when not vertical (drill press).

[ATTACH]25179[/ATTACH]

That's a photo of what I have been using. The blue tape indicates where I am going to shorten the bench tubes. Since the headstock and table have been reversed, I no longer can (or want to) lower it into horizontal mode in this setup. I will likely add a small piece of plywood to expand where the SPT tubes are making contact under the table for stability.

Overall, my plan has been to be able to use this as a dedicated drill press most of the time, and then also have it as an OPR station when needed. As such, would like the headstock to be able to be raised, and the table to be lowered. Given that, either having jack that is easily removed, or a pulley setup that is non-obtrusive is ideal.

[rcplaneguy]

Another option is to leave the headstock in one place, then use shopsmith's pneumatic lift system on the table. You can buy longer tubes for the accessory table mount so it can move up/down in tandem over a longer range.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/table_raiser.htm

[JPG]

[ATTACH]25179[/ATTACH]

That's a photo of what I have been using. The blue tape indicates where I am going to shorten the bench tubes. Since the headstock and table have been reversed, I no longer can (or want to) lower it into horizontal mode in this setup. I will likely add a small piece of plywood to expand where the SPT tubes are making contact under the table for stability.

Overall, my plan has been to be able to use this as a dedicated drill press most of the time, and then also have it as an OPR station when needed. As such, would like the headstock to be able to be raised, and the table to be lowered. Given that, either having jack that is easily removed, or a pulley setup that is non-obtrusive is ideal.

Food for thought.

Since it is tall with a short foot print(about to get smaller) consider reversing the base hinge. This would also require reversing the tubes etc. as well. That would place the center of gravity closer to mid way between the legs, and move the headstock and table closer to the 'operator'.

One little detail is missing; how to lock it down. Not insurmountable!

[damagi]

[quote="JPG40504"]Food for thought.

Since it is tall with a short foot print(about to get smaller) consider reversing the base hinge. This would also require reversing the tubes etc. as well. That would place the center of gravity closer to mid way between the legs, and move the headstock and table closer to the 'operator'.

One little detail is missing]

Yeah, the tipping issue is definitely a bit of a concern. One thought is, once the width is set, to build a cabinet underneath for drill bits and other accessories. Once that is added the center of gravity should be a bit lower...can always add a patio paver

I also figured I would use some cutoffs from the other shorty I am doing to make a place to hang the OPR when not in use. I was sorta hoping that it could hang from the bench tubes...but alas, as we all know those are a bit wider than the way tubes. Ah well.

[damagi]

Another option is to leave the headstock in one place, then use shopsmith's pneumatic lift system on the table. You can buy longer tubes for the accessory table mount so it can move up/down in tandem over a longer range.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/table_raiser.htm

Very true. I had definitely considered that. Of course, with a partially flipped setup its not going to be a standard install.

http://www.amazon.com/SUSPA%C2%AE-Sprin ... GYTRB2BCNC

Amazon has a strut that could work. Can probably find one at NAPA as well. Cost is not a huge savings...about half of what shopsmith charges

[JPG]

*%^%$

One other 'detail'.

The hinge 'feet' will not fit between the bench tubes.

So fagetabotit(unless you want to machine them to fit the waytubes).

[damagi]

*%^%$

One other 'detail'.

The hinge 'feet' will not fit between the bench tubes.

So fagetabotit(unless you want to machine them to fit the waytubes).

Figures.

At that point, It would make as much sense to ditch the bench legs and such and build a fully custom base. That would basically be a wall mount setup on a portable stand. Not a bad option....hmm