Mark V: Can the Bases Be Swapped During Assembly?

[JazzLuthier]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot over the past 10 years or so, but finally have a question I can't find the answer for.

Q: Can the bases of the 510 model be swapped, end-for-end? (This will allow me to configure the SS to tilt for use as a router table vs. from above on the Mark V) I do understand that this means the locking pin will be on the opposite side of the SS.

With a lot of my projects, I find that having an under shaper/router is much more advantageous than working from an overhead position. All functions would carry the same operation, only the tilt mechanism will tilt to the left vs. the right.

Being on a budget, I can't swing the $400+ to order the double tilt system features on the Mark 7 and I already have a separate drill press I use regularly. I figured I would ask the question first before I attempt to disassemble, only to find that there may be something that may prevent me from doing this.

I greatly appreciate the input!

[wrmnfzy]

This might be from a lack of knowledge, but can you just take the motor and table off and put them back on in the other direction?

[JazzLuthier]

While this is a great idea, it would also involve moving the table to the other side as well. Since I have an accessory shelf, it would be most advantageous to swap the bases if possible (while keeping the legs in the same orientation).

I'll have to look to see if there are mounting holes for the accessory shelf on the other side. If so, then this may work. However, I would think that I would have to go to the opposite side to engage the casters via the foot controls. I haven't considered any other differences.

[dusty]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot over the past 10 years or so, but finally have a question I can't find the answer for.

Q: Can the bases of the 510 model be swapped, end-for-end? (This will allow me to configure the SS to tilt for use as a router table vs. from above on the Mark V) I do understand that this means the locking pin will be on the opposite side of the SS.

With a lot of my projects, I find that having an under shaper/router is much more advantageous than working from an overhead position. All functions would carry the same operation, only the tilt mechanism will tilt to the left vs. the right.

Being on a budget, I can't swing the $400+ to order the double tilt system features on the Mark 7 and I already have a separate drill press I use regularly. I figured I would ask the question first before I attempt to disassemble, only to find that there may be something that may prevent me from doing this.

I greatly appreciate the input!

Interesting question. I was all prepared to answer in the affirmative and then I lost my confidence. Thios multi function machine throws you a curve every now and then if you try to do things differently.

I'll be watching your posts to see how this works out.

[everettdavis]

The quill will spin up normally regardless of which way you mount the headstock. Get the carriage oriented and you can mount the table etc.

Where you are going with cutters etc can be a challenge if you plan on reversing the motor rotation. Only select arbors are suitable for clockwise and counter clockwise rotation.

The 1960's Mark VII and the new Mark 7 were reversible from the factory.

With that in mind it doesn't prevent you from testing it for your purpose.

Swapping the bases is immaterial. Mount the headstock and carriage 180 and try it. That way you don't fool with base at all


Consider there is a double tilt option out there from Shopsmith.

[Ed in Tampa]

The table would still toward the head if you also switched the carriage. Tilted up you would be looking at the bottom of the table. If you did not switch the carriage all table controls would be on the opposite side.

[everettdavis]

It is amazing what adaptation can yield. We had one 500 we upgraded to a 510 and we kept the smaller carriage and table on the aux side of the headstock to support sanding operations on the aux side with a sanding disc. Unused the table for aux support ripping 4x8 suggest stock.

I am sure someone has done what you are considering before, I just haven't found it documented yet.

Everett

[JazzLuthier]

I appreciate the feedback guys. Just to be clear, I am only interested in using the router/shaper, fed from under the table, from the head side with normal rotation. I merely need to swap which way the machine tilts. Everything else will be normal.

I just didn't know if the bases are specific to a single side which is why I have asked the question.

I understand I could pull the headstock out and carriage, but I am looking to reconfigure permanently while maintaining normal operation for other functions. The only time I tilt the SS now is to use a drum sander and I would be just as happy to have the drum sander feed from under the table.

[everettdavis]

If you don't disassemble the base and tubes, and just turn the Headstock, carriage, and swap the legs end for end (which will put the caster adjust on the opposite side), I think you will have what you want.

Everett

[rpd]

I appreciate the feedback guys. Just to be clear, I am only interested in using the router/shaper, fed from under the table, from the head side with normal rotation. I merely need to swap which way the machine tilts. Everything else will be normal.

I just didn't know if the bases are specific to a single side which is why I have asked the question.

I understand I could pull the headstock out and carriage, but I am looking to reconfigure permanently while maintaining normal operation for other functions. The only time I tilt the SS now is to use a drum sander and I would be just as happy to have the drum sander feed from under the table.

Something to consider, the table only tilts a full 90 deg. in one direction. The Mark 7 double tilt comes with new legs for the table that have teeth on both sides which allows the table to be reversed in the carriage when doing under table work, without the new legs the carriage would need to be reversed to get the needed range of tilt for the table, and that will put the raiser wheel and locks on the backside. I guess it might be possible to remove the table legs and reattach them to the table facing the other way but I don't know how that would affect other functions.

This video shows the process for reversing the table for under table work.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tdHFnuWJ2U[/youtube]