Machine Height

[larryhrockisland]

Try this post.
https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/view ... 38#p162238
I had posted a link later in the thread but it doesn't work now. However I found it on the Wayback Machine at https://web.archive.org/web/20151002143 ... binet.html and the links there still pull up the pictures. I liked all the ideas but 10 years later have done nothing.

[bigmoguls]

Shopsmith Cabinet

This is what I am planning to build. This will lower the height of the table by a few inches. It will be on feet like this so I can level it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4BUE1P/re ... 5303031631

[masonsailor2]

That should work very nicely. I take it you have no need to move it around ?
Paul

[bigmoguls]

Yes, it will have to move , I will probably put some wood river retractable casters on it. I have them on my planer stand, they work fine, they just stick out a ton.

[dusty]

How high is the top surface of the cabinet you are planning to build (distance to the floor)?

[bigmoguls]

As drawn, the top surface is 492mm (19.4") from the bottom of the cabinet. It will be on leveling feet so probably another 1/2" or so from the floor. I still have to go make sure this is the right height for my taste.

[dusty]

As drawn, the top surface is 492mm (19.4") from the bottom of the cabinet. It will be on leveling feet so probably another 1/2" or so from the floor. I still have to go make sure this is the right height for my taste.

Sorry about that but I was unable to read the dimensions on my display.

I must not understand. That would be less than 1 1/2" lower than the base would be on Standard Shopsmith legs. Doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort unless the primary objective is storage.

[bigmoguls]

Dusty,

I'll trust your measurements are correct. I haven't actually made the measurement myself except in rough terms.

I have three objectives 1. Storage, 2. I want to make sure there is no twist to the frame from the floor of my garage. and 3. reduce the height.

[dusty]

I have already expressed my opinions on storage and height. Both are very personal decisions and I understand both especially "for me".

As for twist in the tubes between the Base Arm Assembly and the Headrest, there will be none if you are careful when you assemble the unit - provided you do this on a work surface that is perfectly flat. After mounting the two on the work surface with the Bench Tubes installed but loose (free to turn and twist) tighten the hardware that secures the Bench Tubes. At this point, maintain a square relationship between the Base and the Headrest is very important. Failure to do so will induce a tendency to twist.

Once you get this far, reasonable care not to bang the assembled parts around (handle them with care) I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with how well the system will align (a later procedure) and with how durable that alignment is.

I have both a dual tilt configuration and a standard configuration. I speak, based on my own experiences in the shop, equally well of both configurations. Said another way - changing between the five functional configurations has very, very little (if any) impact on your alignments. I say the same for rolling it around the shop floor.

CAUTION: Loading it into the back of a pickup truck and hauling it across town to do work elsewhere warrants verification of alignments.

DO NOT USE GORILLA TACTICS. That is unnecessary.

[reible]

With the design you have can the headstock move all the way to the left without interference? Can't tell from the sketch but if it can't I would change it so it possible, there are plenty of reasons to have it way over there.

From the drawing you are doing this for a 500 but if you have plans or think that sometime in the future you might want to have it upgraded to say a powerpro then you might also want to think how that might effect things. Things like putting a lift assist come to mind.

I know personally I like to get in close to the machine and don't want a front tool shelf and from the sketch it would appear you have a wider top then a stock shopsmith, have you given this any thoughts? Or maybe you are OK with this.

Also I'm assuming the lower center section is to accommodate the table tubes when fully lowered, is that correct?

The other thing that may or may not be a problem is when you are in vertical drilling position, the shopsmith has legs that are angled to provide a wider foot print and stability, not sure you design does that as well.

I too can not read all the dimensions from the image, not that I need to but just wanted to mention a couple of issues that I want you to think about if you have not yet done so.

I have not had issues with the frame twisting and I have to pull my shopsmith out on to the driveway to work most times. This is not a nice new smooth driveway so if the twisting were an issue I would most certainly see it. I got years without having to make adjustments or alignment. Dusty and I do put our efforts in differently but the results are the same. I adjust my machine on a section of flat garage floor with the legs on and that works fine.

Anyway best of luck with the build and keep us in the loop.

Ed