Machine Height

[videobear]

Something like this might be a) a bit lower profile and b) only requires two levers to push to change from stationary to mobile mode, instead of 4.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0R7YM/re ... il_2?psc=1

[bigmoguls]

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

Reible,

The motor housing can move all the way to the left as it doesn't hang below the bench tubes.

I have thought about space for storing the floating benches, they are longer than the cabinet is deep, but should work width-wise in the lower compartment. I have to set out all my shopsmith components to see how they will fit to finalize the drawer dimensions.

My Mark V is a 510. The cabinet in current form is 500mm (19.7in) deep. So I don't think it will interfere at the front.

As for Stability in the drill press mode, I plan to secure the bases to the tops of the cabinet.

Thanks for the feedback.

[bigmoguls]

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.

I don't have a long enough flat surface, thus the motivation to build this cabinet with leveling feet to create such a surface.

[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.

I don't have a long enough flat surface, thus the motivation to build this cabinet with leveling feet to create such a surface.

I said to do this on a work surface that is perfectly flat. This statement may need some qualification. For this task - what is perfectly flat.

Were I seeking a flat surface to do this, I would look for a sheet of a hardwood door or a sheet of MDF or something similar. We are not talking "machine shop flat".

I have a work bench that I topped with MDF for just this sort of task.

[bigmoguls]

Dusty,

I understand. I have nothing like that in my house or shop that I can use. The garage floor is not flat enough. And I need the storage space.

Scott

[dusty]

Dusty,

I understand. I have nothing like that in my house or shop that I can use. The garage floor is not flat enough. And I need the storage space.

Scott

OKAY

But if you have no "flat" reference surface upon which to build, how do you plan to determine the amount of "twist" that you experience after assembly is complete and you are ready to begin alignment.

Please don't take me wrong. I am not trying to say that you can not assemble and fine tone your Shopsmith unless you have a perfectly flat surface to work on. I am saying that doing this on a flat surface is easier and will most likely result in the ability to achieve more precise alignment figures.

Also: Flat and Level are two totally different parameters. You can have a perfectly flay floor that is not level.

My shop floor drops nearly an inch over its 20' length.

[terrydowning]

My shop floor drops nearly an inch over its 20' length.

As good Garage floors should do.

You can always try winding sticks.

Assemble ends to bench tubes and way tubes snug but nit all the way tight without the headstock. Place winding sticks on either and adjust Bench Tube positioning until the wind/twist is removed. Once you have any twist removed, Snug down the bench tubes then install the headstock.

Just a thought regarding removing the twist from the frame.

[dusty]

It is my theory that the twist (if there is any) is because the Base and Headrest were not resting on a flat surface. IMO, the tubes will hardly ever be the cause.

[Steamdragon]

It is my theory that the twist (if there is any) is because the Base and Headrest were not resting on a flat surface. IMO, the tubes will hardly ever be the cause.

It seems to me that you would get twisting on a custom built base and with the SS metal legs. In fact if the base cabinet were built stout enough I would imagine you would get less twisting.

[dusty]

It is my theory that the twist (if there is any) is because the Base and Headrest were not resting on a flat surface. IMO, the tubes will hardly ever be the cause.

It seems to me that you would get twisting on a custom built base and with the SS metal legs. In fact if the base cabinet were built stout enough I would imagine you would get less twisting.

I wholeheartedly agree IF the two platforms (left and right side) are built so that their tops are in the same plane and are flat.